Senior System Deployment & Service Engineer

Role Overview

We are seeking a seasoned individual contributor to be our Sr Systems Deployment & Service Engineer to take complete ownership of tool performance once it leaves our factory. Reporting into the Director of Engineering, you will be 90% hands‑on, and serve as the critical technical link between our manufacturing floor, continuous improvement and clients' on‑going success. Your mastery in wearing multiple hats along with a deep commitment to our values will set you up for excellence in this role.

• Travel Profile: Expected travel is 15% to 25%, primarily for domestic installations and final site testing. International travel is uncommon.
• 3‑Year Horizon: For the right candidate, this role is designed to evolve within ~3 years into a Service Department Manager position with direct reports and full operational ownership of our service infrastructure.

• Optical System Alignment: Take full ownership of aligning complex optical paths during the tool build phase to ensure beam integrity. Provide direct feedback to the design team during design reviews and project completion.
• Deep‑Dive Troubleshooting: Perform rigorous debugging and independent troubleshooting across complete tools, spanning electrical, mechanical, software, optical, and motion control subsystems.
• Performance Validation: Own the creation of comprehensive technical reports and procedures to provide data‑driven validation that our systems fulfill every performance promise.
• Systems Deployment: Lead Factory Acceptance Testing (FAT) at our facility and own the on‑site installation, Site Acceptance Testing (SAT), and client training at customer facilities.
• Training Lead: Create and lead initiatives for internal and external training programs, including but not limited to videos and documentation, on how to operate our products to maintain client satisfaction, contribute to our value‑add, and ensure long‑term success.
• Service First Line of Defense: Act as the primary technical point of contact and first line of defense for our service department, resolving 80% of incoming issues independently and only passing off tasks to subject matter experts as needed.
• Service Leadership & Management: Help us grow by managing, ticketing, and building scalable systems to improve our long‑term customer experience. Direct technicians, engineers, or suppliers when necessary, maintaining clear and honest communication.

• Education: Bachelors degree required (Masters a bonus) in Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a closely related technical field.
• Experience: 10+ years of engineering experience in the photonics industry (or related industry preferably with optics experience).
• Management & Accountability: Experience managing projects or specific organizational functions (e.g., service management). People management experience a serious plus. Must possess a mindset of extreme ownership and full accountability for machine deployment.
• Technical Depth: Deep technical expertise in optical alignment, working with lasers, precision motion systems and system‑level troubleshooting.
• Hands‑On Contributor: This position is approximately 90% hands‑on. You are expected to jump into the trenches to perform complex alignments, rigorous system testing, and deep‑dive troubleshooting.
• Location: This is primarily an on‑site role. You must be willing and able to work on‑site at our Fremont, CA facility. Occasional remote work arrangement depends on coordination with your manager and approval in advance.

• Culture‑focused; purpose driven; people first.
• Small company atmosphere with room for growth and flexibility on a tight‑knit team.
• Flexible time:
  Occasional flexible schedules, provided they align with your responsibilities, team needs, and project timelines. Flex time requires coordination with manager and mutual accountability.
• Medical (covers 100% CA employee's premium), Dental, Vision, and Life insurance.
• 401K match.
• 15 PTO days accrued per year, increasing by one additional day for each year worked, up to a maximum of 18 days. Can be used for vacation or sick leave.
• 11 company holidays.