Advanced Packaging Technician (NM)

About Elevate Quantum

Elevate Quantum (EQ) is America’s Quantum Tech Hub—designated by the U.S. Department of Commerce and representing the largest concentration of quantum organizations in the world. EQ operates at the center of a rapidly scaling ecosystem spanning industry, academia, national laboratories, and government across Colorado, New Mexico, and Wyoming. Our mission is to accelerate the commercialization of quantum technology and translate regional scientific leadership into lasting economic impact. 

EQ is not a traditional nonprofit—it is an execution engine responsible for deploying capital, standing up infrastructure, and delivering measurable outcomes across a diverse portfolio of programs. The organization operates across five core business units:

·      Advanced Packaging Facility
Focused on high-mix, low- to medium-volume production, this facility supports quantum and advanced photonics companies with capabilities in optoelectronics packaging such as flip chip bonding, solder attach, wire-bonding, fiber-to-chip coupling, and various metrology capabilities. In partnership with Sandia National Laboratories, EQ is helping bridge the gap between research and scalable manufacturing. 

·      Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) Fabrication Facility
A rapid-turn, low-volume fabrication facility designed for quantum-relevant materials (including silicon nitride and lithium niobate), enabling significantly faster iteration cycles than traditional foundries and supporting early-stage and scaling companies alike. 

·      Commercialization Labs
A shared-use environment offering access to advanced equipment, lab space, and the nation’s first open-access, open-architecture quantum system. These labs provide critical infrastructure for testing, prototyping, and validating emerging technologies. 

·      Workforce Development
 Spanning Colorado and New Mexico, EQ’s workforce programs combine ecosystem coordination with hands-on training delivered on real equipment. These programs are designed to build the next generation of quantum technicians and support a rapidly growing talent pipeline. 

·      Consortium Engagement
 EQ manages a 150+ member coalition and convenes the broader ecosystem through advisory boards, CEO roundtables, major events, and cross-state collaboration. The organization also partners with state and regional entities to attract companies, align strategy, and drive continued investment into the region. 

Together, these business units form a vertically integrated platform—one that spans infrastructure, talent, commercialization, and ecosystem activation. EQ’s role is to ensure these components operate cohesively to accelerate the path from scientific breakthroughs to commercial deployment at scale.

JOB SUMMARY 

Reporting to the Director of Packaging, the Advanced Packaging Technician will work with engineers and scientists to develop and manufacture novel/advance packaging of photonic/optoelectronic devices used in quantum technologies. Advanced packaging entails both electrical and optical modalities. With engineering support, they will help develop and implement the process flows for the state of the art equipment employed. Examples include bonding photonic integrated circuits(PIC) with ion traps or fiber array units to PICs along with the electrical wire bonding between these systems. Technologist are key contributors to quality, productivity, and on time performance and will have responsibilities critical to the operation of the facility. Operating at the intersection of R&D and production the technologist will continually learn from engineering and science experts about advanced photonic and quantum systems and how to integrate into field-able packages for customers.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS  

·      Operation of advanced packaging tools and metrology equipment

·      Helping develop process flows for advance packaging

·      Maintenance of the equipment and cleanroom

·      Learning new methods for packaging from engineers

·      Testing completed packaged system for failures and report generation

·      Design and procure specialized tooling and fixtures

JOB QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS  

Required qualifications:

·      Associate degree in a technical field or equivalent work experience

·      2+ years of hands-on experience in one or more of: photonic/optoelectronic packaging, electronic packaging, optical alignment, or solder/reflow processes in a high-tech manufacturing environment

·      Understanding basic ESD, Cleanroom Gowning, and lab safety protocols

·      Precision assembly under a stereo microscope

·      Strong fine motor skills and attention to detail

·      Experience with die attach, wire bonding, flip-chip, or fiber alignment/attach processes

·      Operating, maintaining, and troubleshooting packaging and metrology equipment

·      Use of optical and electrical test and measurement equipment

·      Adherence to work instructions, travelers, and quality systems

·      Data collection and analysis (SPC, Excel/JMP)

·      Clear written and verbal communication; works effectively in a team that routinely delivers on quality and productivity

Preferred qualifications:

·      Lab level coding and editing in python or similar  

·      Lean and Six sigma certifications

Compensation and Location:

·      Salary $65,000-$80,000

·      Based in the Greater Albuquerque, New Mexico 

·      Reports to the Director of Packaging