Subsystem Build and Test Manager

Responsibilities Lead daily production of optical breadboards, bonded assemblies, vacuum/mechanical hardware, radio-frequency (RF) control cards, electronics chassis, and cable assemblies. Recruit, train, and qualify engineers and technicians; allocate build owners, benches, fixtures, and shared instruments across parallel subsystem workstreams. Work with Engineering on first-of-a-kind builds and with Manufacturing Engineering & Quality to establish repeatable assembly methods and subsystem test procedures. Confirm material kits, released instructions, qualified personnel, and calibrated equipment are ready before work begins; maintain clean-handling and laboratory safety practices. Provide hands-on direction for optical alignment, precision assembly, and troubleshooting; coordinate specialist bonding, electronics, and vacuum work and escalate design issues. Oversee approved subsystem measurements and acceptance tests, including optical characterization, electronic checkout, and applicable mechanical or vacuum verification. Maintain build, inspection, and test records; release subsystems to SI&T with traceable results and resolved or formally dispositioned issues. Track build progress, first-pass acceptance, rework, and cycle time; resolve bottlenecks and use repeat-build findings to improve methods and fixtures. Experience & Education BS in optical, mechanical, electrical, or manufacturing engineering, physics, or a related field, or equivalent relevant technical experience; advanced degree preferred. 10+ years building and testing precision optical or scientific hardware, 3+ years leading multidisciplinary engineers and technicians. Qualifications Hands-on experience with optical bench assembly and alignment, plus working experience coordinating electronic or vacuum/mechanical subsystem production. Experience moving engineering prototypes into controlled repeat builds; production of quantum-computer, atomic-physics, or advanced photonics hardware preferred. Practical knowledge of optical assembly, alignment, cleanliness, bonding coordination, and the measurements used to verify precision optical subsystems. Working knowledge of electronic/RF assembly, chassis and cable checkout, and vacuum/mechanical build requirements. Ability to plan labor, bench, and instrument capacity while maintaining required inspection and test gates. Experience with released drawings, work instructions, calibrated equipment, nonconformance records, and traceable subsystem release packages. Strong hands-on leadership and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to coach engineers and technicians and distinguish process problems from design issues. Capable of lifting and moving objects that weigh up to 25 pounds