Senior Photonics Process Development Engineer

Monarch Quantum, Inc.; 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 matching

20 paid time off (PTO) days per year

13 paid company holidays

9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off)

Job summary

Monarch Quantum, Inc. in San Diego is seeking a Senior Photonics Process Development Engineer to lead process development from R&D to production, ensuring high-quality manufacturing of photonic components.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background in engineering, with a specific focus on process control and yield improvement. This role offers a dynamic startup environment with a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Typically 8+ years of relevant experience in photonics or optoelectronic process development.
• Experience in photonics or optoelectronic process development (5–10 years).

Responsibilities

• Lead hands-on process development for various bonding and assembly techniques.
• Design and execute DOE experiments to improve yield and reliability.
• Support the transition from R&D to manufacturing.

Skills

Wire bonding

Die bonding

Vacuum reflow soldering

Fiber splicing

Precision optics attach

Process control understanding

Education

BS or MS in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field

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
• Precision optics attach and active alignment
• Strong understanding of process control, yield improvement, and manufacturability
• Comfortable working in lab and cleanroom environments
• Clear and thorough documentation skills

Preferred Skills

• Experience with laser diodes, PICs, modulators, detectors, or optical transceivers
• Familiarity with hermetic packaging (butterfly, TO, or micro-optic packages)
• Experience with active alignment systems and automation
• Reliability testing experience (thermal cycling, HTOL, damp heat)
• Knowledge of statistical process control (SPC) and manufacturing metrics
• Experience supporting low- to medium-volume production environments

Startup Mindset

• Comfortable taking ownership of projects while collaborating closely with a small team
• Adaptable and resourceful in a fast-changing environment
• Motivated to build, improve, and scale processes with a practical, hands‑on approach continuously improve them

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.