Principal Subsystem Build and Test Engineer
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Before you apply
SalaryNo pay range posted
LocationBoulder, CO
Work modeon-site
Typefull-time
SeniorityLead
Experience8+ yrs
DepartmentManufacturing
Company size201–500 people
PostedOct 17, 2026 · 3w ago
Verified live18h ago
At a glanceSummarised by Seekless from the posting.
BS in Optical, Mechanical, Electrical, or Manufacturing Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field, or equivalent relevant experience
8+ years of experience building, integrating, testing, or developing precision optical, scientific, or similarly complex hardware
3+ years of experience mentoring engineers and technicians in an integration, manufacturing, or test environment
Extensive hands-on experience assembling, aligning, integrating, and testing precision optical systems
Experience working with electronic/RF, vacuum, mechanical, or electromechanical subsystems
Experience taking first-of-a-kind hardware through build, test, troubleshooting, and transition into repeatable production
Practical knowledge of optical assembly, alignment, cleanliness, bonding coordination, and the measurements used to verify precision optical subsystems
Working knowledge of electronic and RF assembly, chassis and cable checkout, and vacuum and mechanical build requirements
Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to distinguish design issues from process, material, equipment, and workmanship problems
Experience working with released drawings, work instructions, inspection criteria, test procedures, calibrated equipment, and nonconformance processes
Desire to coach engineers and technicians and distinguish process problems from design issues
Advanced degree preferred
Experience with quantum computing, atomic physics, advanced photonics, aerospace, semiconductor, scientific instrumentation, or similarly complex hardware preferred
Capable of lifting and moving objects that weigh up to 25 pounds
Skills
optical assembly
RF assembly
vacuum systems
electronic assembly
mechanical systems
test equipment
calibration
work instructions
fixtures
Responsibilities
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Lead the build, integration, and testing of optical, vacuum/mechanical, RF, electronic, and cable assemblies.
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Manage and develop a multidisciplinary team of engineers and technicians.
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Partner with Engineering on first-of-a-kind builds and translate designs into practical assembly and test methods.
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Work with Manufacturing Engineering and Quality to establish repeatable build processes, work instructions, fixtures, and test procedures.
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Provide hands-on technical direction for optical alignment, precision assembly, integration, and troubleshooting.
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Diagnose build and test failures and work with Engineering to identify design, process, material, or workmanship issues.
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Ensure required materials, documentation, qualified personnel, and calibrated equipment are available before builds begin.
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Maintain accurate build, inspection, and test records and release verified subsystems to System Integration & Test (SI&T).
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Track build progress, first-pass acceptance, rework, and cycle time and use repeat-build findings to improve processes and fixtures.
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Oversee approved subsystem measurements and acceptance tests, including optical characterization, electronic checkout, and applicable mechanical or vacuum verification.
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Collaborate with leadership to plan personnel, workspace, fixtures, and shared equipment across parallel build efforts.
Experience & Education
•
BS in Optical, Mechanical, Electrical, or Manufacturing Engineering, Physics, or a related technical field, or equivalent relevant experience. Advanced degree preferred.
•
8+ years of experience building, integrating, testing, or developing precision optical, scientific, or similarly complex hardware.
•
3+ years of experience mentoring engineers and technicians in an integration, manufacturing, or test environment.
Qualifications
•
Extensive hands-on experience assembling, aligning, integrating, and testing precision optical systems.
•
Experience working with electronic/RF, vacuum, mechanical, or electromechanical subsystems.
•
Experience taking first-of-a-kind hardware through build, test, troubleshooting, and transition into repeatable production.
•
Practical knowledge of optical assembly, alignment, cleanliness, bonding coordination, and the measurements used to verify precision optical subsystems.
•
Working knowledge of electronic and RF assembly, chassis and cable checkout, and vacuum and mechanical build requirements.
•
Strong troubleshooting skills and the ability to distinguish design issues from process, material, equipment, and workmanship problems.
•
Experience working with released drawings, work instructions, inspection criteria, test procedures, calibrated equipment, and nonconformance processes.
•
Desire to coach engineers and technicians and distinguish process problems from design issues.
•
Experience with quantum computing, atomic physics, advanced photonics, aerospace, semiconductor, scientific instrumentation, or similarly complex hardware preferred.
•
Capable of lifting and moving objects that weigh up to 25 pounds.