Job Overview

Advantest America is seeking a hands-on Mechanical Assembly Technician to support development activities within our Research & Venture (R&V) laboratory.

This position will support the assembly, configuration, maintenance, and documentation of prototype hardware used in the evaluation of advanced semiconductor test technologies, including Co-Packaged Optics (CPO), optical interconnects, photonics systems, optical load boards, and related mechanical assemblies.

The successful candidate will work closely with mechanical, optical, and electrical engineers to assemble and maintain engineering prototypes and benchtop test systems. This role is focused on hands-on hardware assembly and laboratory support. No product design responsibilities are required.

Primary Responsibilities

Mechanical Assembly

• Assemble prototype mechanical systems, fixtures, mechanisms, and test hardware from engineering drawings and assembly instructions.
• Build and maintain benchtop test systems used for engineering evaluation and proof-of-concept demonstrations.
• Install and remove sockets, DUT fixtures, optical load boards, optical components, connector assemblies, actuator mechanisms, and associated hardware.
• Assemble precision mechanical components including brackets, mounts, alignment features, stages, slides, and prototype mechanisms.
• Support evaluation and testing of new mechanical concepts by preparing and modifying prototype assemblies.
• Assist engineers with integration and reconfiguration of development hardware.

Optical Hardware Handling

• Handle fiber optic cables, optical connectors, and optical assemblies using established procedures.
• Route and secure fiber optic cables while maintaining proper fiber handling practices and bend radius requirements.
• Inspect and clean optical connectors as required.
• Assist with installation and removal of optical receptacles, optical engines, optical cables, and related hardware.
• Maintain good optical handling practices around sensitive photonics hardware.

Laboratory Support

• Prepare test systems for engineering use.
• Install cables, cooling connections, fixtures, and supporting hardware.
• Assist engineers during setup, teardown, and reconfiguration activities.
• Maintain laboratory hardware in an organized and operational condition.

Documentation and Inventory

• Maintain build records and assembly documentation.
• Document hardware configurations and changes.
• Track prototype hardware, fixtures, engineering samples, and laboratory assets.
• Support inventory management for commonly used laboratory materials and components.
• Assist with receiving, organizing, and storing development hardware.

Required Qualifications

Education & Experience

• High School Diploma, Technical Certificate, Associate Degree, Military Technical Training, or equivalent
• 3+ years of hands-on mechanical assembly experience in one or more of the following:
• Prototype development, engineering labs, or semiconductor equipment
• Precision mechanical or capital equipment assembly
• Manufacturing/production environments

Skills

• Strong mechanical assembly skills; experience using drawings, work instructions, and procedures
• Familiar with hand tools, torque-controlled fastening, and precision assembly practices
• Able to work with small/delicate components and follow detailed instructions
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills
• Comfortable in a fast-paced R&D environment with changing priorities
• Able to lift and move lab hardware and prototype assemblies as needed

Preferred (Optional) Qualifications

• Optics/photonics: Fiber optic handling; MPO/MTP, MT, LC connectors; photonics/optical hardware; contamination control
• Lab equipment: Oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, electronic loads, thermal controllers, optical power meters
• Industry: Semiconductor, photonics, networking, or telecom equipment; engineering/prototype labs; high-value prototype builds
• Documentation: Microsoft Office; ability to read basic drawings and assembly docs

Pay: $50.00 - $60.00 per hour

Work Location: In person