Optics Assembly Technician
Keysight · Santa Clara, CA
- Level
- Technician
- Team
- Manufacturing
- Experience asked
- 7+ years
- Industry
- Industrial
- Posted
- 30+ days ago
The role in 30 seconds
A technician-level manufacturing role at Keysight (industrial) in Santa Clara, CA.
- They ask for
- 7+ years
- Day to day
- some off-shift / weekend coverage
Read from the posting. The full description is below.
From the plant jobs report · week of October 19, 2026
Manufacturing Technician roles in California: typical posted base $56k–$78k.
Median of the low and high ends of 10 live postings that list pay, out of 134 manufacturing technician openings in California, read from manufacturers' own careers sites.
California plant jobs report →Pay by team and state →What moves pay →
How this role compares
Against 100 other live manufacturing postings in California.
- Base pay
- Not listed in this posting
- Experience asked
- More than usual (7+ vs 5+)
Typical $84k–$121k, from 13 postings that list pay.
Similar roles usually ask 5+ years.
Skills these teams ask for most
- Team leadership 40%
- Tooling 34%
- CNC 31%
- Machining 30%
- Lean 22%
- New product launch 21%
✓ = this posting asks for it too. % = share of similar postings that mention it.
At a glance
Pulled from the posting text. If it's not listed here, the posting didn't say.
How to get in at this plant
Five moves over a week or two. The first one takes ten minutes.
- 1
Pick 2–3 people on the Manufacturing team at Keysight
Engineers who joined in the last year or two reply the most. Use the team search on this page to find them.
- 2
Send a short, curious note
One real question about their work. No favors yet. Each person gets a different note, written for this role.
- 3
Turn a reply into a short call
Questions worth asking about this team:
- What does a normal week look like on your team?
- Is the work mostly new product launches or sustaining existing lines?
- How much time do you spend on the floor versus at a desk?
- How does off-shift and weekend coverage work?
- How did you land the job? What stood out in your interviews?
- 4
Apply with someone vouching for you
If the call went well, ask whether they’d pass your résumé to the hiring manager. Send your résumé link, apply that day, and let them know.
- 5
Bring proof to the interview
One page of before-and-after numbers from projects you led: scrap, OEE, cycle time, cost. Plant managers hire on results.
This plant: Keysight in Santa Clara
2 other open roles at this site.
- Optical Mechanical Manufacturing Engineer · Reliability
- Manufacturing Engineer · Manufacturing
Full description from KeysightAs posted on their careers site.ShowHide
Responsibilities
The technician will be tasked with optics assembly involving free beem laser. Candidates with experience in optics assembly or wavefront measuring devices are encouraged to apply. Perform laser alignment processes for AOM lasers. Alignment includes manipulating laser beam through various optical components. Operate standard and custom laser and optical based equipment such as wavefront measuring devices, optical power meters, oscilloscopes and Acousto Optic Modulators. Run laser systems through automated test sequences and perform fiber coupling operations to maximize power throughput. Troubleshoot laser systems upon test failure and conduct necessary actions to repair the laser system. Assemble optical subassembly components for use in the laser system. Perform critical cosmetic and cleanliness inspection of the laser system using a UV light source. Effectively communicate with both verbal and written word to team members. Proficiently read and understand English to understand work instructions and company communications. Using Word and Excel as needed to track and store required production / inspection data.
Qualifications
The technician will be tasked with optics assembly involving free beem laser. Candidates with experience in optics assembly or wavefront measuring devices are encouraged to apply. Perform laser alignment processes for AOM lasers. Alignment includes manipulating laser beam through various optical components. Operate standard and custom laser and optical based equipment such as wavefront measuring devices, optical power meters, oscilloscopes and Acousto Optic Modulators. Run laser systems through automated test sequences and perform fiber coupling operations to maximize power throughput. Troubleshoot laser systems upon test failure and conduct necessary actions to repair the laser system. Assemble optical subassembly components for use in the laser system. Perform critical cosmetic and cleanliness inspection of the laser system using a UV light source. Effectively communicate with both verbal and written word to team members. Proficiently read and understand English to understand work instructions and company communications. Using Word and Excel as needed to track and store required production / inspection data.
5 – 7 Years’ experience assembling, testing and packaging laser related products. Experience with electro-optical systems is preferred. Ability to work inside a cleanroom environment Ability to lift approximately 30-35 lbs. Ability to work individually in a team setting with other technicians and engineers. Self-motivated with the ability to prioritize, meet deadlines and manage changing priorities. Can read and follow written and verbal English work instructions and communicate effectively in a team environment. Must have ability to use Windows-based PC (start up, reboot, navigate folders, open or copy files, etc) Measures for this position are: Quality and quantity of work produced Ability to precisely and repeatedly follow written instructions Follow cleanroom protocols to maximize cleanliness of the product Ability to effectively communicate with coworkers and engineers Pay Range: USD $73,550.00 - USD $122,580.00 Year Note: For other locations, pay ranges will vary by region. The level of this role will be based on applicable experience, education, and skills; most offers will be be between the minimum and the midpoint of the salary range listed. This role is eligible for Keysight Results Bonus Program US Employees may be eligible for the follo
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Overview Keysight is at the forefront of technology innovation, delivering breakthroughs and trusted insights in electronic design, simulation, prototyping, test, manufacturing, and optimization. Our ~16,800 employees create world-class solutions in communications, 5G, automotive, energy, quantum, aerospace, defense, and semiconductor markets for customers in over 100 countries. Learn more about what we do. Our award-winning culture embraces a bold vision of where technology can take us and a passion for tackling challenging problems with industry-first solutions. We believe that when people feel a sense of belonging, they can be more creative, innovative, and thrive at all points in their careers.
