Photonics Engineer 2 Components at Monarch Quantum in San Diego, CA

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Photonics Engineer 2 Components focused on the design, development, and qualification of advanced photonic components used in high-performance optical systems. As we scale, you will be instrumental in building our manufacturing foundation from the ground up. This is a dynamic, hands-on role for a highly self-directed engineer who thrives in an ambiguous, fast-moving environment.

This role requires a strong background in optics, photonics packaging, and precision opto-mechanical integration. The engineer will work closely with manufacturing, reliability, and supply chain teams to transition designs from prototype through high-volume production.

The position reports to the Director of Photonics Components. Key Responsibilities include:

Component Design & Development

• Design and develop photonic components including but not limited to:
  • Optical isolators
  • Optical switches
  • High-power fiber optic connectors
  • Packaged acousto-optic modulators
• Perform optical design and modeling of free-space and fiber-coupled optical systems.
• Develop opto-mechanical architectures for stable and repeatable optical alignment.
• Select and integrate key optical elements including lenses, crystals, fibers, polarizers, and coatings.
• Conduct optical tolerance analysis and performance modeling.

Optical Packaging & Integration

• Design precision photonic packaging solutions including:
  • Fiber coupling assemblies
  • Optical benches and mounts
  • Thermal management structures
• Implement alignment strategies such as active alignment, passive alignment, welding, soldering, and adhesive bonding.
• Develop automated or semi-automated assembly processes.

Testing & Characterization

• Build and characterize optical test setups for component validation.
• Measure key optical parameters including:
  • Insertion loss
  • Isolation
  • Return loss
  • Power handling capability
  • Switching speed
  • Thermal stability
• Perform environmental testing and analyze performance over temperature, vibration, and lifetime conditions.

Reliability & Failure Analysis

• Support component reliability qualification and accelerated life testing.
• Investigate optical performance degradation and failure modes.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Contribute to reliability models for materials, adhesives, fibers, and optical assemblies.

Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Work closely with:

  • Mechanical engineering
  • Manufacturing engineering
  • Supply chain
  • Quality and reliability teams

• Support design transfer into manufacturing and production ramp.

• Interface with external suppliers for custom optical components and materials.

• This position requires access to export-controlled information. Employment is contingent upon the applicant being a U.S. person as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3).

Experience:

• BS, MS, or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field.

• 2–5+ years of experience developing photonic or optical hardware.

• Experience designing or integrating optical components and assemblies.

• Hands-on laboratory experience with optical alignment and characterization.

• Familiarity with optical modeling tools such as Zemax, Code V, or equivalent.

• Experience with precision opto-mechanical design and packaging.

Startup Mindset:

• Comfortable operating in an evolving environment with changing priorities
• Motivated by building new capabilities and infrastructure from the ground up
• Willing to take ownership across multiple technical domains
• Hands-on and resourceful, with a strong bias toward execution

The expected annual salary range for this position is $85,000-$125,000.

As a full-time employee, you will be eligible for Monarch’s comprehensive benefits package, which includes:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Fidelity 401(k) plan with 4% employer matching
• 20 paid time off (PTO) days per year
• 13 paid company holidays
• 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off)

Monarch Quantum is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status or any other characteristics protected under applicable federal, state and local laws.