Opto-Mechanical Engineer 2

Monarch Quantum; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 85,000 - 125,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

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

Job summary

Monarch Quantum is hiring an Opto-Mechanical Engineer 2 in San Diego to drive photonic component design and precision optomechanical integration. The role emphasizes hands‑on prototyping, fixture development, and close collaboration with leadership to establish robust engineering practices for rapid growth.

You will execute tolerance and thermal analyses, create detailed fabrication drawings, manage BOMs, and support ECO processes while operating in a dynamic startup environment with a strong

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, physics, or related field.
• Minimum 2 years relevant experience, ideally in a startup or technology company.
• U.S. person status required due to export-controlled information.

Responsibilities

• Design precision mechanical components and sub-assemblies for photonic systems.
• Create, release, and maintain 2D fabrication drawings per GD&T (ASME Y14.5) for CNC/molding/sheet metal.
• Build and maintain BOMs and track prototypes through procurement and fabrication.
• Process ECOs and update CAD models and documentation after design reviews or supplier feedback.
• Support cleanroom or lab-level assembly and alignment of sub-assemblies using adhesives, soldering, or fasteners.
• Assist senior engineers in investigating non-conformances and implementing corrective actions.

Skills

CAD Proficiency

Optomechanical Design

Fiber Optics Packaging

DFM / DFA

Hands-on Aptitude

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field

Tools

SolidWorks

3D CAD Software

Job description

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Opto-Mechanical Engineer 2. As we scale, you will be instrumental in building our foundation from the ground up. This is a dynamic, hands‑on role for a self‑starter who thrives in a fluid startup environment. You'll have the opportunity to work on cutting edge technologies, work closely with leadership, and develop and implement engineering practices that support our mission and growth. Your key responsibilities are as follows:

Design & Engineering

• Photonic Component & Assembly Design: Design precision mechanical components and sub-assemblies for photonic systems, including optical isolators, fiber optic connectors, and micro-optic/crystal mounting solutions
• Precision Optomechanical Fixturing: Design and build custom assembly tooling, alignment jigs, and fabrication stations to support low-volume prototyping and high-volume production
• Tolerance & Thermal Analysis: Perform basic tolerance stack-up analysis and thermal/stress evaluations (FEA) to ensure optical alignment is maintained across operating temperatures and mechanical strain

Production, Documentation & Material Tracking

• Fabrication Drawings & Drafting: Create, release, and maintain detailed 2D fabrication drawings adhering to GD&T standards (ASME Y14.5) for CNC machining, precision molding, and sheet metal
• BOM & Material Tracking: Build and maintain Bills of Materials (BOMs), track engineering prototypes through procurement and fabrication, and manage component inventory for build cycles
• Engineering Change Management: Process Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) and update CAD models and documentation based on design reviews, supplier feedback, or assembly findings
• Hands‑On Assembly & Integration: Support cleanroom or lab-level assembly and alignment of delicate optical and mechanical sub‑assemblies using adhesive bonding (UV/epoxy), soldering, or precision mechanical fasteners
• Root Cause Analysis & Failure Mode Testing: Assist senior engineers in investigating design or manufacturing non‑conformances, running root cause analysis (RCA), and implementing corrective actions

Prototype Testing & Lab Work

• Hands‑On Assembly & Integration: Support cleanroom or lab-level assembly and alignment of delicate optical and mechanical sub‑assemblies using adhesive bonding (UV/epoxy), soldering, or precision mechanical fasteners
• Root Cause Analysis & Failure Mode Testing: Assist senior engineers in investigating design or manufacturing non‑conformances, running root cause analysis (RCA), and implementing corrective actions

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. § 1324b(a)(3)

Experience

• A bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, Physics, or a related field
• A minimum of 2 years of relevant experience, ideally within a startup or technology company.

Skills

• CAD Expertise: Proficient in 3D CAD modeling and drawing generation (SolidWorks preferred) with demonstrated experience using GD&T (ASME Y14.5)
• Optomechanical Design Basics: Familiarity with optomechanical mounting techniques (kinematic mounts, flexures, adhesive bonding of optics/crystals, glass‑to‑metal joints)
• Fiber Optics & Micro‑Packaging: Exposure to fiber handling, fiber alignment mechanisms, or micro‑electronic/photonic packaging considerations
• DFM / DFA Awareness: Solid understanding of Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Assembly (DFA) across precision CNC machining, sheet metal, and small‑scale assembly
• Hands‑On Aptitude: Comfortable working in an optical cleanroom/lab environment using hand tools, torque drivers, and optical alignment or measurement equipment

Benefits

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.