Senior Photonics Process Development Engineer

Monarch Quantum; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

Monarch Quantum in San Diego, CA is seeking a Senior Photonics Process Development Engineer to lead hands-on development and maturation of production-ready processes, turning photonic concepts into robust hardware.

You will collaborate with device, optical, mechanical and manufacturing teams, design DOE experiments, support transfer from R&D to pilot manufacturing, and drive continuous improvement in yield and manufacturability.

Qualifications

• BS or MS in Optical, Electrical, Materials, Mechanical Engineering, Physics or related field.
• Typically 8+ years of relevant experience in photonics or optoelectronic process development.
• Experience leading hands-on process development and transitioning processes from R&D to production.

Responsibilities

• Lead hands-on process development for wire bonding, die bonding, vacuum reflow, fiber splicing, and optics attach.
• Design and execute DOE experiments to improve yield, reliability, and performance.
• Support transition of processes from R&D to pilot and early-stage manufacturing.
• Develop and maintain process flows, work instructions, and travelers.
• Perform root-cause analysis for yield loss and reliability issues.
• Collaborate with equipment vendors on tooling, fixturing, and process optimization.
• Support product qualification, reliability testing, and failure analysis efforts.
• Train technicians and manufacturing personnel on established processes.
• Contribute to continuous improvement of process control and manufacturability.

Skills

Wire bonding

Die bonding

Vacuum reflow

Fiber splicing

Active alignment

Education

BS or MS in Optical/Electrical/Mechanical Engineering or related field

Tools

Vacuum reflow systems

Job description

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Senior Photonics Process Development Engineer. As we scale, you will play a key role in developing and maturing the processes that enable our products to move from concept to production. This is a highly hands-on role for someone who thrives in a dynamic startup environment and enjoys solving complex manufacturing challenges.

You’ll work closely with device, optical, mechanical, and manufacturing engineers to turn fragile photonic designs into robust, repeatable products. You’ll contribute to establishing best practices, improving yield, and supporting the transition from R&D to production.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead hands-on process development for:
  • Wire bonding (Au, Al; ball and wedge)
  • Die bonding (epoxy, eutectic, and solder attach)
  • Vacuum reflow soldering (AuSn, SAC, indium, etc.)
  • Fiber splicing (fusion splicing, PM fiber alignment)
  • Optics attach and active alignment (lenses, isolators, fiber arrays)
• Design and execute DOE experiments to improve yield, reliability, and performance
• Support the transition of processes from R&D to pilot and early-stage manufacturing
• Develop and maintain process flows, work instructions, and travelers
• Perform root-cause analysis for yield loss and reliability issues
• Collaborate with equipment vendors on tooling, fixturing, and process optimization
• Support product qualification, reliability testing, and failure analysis efforts
• Train technicians and manufacturing personnel on established processes
• Contribute to continuous improvement of process control and manufacturability

• 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:

• BS or MS in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field
• Typically 8+ years of relevant experience in photonics or optoelectronic process development
• 5-10 years of experience in photonics or optoelectronic process development

Core Skills

• Wire bonding (ball and/or wedge)
• Die bonding and solder attach processes
• Vacuum reflow systems
• Fiber splicing and fiber handling techniques