Photonics Engineer II — From Prototype to Production

Monarch Quantum; 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) with 4% employer match

20 PTO days per year

13 paid company holidays

9/80 work schedule

Job summary

Monarch Quantum is seeking a Photonics Engineer 2 to design, develop, and qualify advanced photonic components used in high-performance optical systems. You will help build our manufacturing foundation from the ground up in a dynamic, hands-on role.

You will collaborate with mechanical, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and reliability teams to move designs from prototype to high-volume production, using Zemax or Code V for optical modeling and hands-on lab work.

Qualifications

• BS, MS, or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
• 2–5+ years of experience developing photonic or optical hardware.
• Experience designing or integrating optical components and assemblies.
• Hands-on lab experience with optical alignment and characterization.
• Familiarity with optical modeling tools such as Zemax or Code V.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• Design precision photonic packaging solutions including fiber coupling assemblies and optical benches.
• Build and characterize optical test setups for component validation; measure insertion loss, isolation, return loss, power handling, switching speed, and thermal stability.
• Support component reliability qualification and accelerated life testing; investigate degradation and root causes.
• Collaborate with mechanical, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and reliability teams to transfer designs into production.

Skills

Optics

Photonics packaging

Precision opto-mechanical integration

Optical alignment

Education

BS in Optical Engineering

MS in Optical Engineering (optional)

PhD in Optical Engineering or related field (optional)

Tools

Zemax

Code V

Job description

Monarch Quantum is seeking a Photonics Engineer 2 to design, develop, and qualify advanced photonic components used in high-performance optical systems. You will help build our manufacturing foundation from the ground up in a dynamic, hands-on role.

You will collaborate with mechanical, manufacturing, supply chain, quality, and reliability teams to move designs from prototype to high-volume production, using Zemax or Code V for optical modeling and hands-on lab work.