Assembly Technician - Fiber Optical assembly

Advanced Navigation is the world’s most determined innovator in AI robotics and navigation technologies across land, air, sea and space applications. Founded on a culture of research and discovery, Advanced Navigation's mission is to be the catalyst of the autonomy revolution. Fields of expertise include artificial intelligence, underwater sonar, GNSS, radio frequency systems, inertial sensors, robotics, quantum sensors and photonics.

Today, Advanced Navigation is a supplier to some of the world's largest companies, including Airbus, Boeing, Google, Tesla, NASA, Apple, and General Motors. Discover it for yourself: https://youtu.be/F7uAqs1gtuk

OVERVIEW OF ROLE

We are looking for an Assembly Technician - Fiber Optics who thrives across a wide spectrum of technical demands. In this role, you won't just be following a static checklist; you will own end-to-end assembly processes, perform intricate optical alignments, troubleshoot complex failures, and contribute directly to scaling our manufacturing capabilities.

Whether you are a seasoned fiber optics specialist or a highly dexterous electro-mechanical technician with a meticulous eye for detail, this role offers room to adapt, master new tools, and impact our next-gen product lines.

What You’ll Do

• Fine Precision Assembly: Hand-assemble, splice, route, and package sensitive optical fiber components, light sources, and electro-optical assemblies under cleanroom or ESD-controlled environments.
• Optical Alignment & Splicing: Perform fusion splicing, cleaving, and active/passive optical alignment using specialized tools (microscopes, power meters, OSA, OTDR).
• Testing & Quality Assurance: Conduct in-process optical and electrical testing, inspecting fiber end-faces, checking return loss, and ensuring sub-assemblies meet micro-tolerance specs.
• Root-Cause Troubleshooting: Identify defect patterns, diagnose optical loss issues, and perform non-conformance teardowns to support continuous quality improvements.
• Process Enhancement & Scale: Partner with Manufacturing Engineers to refine assembly instructions (SOPs), test new jigs/fixtures, and help transition prototype builds into volume production.
• Cross-Functional Collaboration: Coordinate with design, quality, and supply chain teams to report component defects, suggest design-for-manufacturability (DFM) improvements, and maintain inventory accuracy.

What we are looking for

We welcome candidates across a broad spectrum of experience levels - from dedicated micro-assembly specialists to versatile electro-mechanical technicians ready to specialize in fiber optics:

• Core Experience: Prior experience in assembly, micro-electronics, precision electro-mechanical manufacturing, or medical device assembly.
• Problem-Solving & Adaptability: Ability to read technical drawings, schematics, and SOPs while staying adaptable when troubleshooting unique production challenges.
• Communication: Clear written and verbal communication skills to log test data, report defects, and collaborate with engineering.

Why Join Us?

• High-Impact Work: Build hardware that powers autonomous vehicles, robotics, subsea exploration, and aerospace technology.
• Modern Facilities: Work with cutting-edge optical test equipment in modern, clean assembly environments.
• Career Growth: Opportunities to cross-train across various manufacturing disciplines, test engineering, or quality assurance.
• Inclusive Culture: Join an energetic, collaborative team that values autonomy, technical curiosity, and continuous learning.