Production Assembler

LumiHelix Photonics manufactures precision optical components for advanced sensing applications. We are a venture-backed company establishing a new production operation in Alhambra, and we are hiring the first operators who will run our production floor.

This is a ground-floor role. You will help establish how the work gets done—not simply follow a process someone else wrote years ago.

The Role

You will operate specialized automated equipment to assemble precision optical components. The work is quiet, exacting, and deeply hands-on. Production cycles are long, tolerances are tight, and a single careless movement can scrap a part that took hours to build.

The people who do this work well tend to share a few traits: steady hands, genuine patience, and the kind of attention that notices when something looks slightly off before it becomes a problem.

If you find satisfaction in doing something small extremely well, over and over, read on.

What You’ll Do

• Set up, operate, and monitor automated precision assembly equipment
• Perform fine handwork under magnification using tweezers, fixtures, and specialized tools
• Inspect parts at each stage against defined quality criteria and identify defects
• Follow detailed written work instructions precisely
• Record process data accurately at every step
• Prepare materials and apply adhesives and coatings
• Perform post-assembly inspection procedures
• Keep the work area clean and organized according to cleanroom-adjacent standards
• Flag process problems and suggest improvements—we want your eyes on the process, not just your hands
• Work with our engineering team to refine procedures as we scale

What We're Looking For

Required Qualifications

Manual Dexterity and Fine Motor Precision

You are comfortable performing careful, close work with your hands for extended periods.

Experience with any craft or occupation that requires fine motor precision is relevant, including:

• Electronics assembly
• Jewelry making
• Watch repair
• Laboratory bench work
• Sewing

This experience is relevant whether or not it was part of a formal job.

Patience and Sustained Attention

Production cycles are long, and rushing produces scrap. You must be able to remain engaged during slow, repetitive, and high-stakes work.

Bilingual Mandarin Chinese and English

You must be able to communicate in both Mandarin Chinese and English, verbally and in writing.

This role works directly with our overseas manufacturing partner. You will need to communicate with their staff and read the materials they provide.

Additional Requirements

• Ability to read and follow written technical procedures precisely
• Comfortable working under a microscope or magnifier
• Able to commute reliably to Alhambra, California
• High school diploma or equivalent

Nice to Have

• Prior experience in optics, photonics, or precision optical assembly
• Electronics or medical-device assembly experience
• Experience working in an ESD-controlled or cleanroom environment
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 or AS9100 quality systems
• Experience recording production data in a manufacturing tracking system

No engineering degree is required. We will train the right person on our specific processes.

Why This Job

Learn a Rare Skill

Very few people in the United States perform this type of work. You will develop a rare and valuable technical skill.

Small Team, Real Impact

You will work directly with the founders and engineers. Your feedback will help shape and improve the production process.

Clear Growth Path

As we scale, the first operators will be natural candidates for positions such as:

• Production leads
• Trainers
• Quality technicians
• Schedule: Monday–Friday, day shift
• Expected hours: 40 hours per week
• Employment type: Full-time
• Number of openings: 2
• Pay: $22.00–$27.00 per hour
• Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, and paid time off
• Anticipated start date: August 1, 2026