Principal Photonics Process Development Engineer - Fiber Process Focus

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Principal Photonics Process Development Engineer with deep expertise in optical fiber processes. As we scale, you will play a critical role in building robust, production-ready fiber handling and integration capabilities from the ground up. This is a highly hand-on on role for a self-starter who thrives in a dynamic startup environment. You will work closely with device, optical, mechanical, and manufacturing engineers to turn fragile photonic designs into reliable, manufacturable products—with particular ownership over fiber-based processes and interfaces. You'll have the opportunity to define best-in-class methods for fiber preparation, handling, and integration, while influencing tooling, automation, and overall process architecture. Key Responsibilities:Own and lead development of fiber-centric processes, including: Precision fiber cleaving (single-mode, PM, specialty fibers)Fusion splicing (including low-loss and polarization-maintaining alignment)Fiber endcapping and thermal management strategiesFiber cleaning, preparation, and contamination controlInspection and analysis (end-face quality, geometry, defects, burn-back, etc.)Develop and optimize photonic assembly processes:Fiber-to-device coupling and active alignmentIntegration of fibers into packages (TO, butterfly, micro-optic assemblies)Optics attach (lenses, isolators, fiber arrays)Broader packaging and assembly responsibilities:Die attach (epoxy, eutectic, solder)Wire bonding (Au, Al; ball and wedge)Vacuum reflow soldering (AuSn, SAC, indium)Process development & manufacturing scale-up:Design and execute DOE to improve coupling efficiency, yield, and reliabilityTransition processes from R&D to pilot and production environmentsDevelop process flows, work instructions, and manufacturing documentationPerform root-cause analysis on optical loss, fiber damage, and reliability failuresDefine tooling, fixturing, and automation strategies for fiber handlingCross-functional collaboration & leadership:Work with equipment vendors on fiber tooling (splicers, cleavers, inspection systems)Support qualification, reliability testing, and failure analysisTrain technicians and engineers on fiber handling best practicesRequirementsThis 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 fieldTypically 8+ years of relevant experience in photonics or optoelectronic process development5+ years with demonstrated hands-on expertise with fiber processes in a production or R&D environmentCore Skills:Fiber cleaving, stripping, and preparation across a range of fiber typesFusion splicing (including PM fiber alignment and loss optimization)Fiber endcapping and high-power handling considerationsFiber inspection and failure analysis techniquesStrong understanding of contamination control and cleaning methodsExperience with fiber alignment and coupling optimizationDie bonding and solder attachWire bonding (ball or wedge)Familiarity with vacuum reflow processesStrong understanding of process control, yield improvement, and manufacturabilityComfortable working in lab and cleanroom environmentsExcellent documentation and process definition skillsPreferred Skills:Experience with high-power fiber systems or laser modulesFamiliarity with hermetic packaging (butterfly / TO-can / micro-optic packages)Experience with active alignment systems and automated assembly platformsReliability testing experience (thermal cycling, HTOL, damp heat)Knowledge of statistical process control (SPC) and manufacturing metricsExperience scaling fiber processes into low- or medium-volume productionStartup Mindset:Hands-on, detail-oriented, and execution-focusedComfortable working in a fast-paced evolving environmentProactive in identifying problems and driving solutionsWilling to take ownership of processes and continuously improve themBenefitsThe expected annual salary range for this position is $175,000-$225,000. 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.