Principal Photonics Process Development Engineer at Monarch Quantum

Description

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Principal Photonics Process Development Engineer. 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. You’ll work closely with device, optical, mechanical, and manufacturing engineers to turn fragile photonic designs into robust, repeatable products. Key responsibilities are as follows:

Own 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
• Transition processes from R&D to pilot and manufacturing scale
• Create process flows, work instructions, and travelers
• Perform root-cause analysis for yield loss and reliability failures
• Collaborate with equipment vendors on tooling, fixturing, and automation
• Support qualification, reliability testing, and failure analysis
• Train technicians and manufacturing staff on new and existing processes

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:

• BS or MS in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Physics, or related field
• 3+ years experience in photonics or optoelectronic process development

Skills:

• Wire bonding (ball or wedge)
• Die bonding and solder attach
• Vacuum reflow ovens
• Fiber splicing and fiber handling
• Precision optics attach and alignment
• Strong understanding of process control, yield, and manufacturability
• Comfortable working in a lab and cleanroom environment
• Ability to document processes clearly and rigorously

Preferred Skills:

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

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

The expected annual salary range for this position is $150,000-$200,000.

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.