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

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