Photonics Technician at Attalon – Traverse City, Michigan

Attalon / Location Overview

Attalon is a leading technology partner to the global aerospace and defense industry, specializing in the physics of light and heat. With over 500 employees in the U.S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see farther, target faster, and survive the harshest environments. From high-energy directed laser systems to satellite optics and hypersonic thermal protection, Attalon equips the warfighter with the advantage of precision.

ATTALON in Traverse City, Michigan is a vertically integrated manufacturing and R&D campus specializing in high‑performance optical isolators, photodetectors, and laser solutions for industrial, medical, scientific, and research applications. The site encompasses 40,000 sq. ft., including 15,000 sq. ft. of ISO 7 and ISO 8 cleanrooms certified to ISO 14644‑1:2015, enabling both high‑volume production and rapid prototyping in a controlled environment.

At ATTALON inc. in Traverse City, MI we foster a culture of innovation and collaboration. Our teams work in a state-of-the-art facility with advanced cleanrooms, precision manufacturing, and cutting-edge R&D labs, enabling us to deliver world-class optical solutions. We value continuous improvement, technical excellence, and teamwork, leveraging vertical integration to accelerate design cycles and meet challenging customer requirements. Employees thrive in an environment that combines high-tech engineering with hands-on problem solving, where ideas move quickly from concept to production. If you’re passionate about precision, creativity, and making an impact in photonics, you’ll fit right in.

Job Details

We are seeking a Photonics Technician to join our manufacturing team in our Traverse City, Michigan facility. The successful candidate will be able to perform detailed assembly work on small components while following prescribed quality standards.

Responsibilities

Ensure work is carried out (within the cell) in a safe manner at all times and relevant risk assessments are fully understood by the team and all control measures are adhered toUnderstand and follow detailed working instructions in controlled documentation and manufacturing policies and proceduresPerform work using a high-power microscopeFollow all cleanroom procedures and policiesPerform a wide variety of electronic or electro-mechanical assembly operations on assemblies Makes setups and adjustments holding tolerances to blueprint specificationRoutinely use hand tools, tweezers, oven, hot plates, crimps, and microscopesPerform optics and crystal cleaning and handlingClean and fasten optics and mechanical parts utilizing various chemical solvents and adhesives.Follow company procedures for engineering change notices, non-conforming product, customer concerns, returned goods, and report to proper personnel.Maintain a safe work environment by following all safety guidelines, while meeting production goals and schedules.Transact work order in Oracle and Cumulus systemsSeek additional tasks for completion whenever possibleMonitor in process parts and communicate to inventory controlPerform minor adjustments to the assembly workstations and offer feedback for major adjustments when neededPrepare products for shipping by completing necessary documentation and packaging of productRepair and document returned products for repairCommunicate with supervisor regularly (several times a week) to convey work statusPerform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

High School Diploma/GED and 2-4 years’ experience in Electronics or Photonics fieldFamiliar with Oracle, Agile, ISO, basic computer skillsExperienced in the use of: DVM's, power supplies, and general test equipmentExperience using hand soldering equipment Good hand and eye coordination is required Ability to multi-task and switch from task to task at short notice is a desirable qualityKnowledge of production concepts such as calibration and quality systemsSkilled in use of electronic and optical test and measurement systemsDemonstrate initiative and the ability to work with others in a teamwork environmentAbility to maintain a high level of quality while functioning within a busy work environmentAbility to recognize potential problem areas & communicate with supervisor

Preferred Qualifications

Associates Degree in a related fieldClean room environment and Lean Manufacturing background is a plus.General understanding of lasers and laser safety a plus

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Attalon, Inc. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Export Control Compliance

This role involves access to technology, materials, software, or hardware subject to U.S. export control laws. Therefore, to be considered, candidates must be classified as a “U.S. Person” under applicable regulations or be eligible for authorization under a U.S. government export license.