Senior Manufacturing Technologist

Charlottesville, VA
Full Time
Mid Level
Senior Manufacturing Technologist- Charlottesville, VA 
Who We Are 
Laser Thermal is pioneering the future of thermal metrology. We design and build advanced instruments that deliver fast, accurate thermal property measurements for the most demanding materials challenges, across semiconductors, aerospace, energy, and beyond.  
Born from academic research and built for real-world impact, we combine optical innovation with scalable engineering to empower R&D teams and production environments alike. Our team thrives on hands-on problem-solving, cross-disciplinary collaboration, and a shared belief that better data drives better design.  
If you're passionate about building tools that make a measurable difference, you’ll find a home here. 
Visit our website to learn more about our solutions. 
 
Your role and responsibilities 
Laser Thermal is seeking a Senior Manufacturing Technologist to play a key role in our research, development, and manufacturing operations. Reporting to the Operations Manager and working closely with product owners across all product lines, this person will support product development and production. 
You’ll drive product development through hands-on prototyping, test system development, and the implementation of scalable manufacturing processes. Our systems are multidisciplinary, involving mechanical, optomechanical, electrical, and fiber-optic components.  
In addition to supporting R&D efforts, this role is critical to the production and assembly of Laser Thermal’s products. The ideal candidate is a self-starter who thinks critically and thrives in a dynamic, cross-functional environment.  
An initial onboarding period of approximately three months will provide time to become deeply familiar with our products, technologies, and operational workflows. 
 
Key Responsibilities 
  • Plan, coordinate, and execute manufacturing work orders across product lines, ensuring alignment with timelines and quality standards. 
  • Assist with prototyping and design of R&D projects across all Laser Thermal products 
  • Collaborate with engineers to ensure manufacturability of components and assemblies 
  • Assemble systems and subassemblies across all Laser Thermal products 
  • Conduct quality assurance on components and finished systems 
  • Use ERP/MRP systems for inventory, production scheduling, and work order tracking 
  • Create and maintain detailed manufacturing documentation in collaboration with engineers and product managers (e.g., BOMS, work instructions) 
  • Operate in-house manufacturing tools
  • Work across disciplines: electrical, PCB, fiber-optic, and mechanical 
Minimum Qualifications 
  • Associate’s degree or equivalent experience in manufacturing, electronics, or a related technical field 
  • 2+ years of hands-on experience in manufacturing, prototyping, or test environments 
  • Ability to read and interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, PCB schematics, and mechanical engineering drawings 
  • Experience assembling cable harnesses, electrical enclosures, and PCBs (through-hole and surface mount) 
  • Proficient in testing electrical systems and PCBs using standard laboratory equipment (e.g., power supplies, multimeters) 
  • Experience working with both metric and imperial hardware 
  • Comfortable using shop and hand tools (e.g., wire strippers, cutters, crimpers) 
  • Ability to produce parts using in-house manufacturing tools such as 3D printers 
  • Strong communication and interpersonal skills 
  • Ability to lift 50 lbs., perform fine assembly work, and stand or sit for extended periods 
Preferred Qualifications 
  • 5+ years of hands-on manufacturing experience, with leadership or mentoring experience 
  • Familiarity with optomechanical systems 
  • Proficiency with ERP/MRP systems (e.g., Odoo, NetSuite) 
  • Experience developing SOPs and work instructions 
  • Experience with fiber-optic systems, including reading and interpreting diagrams, assembling and testing assemblies/subassemblies using fusion splicing, and working with a variety of fiber-optic components and architectures 
  • Familiarity with CNC milling operations for custom parts and assemblies 
     
What we can offer you 
At Laser Thermal, we lead with Respect, Kindness, Competence, and Passion. 
Here you’ll have the opportunity to: 
  • Build something that has never been done before 
  • Grow your career as part of a dynamic startup 
  • Define your professional goals and be supported in reaching them 
  • Learn about cutting-edge optical metrology technologies 
  • Facilitate a supportive, collaborative, and science-loving culture 
Laser Thermal benefits include: 
  • Health care plan (medical, dental, and vision) with FSA and HSA options 
  • Retirement plan with company contribution, 401(k) 
  • Basic life Insurance 
  • Long-term Disability 
  • Company stock option plan 
  • Paid time off (vacation, sick) 
  • 13 paid holidays 
  • Parental leave 
  • Health and wellness subsidy 
*Applicants must be authorized to work for any employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment Visa at this time. 
Laser Thermal Analysis, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any kind based on race, color, sex, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ethnic origin, disability, status as a protected veteran, genetic information, pregnancy, or any other protected characteristic as outlined by federal, state, and or local laws. 
This policy applies to all employment practices including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training. 
As a federal contractor, Laser Thermal Analysis, Inc. is required to participate in the federal government's E-Verify program. The E-Verify process is completed in conjunction with a new hire's completion of the Form I-9 in order to confirm identity and work authorization in the United States. 
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