Electrical Automation Engineer

Who We Are

We are changing the norm by being customer-focused, technology‑led. via Photon is reimagining fiber optic manufacturing for the AI era. We design and deliver custom‑engineered, end‑to‑end fiber connectivity solutions for the data centers, 5G networks, and AI infrastructure shaping the next decade, and our customers need them in weeks, not months. In five years we've grown to a team of 200+ and 4x'd our revenue in the last year alone, and we're just getting started.

We're looking for people who want to do their best work with a team that's moving fast.

You’ll own the electrical design of one‑of‑a‑kind automation machines that power fiber optic manufacturing, from PCBAs to full electrical enclosures. This is hands‑on work that brings together machine vision, precision motion control, and electrical safety. You’ll see projects through from concept to deployment and watch your designs improve how we produce for the world’s biggest cloud providers.

• Own the electrical design of automation machines and PCBAs, from greenfield concepts to legacy redesigns
• Build novel automation machines that bring together machine vision, precision motion control, and creative design
• Validate electrical enclosures for human and environmental safety against standards such as UL508A, NFPA 79, and ISO 13849
• Develop and deploy computer vision systems for real‑time applications, including camera calibration, lighting, and micron‑level resolution
• Collaborate across engineering, operations, and production teams to deliver solutions that work on the floor

• A bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering, Mechatronics, Robotics, Motion Controls, or a related field
• 3 to 5 years delivering complex automation solutions from concept to deployment
• Have designed, documented, and fabricated automation electrical cabinets
• Hands‑on experience with motion control (stepper and servo motors, solenoids, collaborative robots) and sensor integration (camera, RFID, proximity)
• Proficiency with PCBA design and test tools, plus programming in Python, C/C++, and PLC ladder programming (a cross‑disciplined background is a plus)

• Robust health, dental, and vision coverage that starts on day 1
• 401(k) with 4% match, vests immediately after a 90‑day waiting period
• Flexible PTO that grows over time
• 10 paid holidays, including 2 floating holidays
• Monthly team events
• to view our full benefits overview.

Naperville, IL

Mon–Fri | Onsite

$75,000 to $100,000 base, plus annual bonus

We're building something big, and we want good people along for the ride. If that sounds like you, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today.