Optical Fabrication Technician

Company

AdvR Inc.

Full Time

Bozeman, MT

AdvR designs and manufactures advanced electro-optic and non-linear photonics components for high-performance commercial and government applications. Our work spans research and development through production, requiring close collaboration across disciplines. As part of the Hawthorn Photonics Group, which also includes Covesion (Southampton, UK) and Radiantis (Barcelona, Spain), AdvR benefits from shared expertise and a broad technology portfolio across the photonics industry.

The Optical Fabrication Technician is responsible for the hands‑on fabrication, processing, and characterization of optical wave guides used in non-linear photonic devices. This role supports research, development, and production activities by executing precision fabrication processes, maintaining fabrication equipment, and ensuring high-quality, repeatable results. The ideal candidate is detail-oriented, technically curious, and comfortable working in a cleanroom or laboratory environment.

• Fabricate non‑linear optical wave guides using newly developed and established processes
• Perform chemical processing, potentially including concentrated hydrofluoric acid etching
• Follow detailed process travelers, SOPs, and safety protocols while maintaining accurate fabrication records and logs
• Operate, monitor, and maintain fabrication tools (e.g., dicing equipment, polishing equipment, microscopes, ovens, hotplates, and cameras)
• Perform routine optical and physical characterization of fabricated devices (e.g., microscope inspection, waveguide performance testing, characterization for quality of dicing, polishing, and angle of polish, fidelity to processing targets).
• Identify process deviations or defects and communicate findings clearly to engineers and scientists
• Support process development, optimization, and continuous improvement efforts
• Dice and polish various optical materials
• Train new technicians on key processes
• Assist with facilities and tools upkeep
  
  Collaborate cross-functionally with engineering and technology teams to meet project and production schedules and quality goals
• Organize and communicate data using Microsoft Office Suite of programs.
• Additional responsibilities may be assigned as business needs evolve, consistent with the scope of the role

• Ability to handle small and delicate optical materials for processing
• Ability to work in a chemistry laboratory environment
• Comfortable working with chemicals and equipment while adhering to safety requirements
• Strong attention to detail
• Ability to follow precise written and verbal procedures
• Strong attention to detail
• Organized and dependable
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to work with diverse teams

• Experience fabricating optical or photonic devices, particularly wave guides or nonlinear optical components
• Familiarity with optical testing or characterization techniques
• Associate or bachelor’s degree in optics, photonics, or a related field
• Lean Manufacturing experience

• AdvR offers flexible schedules and competitive benefits including medical, dental, vision insurance, and retirement accounts.