Photonics Scientist 3 - Reliability Engineering

Monarch Quantum; Northern, San Diego (KY, CA); Hybrid; USD 125,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

Fidelity 401(k) with 4% matching

20 PTO days per year

13 company holidays

9/80 work schedule

Job summary

Monarch Quantum is hiring a Senior Photonics Scientist for Reliability Engineering in Kentucky. You will lead tests, assess laser and photonics risks, and mentor junior engineers to build a robust foundational platform.

You will collaborate with mechanical and optical teams to assure manufacturability, design modular test stations, and drive data-driven decisions in a fast-paced startup setting.

Qualifications

• Degree in Photonics/ Optical Eng/ Physics or related field.
• Experience with reliability testing and laser safety.
• Strong ability to interpret block diagrams and component specs.

Responsibilities

• Serve as SME for photonic systems within Reliability Engineering.
• Identify laser/photonics risks through analysis and vendor discussions.
• Design and execute short/long-term tests to de-risk designs and support laser safety.

Skills

Photonics failure mechanisms

Hands-on testing

System risk assessment

Independent testing

Mentoring

Education

Bachelors in Photonics/ Optical Engineering/ Physics

Tools

Python

LabVIEW

Vendor SDKs

Job description

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Senior Photonics Scientist Reliability Engineering 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:

• Serve as subject matter expert for photonic systems within the Reliability Engineering team.
• Identify laser and photonics system risks through component / system analysis and vendor discussions.
• Design and execute hands-on short-term and long-term tests that systematically de-risk component, module, and system design decisions. Act as a champion for laser safety.
• Collaborate closely with mechanical engineering to assist with the design of modular test stations that will allow for the long-term reliability testing of lasers, active/passive optical components, and modules.
• Collaborate closely with optical and mechanical teams to understand system design and manufacturability and identify risks. Propose design changes and present trade-offs.
• Work independently and in a team while overcommunicating with the manager, project engineer, and the teammates. Mentor junior engineers.
• Execute complex engineering tasks involving planning, preparation, data/information collection, and analysis and decision-making in a process involving peer reviews and documentation of the results.
• Use tenacity, patience, self-discipline, and passion for excellence to assure accuracy of execution schedule, data quality/integrity, conformance to company best practices, clarity in communication, and documentation.
• Use every opportunity to grow competency through mentorship, curiosity, communication, exposure, and initiative.

• 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 Photonics, Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, ideally within a startup or technology company.

Skills:

• In-depth understanding of common photonics/optical system failure mechanisms and risks.
• Hands-on experience setting up tests utilizing laser sources.
• Capability to assess optical system block diagrams and component spec sheets for performance tradeoffs and risk evaluation.
• Experience using quantitative analysis/programming tools (e.g. Python), and test automation software (LabVIEW, vendor SDKs, etc.)
• Ability to operate independently on system testing, data collection, documentation, and communication of results.
• Background in reliability engineering is a plus.

Startup Mindset:

• You're creative, flexible, and eager to wear multiple hats.
• You're passionate about building systems from the ground up and comfortable with ambiguity and change.

The expected annual salary range for this position is $125,000-$175,000.

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.

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