Photonics Engineer 2 Components

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Photonics Engineer 2 Components focused on the design, development, and qualification of advanced photonic components used in high-performance optical systems. As we scale, you will be instrumental in building our manufacturing foundation from the ground up. This is a dynamic, hands-on role for a highly self-directed engineer who thrives in an ambiguous, fast-moving environment.

This role requires a strong background in optics, photonics packaging, and precision opto-mechanical integration. The engineer will work closely with manufacturing, reliability, and supply chain teams to transition designs from prototype through high-volume production.

The position reports to the Director of Photonics Components. Key Responsibilities include:

• 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.
• Select and integrate key optical elements including lenses, crystals, fibers, polarizers, and coatings.
• Conduct optical tolerance analysis and performance modeling.

• Design precision photonic packaging solutions including:
• Fiber coupling assemblies
• Optical benches and mounts
• Thermal management structures
• Implement alignment strategies such as active alignment, passive alignment, welding, soldering, and adhesive bonding.
• Develop automated or semi-automated assembly processes.

• Build and characterize optical test setups for component validation.
• Measure key optical parameters including:
• Insertion loss
• Isolation
• Return loss
• Power handling capability
• Switching speed
• Thermal stability
• Perform environmental testing and analyze performance over temperature, vibration, and lifetime conditions.

• Support component reliability qualification and accelerated life testing.
• Investigate optical performance degradation and failure modes.
• Conduct root cause analysis and implement corrective actions.
• Contribute to reliability models for materials, adhesives, fibers, and optical assemblies.

• Work closely with:
• Mechanical engineering
• Manufacturing engineering
• Supply chain
• Quality and reliability teams
• Support design transfer into manufacturing and production ramp.
• Interface with external suppliers for custom optical components and materials.

• 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).

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

• Comfortable operating in an evolving environment with changing priorities
• Motivated by building new capabilities and infrastructure from the ground up
• Willing to take ownership across multiple technical domains
• Hands-on and resourceful, with a strong bias toward execution

The expected annual salary range for this position is $85,000-$125,000.

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)