Automation Maintenance Technician

About the job

Are you passionate about turning ideas into reality, embracing ownership, and working at the forefront of connectivity? Join via Photon and be part of a culture that thrives on fearless innovation, teamwork, and continuous growth, where learning, unlearning, and relearning are part of the journey.

This dynamic role offers significant ownership and responsibility. We’re looking for individuals who excel in environments where their contributions make an impact, are hungry to learn, and are energized by meaningful work that drives company growth while accelerating their career. If this sounds like you, we’d love to hear from you!

We are changing the norm by being customer focused, technology led.

via Photon is on an ambitious mission to revolutionize how critical digital infrastructure is manufactured and deployed. Best-in‑class data centers and telecom providers need fiber optic solutions delivered in weeks, not months—whether that’s for AI infrastructure, 5G networks, or next‑generation broadband. We’re reimagining fiber optic manufacturing for the AI era. Manufacturing is no longer just an operations challenge, but an automation and speed‑to‑market problem that customers urgently need solved.

In less than 5 years, we’ve grown to a team of over 150, and have added top cloud service providers to our growing customer base. We have only just gotten started — our ambition is to become the market leader of the $40+ BN connectivity industry.

• Fearless Innovation we are pioneers unafraid to change the norm in relentless pursuit of better

• Forward Together we believe that when we work together toward a collective goal, we all succeed

• Integrity Over Everything we believe in long term relationships and doing what is right, always

• Nimble, Always we are solutions obsessed, move fast, and stay nimble

• Be the Bar we set our own standard of excellence and hold ourselves to it

• This is a highly hands‑on role for detail‑oriented individuals who enjoy getting into the weeds of building, diagnosing, and physically repairing sensitive, high‑precision hardware.

• Build and assemble custom automation equipment from the ground up, including mechanical, electrical, and optical components

• Diagnose and repair equipment issues hands‑on. This means replacing parts, re‑soldering connections, realigning optics, re‑calibrating sensors, and getting equipment back up and running

• Calibrate and maintain equipment to ensure it's operating within precise tolerances, using tools like calipers, feeler gauges, multimeters, and microscopes

• Work across hardware domains including cameras and lenses, machined mechanical parts, computer components, low‑power electrical systems, pneumatics, and 3D‑printed parts

• Troubleshoot alongside engineers on complex, multi‑system issues, tracing problems through mechanical, electrical, and software layers

• Interface with operators to understand how and when issues are occurring, translating floor‑level observations into actionable diagnostic information

• Document clearly, logging bugs, repairs, and findings in a way that is brief but accurate enough for the next person to act on

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Electrical, Computer Engineering, or a related field

• 1–2 years of hands‑on experience in a technical or engineering environment

• Exposure to multiple engineering disciplines (mechanical, electrical, software)

• Experience or familiarity with diagnostic tools such as multimeters, calipers, feeler gauges, and microscopes

• Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics and wiring diagrams

• Strong attention to detail with the ability to document issues clearly and concisely

• Strong verbal communication skills, comfortable speaking with both operators on the floor and engineers

• A growth mindset: you're expected to learn quickly, adapt, and pick up new tools and techniques as the role evolves

• A resourceful approach to problem‑solving. When you don't have the answer, you know how to find it

• Bilingual in English/Spanish preferred

• Cutting‑Edge Technology – Opportunities to work on the forefront of fiber optic technology.

• Professional Development – We’re committed to your growth, offering resources, career development, and a culture where your voice is heard.

• Fun Team Environment – Monthly team bonding events, free lunches, and activities to keep us connected.

• Flexible Paid Time Off – Take time when you need it, with PTO that grows over time plus 10 paid holidays, including two floating holidays to use at your discretion.

• 401(k) Match – we offer company match to help you plan for your future.