Optical Bonding Technician

Responsibilities Verify components, surface condition, approved materials, and current bonding instructions before beginning an assembly.

Clean and prepare optics and mating surfaces, protecting coatings and preventing contamination or damage during handling.

Prepare and dispense approved adhesives; maintain material identification, shelf-life controls, and required process records.

Set up bonding fixtures and position components with optical engineers, preserving the required alignment and bond geometry.

Execute controlled curing procedures and record specified settings while protecting component position and optical cleanliness.

Inspect completed bonds for workmanship and visible defects; support post-cure alignment checks and report deviations to Engineering and Quality.

Maintain component and adhesive traceability, completed work records, and inspection results; perform rework only under approved instructions.

Maintain clean bonding stations, dispensing tools, fixtures, and material storage; support engineer-led process improvements and follow laboratory and chemical-safety procedures.

Experience & Education Four-year degree in science, applied research, or technology or equivalent certificates/industry experience

3+ years of hands-on precision optical bonding or closely related adhesive-based microassembly using controlled procedures.

Experience with optical cleaning, microscope-assisted work, precision dispensing, fixturing, controlled curing, and visual inspection.

Experience bonding coated optics or optomechanical assemblies for lasers, quantum hardware, or scientific instruments preferred.

Qualifications Strong manual precision when handling small optical components, dispensing adhesives, and working with microscopes and assembly fixtures.

Ability to read assembly drawings and follow bonding instructions, including orientation, protected surfaces, and inspection points.

Practical knowledge of adhesive handling, shelf-life controls, curing records, and contamination prevention.

Ability to recognize bond defects, movement, or optical surface damage and report concerns before work continues.

Accurate process documentation and effective teamwork with optical engineers, process engineers, and Quality.

Capable of lifting and moving objects that weigh up to 25 pounds