Photonics Engineer 3 Components

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Photonics Engineer 3 Components dedicated to the design, development, and evaluation of sophisticated photonic components utilized 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 position necessitates a solid foundation in optics, photonics packaging, and precise opto-mechanical integration. The engineer will collaborate closely with manufacturing, reliability, and supply chain teams to facilitate the transition of designs from prototype stage to high-volume production. Key responsibilities include:

• Design and create photonic components, which include, but are not limited to:
• Optical isolators
• Optical switches
• High-power fiber optic connectors
• Packaged acousto-optic modulators
• Conduct optical design and modeling for both free-space and fiber-coupled optical systems.
• Develop opto-mechanical designs to ensure stable and consistent optical alignment.
• Choose and integrate essential optical components such as lenses, crystals, fibers, polarizers, and coatings.
• Perform optical tolerance assessments and conduct performance modeling.

• Design high-precision photonic packaging solutions that encompass:
• Fiber coupling assemblies
• Optical benches and mounts
• Thermal management structures
• Implement alignment methods, including active alignment, passive alignment, welding, soldering, and adhesive bonding.
• Develop automated or semi-automated assembly procedures.

• Establish and characterize optical testing setups for component validation.
• Measure critical optical parameters such as:
• Insertion loss
• Isolation
• Return loss
• Power handling capacity
• Switching speed
• Thermal stability
• Conduct environmental testing and evaluate performance under various temperature, vibration, and lifespan conditions.

• Assist with component reliability qualification and conduct accelerated life testing.
• Examine optical performance degradation and investigate failure modes.
• Carry out root cause analyses and implement corrective measures.
• Contribute to reliability modeling for materials, adhesives, fibers, and optical assemblies.

• Collaborate closely with:
• Mechanical engineering
• Manufacturing engineering
• Supply chain
• Quality and reliability teams
• Support the transition of designs into manufacturing and the scaling of production.
• Engage with external suppliers for specialized 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.
• 5–10+ 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 $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)