Manufacturing Engineer IV

Attalon / Location Overview

Attalon is a leading technology partner to the global aerospace and defense industry, specializing in the physics of light and heat. With over 500 employees in the U.S., Attalon engineers critical optical, laser, and coating technologies that enable systems to see farther, target faster, and survive the harshest environments. From high-energy directed laser systems to satellite optics and hypersonic thermal protection, Attalon equips the warfighter with the advantage of precision.

ATTALON in Traverse City, Michigan is a vertically integrated manufacturing and R&D campus specializing in high‑performance optical isolators, photodetectors, and laser solutions for aerospace, defense, industrial, medical, scientific, and research applications.

At ATTALON inc. in Traverse City, MI we foster a culture of innovation and collaboration. Our teams work in a state-of-the-art facility with advanced cleanrooms, precision manufacturing, and cutting-edge R&D labs, enabling us to deliver world-class optical solutions. We value continuous improvement, technical excellence, and teamwork, leveraging vertical integration to accelerate design cycles and meet challenging customer requirements. Employees thrive in an environment that combines high-tech engineering with hands-on problem solving, where ideas move quickly from concept to production.

Job Details

As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will play a critical role in developing, optimizing, and maintaining manufacturing processes for laser diode devices, with a strong focus on assembly, interconnect, and packaging technologies. This role supports high‑yield, high‑reliability production by driving improvements in wire bonding, soldering, automation, and equipment performance.

Responsibilities:

• Develop, qualify, and sustain wire bonding processes for laser diode die attach and packaging (e.g., Au ball bonding, wedge bonding).
• Optimize precision soldering processes for die attach, sub-mount attach, and optical subassembly integration.
• Operate, program, and maintain Fineplacer systems for high‑precision die placement, alignment, and bonding.
• Own and optimize process recipes for vacuum soldering systems and thermal processing equipment, including reflow, annealing, cure cycles, and temperature uniformity.
• Implement automation solutions to increase consistency, reduce cycle time, and improve process control.
• Create detailed manufacturing documentation: work instructions, standard operating procedures, control plans, and PFMEAs.
• Conduct root cause analysis for bonding or soldering defects and implement corrective actions.
• Collaborate with R&D to transition new laser diode designs into scalable, production-ready processes.
• Monitor SPC data, yields, and critical process parameters to identify improvement opportunities.
• Support equipment calibration, maintenance, and capability evaluations.
• Work with quality and operations to ensure devices meet electrical, optical, and reliability specifications.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• 8+ years of experience in semiconductor packaging, photonics assembly, or precision microelectronics manufacturing.
• Hands-on experience with wire bonding equipment and process controls.
• Experience with high‑precision soldering, reflow profiles, and thermal process equipment.
• Proficiency with Fineplacer systems (or equivalent micro‑assembly platforms).
• Familiarity with automated assembly systems and process automation methodologies.
• Strong data analysis skills using tools such as JMP, Minitab, MATLAB, or Python.
• Ability to interpret device performance data (LIV curves, wavelength, thermal behavior) and relate it to assembly processes.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's Degree in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.
• Certification in Lean Manufacturing, Six Sigma, or similar process improvement methodologies.
• Knowledge of precision assembly and optical alignment.
• Previous experience in a low-volume high mix manufacturing environment.
• Advanced problem-solving and project management skills.
• Experience with data acquisition systems, instrumentation, and automated test equipment.

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Attalon, Inc. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Export Control Compliance

This role involves access to technology, materials, software, or hardware subject to U.S. export control laws. Therefore, to be considered, candidates must be classified as a “U.S. Person” under applicable regulations or be eligible for authorization under a U.S. government export license.