Principal Photonics Process Development Engineer Packaging and Tooling

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Principal Photonics Process Development Engineer focused on advanced packaging and tooling. 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.You will play a critical role in establishing scalable photonic manufacturing processes that directly enable product performance, reliability, and cost targets. Your work will define how our technology transitions from prototype to production.You will collaborate closely with device, optical, electrical, mechanical, and manufacturing engineers to transform delicate photonic designs into robust, manufacturable, high-yield products.Impact:Establish core assembly and packaging processes that enable company growthDefine manufacturing strategies that scale from R&D to productionImprove yield, reliability, and cost through process innovation and optimizationBuild tooling, fixtures, and automation approaches that enable repeatabilityKey Technical Areas:Vacuum reflow soldering (AuSn, SAC, Indium, and related materials)Wire bonding (Au and Al; ball and wedge)Die bonding (epoxy, eutectic, and solder attach)Optical assembly and active alignment (lenses, isolators, fiber arrays)Fiber splicing and precision fiber handling (including PM alignment)Hermetic sealing (laser welding, parallel seam sealing)Adhesives and material characterizationProcess metrology and inspection (shear/pull testing, vision systems, interferometry, hermeticity testing)Automation and semi-automation developmentResponsibilities:Own end-to-end development of photonic assembly processes from concept through production releaseDefine and execute the process development roadmap aligned with product and manufacturing goalsDesign statistically rigorous experiments (DOE) to optimize process windows, robustness, and yieldManage the process control limits, qualification criteria, and acceptance metricsTransition processes from R&D to pilot and full manufacturing scaleLead process transfer to production, including equipment qualification (IQ, OQ, PQ)Drive yield improvement initiatives and root-cause investigations for failures and reliability issuesEstablish engineering standards, documentation, and best practicesDevelop process flows, work instructions, travelers, and training materialsDetermine appropriate Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles and ensures tolerance analysis follows best practicesManages the improvement of process capability (Cp/Cpk)Performs qualification, reliability testing, and failure analysis (including FMEA)Design precision fixtures, tooling, and mechanisms to enable repeatable assembly and alignmentCollaborate with mechanical engineers and equipment vendors to develop manufacturable solutions and automationMentor junior engineers and technicians and provide technical leadership across cross-functional teamsEnsure adherence to cleanroom protocols and contamination control practicesOther related duties as required. RequirementsThis 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 a related fieldTypically 8+ years of relevant experience in photonics or optoelectronic process development5+ years with demonstrated ownership of manufacturing process equipment such as die bonders, wire bonders, vacuum reflow systems, active alignment platforms, or laser welding systemsPreferred Qualifications:Experience with laser diodes, PICs, modulators, detectors, or optical transceiversFamiliarity with hermetic packaging (butterfly, TO, or micro-optical packages)Experience with active alignment systemsReliability testing experience (thermal cycling, HTOL, damp heat)Knowledge of statistical process control (SPC) and manufacturing metricsExperience supporting low- to medium-volume production environmentsFixture and mechanism design experience in precision systemsStartup Mindset:Comfortable operating in an evolving environment with changing prioritiesMotivated by building new capabilities and infrastructure from the ground upWilling to take ownership across multiple technical domainsHands-on and resourceful, with a strong bias toward executionBenefitsThe 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.