Opto-Mechanical Engineer 2

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

Fidelity 401(k) plan with 4% employer,

20 PTO days per year

13 paid holidays

9/80 work schedule

Job summary

Monarch Quantum, Inc. in San Diego seeks an Opto-Mechanical Engineer II to design photonic components and precision assemblies for cutting-edge systems. You will develop fixtures, perform tolerance and thermal analysis, and manage fabrication drawings, BOMs, and ECOs to support prototyping and production.

This hands-on role thrives in a fast-paced startup setting. Collaborate with leadership to implement manufacturability practices, operate in a cleanroom environment, and contribute to continual

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Physics required.
• Hands-on experience with optical/mechanical assembly in a lab or production environment.

Responsibilities

• Design precision mechanical components and sub-assemblies for photonic systems.
• Create and maintain 2D fabrication drawings (GD&T ASME Y14.5) for CNC, molding, and sheet metal.
• Build and manage BOMs, track prototypes through procurement and fabrication, and handle ECOs.
• Support cleanroom or lab assembly and perform alignment of optical/mechanical sub-assemblies.

Skills

CAD Expertise

Optomechanical Design

GD&T (ASME Y14.5)

SolidWorks

Fiber Optics & Micro-Packaging

Hands-On Aptitude

Education

Bachelor's degree in Mechanical Engineering or Physics

Tools

FEA 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.

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.

• 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.

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.