Careers

Engineering Technician II

Engineering | Beaverton, Oregon, US | Permanent Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Reports to: Director of Engineering

Travel: Visit to local suppliers as needed.

About Photon Kinetics

Photon Kinetics is the world’s trusted standard in optical fiber testing and measurement solutions. For more than 40 years, our instruments have helped fiber and cable manufacturers deliver the performance that enables high-speed communication networks around the globe. 95% of the world’s optical fiber has been tested using our equipment. As the world moves deeper into AI-driven computing and hyperscale data centers, the demand for precise measurement and reliable optical infrastructure continues to grow. Photon Kinetics is applying its expertise in measurement science, automation, and precision systems to help build the connectivity backbone that powers the next generation of data and AI technologies.

Role Overview

The Engineering Technician serves as a hands-on bridge between Engineering and Manufacturing at Photon Kinetics. This role supports engineers through the full product lifecycle—from building prototypes and designing test fixtures to conducting measurements and transferring designs into production. A core responsibility is owning the accuracy and timeliness of manufacturing documentation: work instructions, assembly procedures, bills of materials, and process change records. When engineering makes a change, this role ensures Manufacturing has what it needs to execute correctly. This person also maintains calibration of measurement instruments across the company, analyzes existing processes for cost and efficiency improvements, and participates in engineering reviews to smooth the handoff to production. Occasional hands-on manufacturing build and test support is expected.

What You Will Achieve in Year One

Prototype and Fixture Support Delivered On Time: Engineering projects receive timely technician support—prototypes built, test fixtures designed, and measurements completed—without becoming a bottleneck to product development timelines.
Calibration Program Under Control: Instrument calibration records are fully maintained and compliant, with a reliable schedule in place so no measurement tools fall out of calibration.
Documentation Current and Accurate: All work instructions, assembly procedures, and BOMs for new and existing products are up to date, reflecting current engineering and manufacturing processes with no outstanding backlogs.

Key Responsibilities

Prototype & Test Support

Build prototypes in support of engineering projects.
Design and fabricate test fixtures for new and existing products.
Conduct measurements and document results to support engineering decisions.
Participate in occasional manufacturing build and test activities.

Manufacturing Documentation & Process

Create and maintain work instructions, assembly procedures, and test instructions for new and existing products.
Implement BOM changes and update documentation to reflect process changes.
Interact with Engineering and Manufacturing to identify and correct process issues.
Participate in engineering reviews to improve design transfer to manufacturing.

Process Improvement & Supplier Interaction

Analyze current manufacturing processes and techniques to identify cost and efficiency improvements.
Identify alternative approaches and contact suppliers as needed to support process improvements.
Exercise judgment within defined guidelines to determine appropriate action during assembly, test, and product transfer activities.

Calibration & Quality

Maintain calibration records and schedules for all measurement instruments used within the company.
Comply with all Photon Kinetics quality procedures and work instructions applicable to this role.

Team & Mentorship

Train or mentor less experienced technicians as needed.
Collaborate daily with engineers, managers, and technicians across Product Development and Manufacturing.
Participate in cross-functional project team interactions with Product Marketing, Buyers, and Master Schedulers.

Required Qualifications

BA/BS with 2+ years of relevant experience in manufacturing and/or product development, OR 6+ years of relevant experience without a degree.
Strong knowledge of electronics circuits: schematic reading, soldering of surface mount components, circuit testing and troubleshooting.
Strong written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to schedule, plan, and prioritize workload across multiple concurrent projects.
High attention to detail.

Preferred Qualifications

Genuine curiosity and drive to understand how things work.
Familiarity with mechanical machining tools such as mills and lathes.
Ability to work effectively as part of a team.

Why This Role Is Different

You sit at the intersection of Engineering and Manufacturing—your work directly determines whether a design makes it to production cleanly or gets stuck in rework loops.
Photon Kinetics builds highly specialized fiber optic test equipment; the technical problems are real and the tolerances matter.
You'll touch hardware, documentation, calibration, and supplier relationships—broad scope with direct impact rather than a narrow, siloed role.
Small company means your contributions are visible and your fingerprints are on the product.

Why Join Photon Kinetics

You’ll work on technologies that enable the next wave of AI and data center innovation. At Photon Kinetics, you’ll join a highly skilled, collaborative team where your contributions directly impact the products and relationships that connect the world. You’ll have visibility and influence in a company recognized globally for engineering excellence, precision, and trusted performance. We value different perspectives and problem-solving approaches. The best solutions come from teams that think differently.