Photonics Scientist 3 - Reliability Engineering

Monarch Quantum; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

Fidelity 401(k) plan with 4% employer匹

20 PTO days per year

13 paid company holidays

9/80 work schedule

Job summary

Monarch Quantum, a San Diego startup, seeks a Photonics Scientist 3 - Reliability Engineering to build a foundational reliability program. You will act as SME for photonics systems, identify risks, and design rigorous tests while collaborating across mechanical and optical teams.

A self-starter with strong hands-on skills will thrive in this fast-paced environment. The role offers substantial responsibilities, mentorship opportunities, and a pathway to influence product reliability as the

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Photonics, Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, ideally in startup/tech environment
• U.S. person required due to export-controlled information

Responsibilities

• Serve as SME for photonic systems within Reliability Engineering
• Identify laser and photonics system risks via component/system analysis and vendor discussions
• Design and execute short/long-term tests to de-risk design decisions; champion laser safety
• Collaborate with mechanical engineering to design modular test stations for long-term reliability testing of lasers and optical components
• Collaborate with optical and mechanical teams to assess system design and manufacturability; propose design changes and trade-offs
• Mentor junior engineers and communicate results to manager and teammates
• Execute complex engineering tasks including planning, data collection, analysis, and documentation
• Maintain data quality, traceability, and conformance to best practices
• Grow competency through mentorship, curiosity, and initiative

Skills

Photonic system failures

Hands-on testing

Python

LabVIEW

Data analysis

Independent work

Mentoring

Education

Bachelor's in Photonics/ Optical Engineering/ Physics

Tools

LabVIEW

Python

Job description

Join our fast‑paced and passionate team as a Photonics Scientist 3 - 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.

Responsibilities

• 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 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

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 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

Benefits

• Expected annual salary range: $125,000 - $175,000
• 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.