{"id":140147,"url":"https://alion.io/job/vectoratomic-manufacturing-engineer","title":"Manufacturing Engineer","company":{"id":8424,"name":"Vector Atomic","domain":"vectoratomic.com","url":"https://alion.io/company/vectoratomic","size_band":"51-200","is_staffing_agency":false,"employer_type":"direct","is_intermediary":false,"listed_via":null,"ats_vendor":"Workable","truth_index":{"grade":"A","score":95,"open_postings":11,"ghost_share":0,"stale_share":0,"repost_share":0,"time_to_fill_p50_days":155,"computed_at":"2026-10-17T05:46:00Z"}},"role":"Industrial Engineering","role_family":"Industrial Engineering","seniority":null,"employment_type":"full_time","work_mode":"on_site","remote_scope":null,"remote_scope_basis":null,"remote_working_hours":null,"hiring_geo_confidence":"structured","locations":["Pleasanton, United States"],"countries":["US"],"hiring_countries":[],"hiring_countries_total":0,"salary":{"min":110000,"max":135000,"currency":"USD","period":"year","gross":null,"usd_annual":135000},"salary_estimate":null,"experience_years_min":null,"visa_sponsorship":false,"relocation_package":false,"has_equity":false,"technologies":[{"name":"IonQ","optional":false},{"name":"MATLAB","optional":true},{"name":"Python","optional":true}],"status":"live","first_seen_at":"2026-04-20T00:00:00Z","employer_posted_date":"2026-04-20","last_verified_at":"2026-10-17T06:02:52Z","board_verified":true,"closed_at":null,"days_open":180,"trust":{"level":"ok","repost_count":0,"flags":[],"days_open":180},"description":"Vector Atomic, an IonQ company, is building quantum technology to transform navigation, timing, geophysical exploration, and telecommunications. Our team of engineers, scientists, software developers, and operations professionals works together to solve complex challenges and turn bold ideas into real-world solutions. We value collaboration, curiosity, and diverse perspectives, and we give every team member the opportunity to make an immediate impact while growing their skills. If you’re excited to work on breakthrough technology in a fast-paced, hands-on environment, we’d love to hear from you.\nWe are looking for a Manufacturing Engineer to play a critical role in transitioning our quantum optical clock systems from prototype to scalable production. You will own key portions of the manufacturing process for highly sensitive photonic and opto-mechanical assemblies, with a strong emphasis on automation, repeatability, and yield.\nThis is a highly cross-functional, hands-on role where you will work closely with physicists, optical engineers, and hardware teams to help turn cutting-edge lab systems into robust, manufacturable products.\nRequirements\nWhat You'll Do:\n Develop and scale manufacturing processes for quantum photonics systems, including lasers, fiber assemblies, and precision opto-mechanical subsystems \nDesign and implement automated assembly, test, and inspection processes for high-precision optical systems.\nDrive Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) in collaboration with R&D and physics teams \nLead new product introduction (NPI), transitioning lab prototypes into repeatable production builds \nBuild and maintain production tooling, fixtures, and automated test platforms \nIdentify and reduce process variability in critical optical alignment and packaging steps.\nImplement data-driven process control (SPC) and continuous improvement methodologies \nTroubleshoot complex integration issues spanning optics, electronics, vacuum systems, and controls \nDevelop clear documentation (SOPs, travelers, work instructions) in a rapidly evolving environment \nEvaluate and qualify vendors for precision components and subassemblies, in collaboration with engineering and operations. \nWhat We're Looking For:\nBachelor’s or Master’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field \n3+ years of experience in manufacturing engineering or hardware development in a deep-tech environment (photonics, quantum, semiconductors, aerospace, etc.) \nHands-on experience with precision assembly, including optics, fiber alignment, micro-mechanical systems, and UV-curable epoxies or precision bonding processes.\nExperience developing or deploying process automation (robotics, motion stages, machine vision, or automated test systems) \nStrong debugging and root cause analysis skills in complex physical systems \nComfortable working in a fast-paced, ambiguous startup environment \nTo comply with the US export control laws, you must be U.S. citizens (born or naturalized), lawful U.S. permanent residents (i.e. green card holders), and certain categories of refugees, and asylees.\nPreferred Experience\nExperience with frequency combs, ultra-stable lasers, atomic physics systems, frequency standards, or free space optical systems. \nFamiliarity with vacuum systems, thermal control, or vibration isolation \nProgramming experience (Python, LabVIEW, MATLAB, or similar) for automation and test \nExperience with cleanroom or precision lab environments \nBackground in scaling low-volume prototypes to early production \nBenefits\nVector Atomic values teamwork, open and honest discourse, and work-life balance. We offer competitive compensation and benefits including:\nPlatinum-level family health coverage (medical, dental, vision)\nHealth and Dependent care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA) \nEmployer 401(k) contributions\n20 days of paid time off / 11 paid holidays\nPaid parental leave\nFully stocked kitchen\nPay Range\nThe approximate base salary range for this position is $110,000 to $135,000 per year. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity and benefits. It's atypical to be hired at the top end of this range for the role, as actual pay is based on several factors, including job-related knowledge, skills, and experience level.\nVector Atomic is an equal opportunity employer and we welcome applications from all backgrounds regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any other classification protected by law.\nVector Atomic does not accept unsolicited resumes from individual recruiters or third-party recruiting agencies in response to job postings. 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