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.
Requirements- 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. a7 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
BenefitsThe 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)
