Photonics Engineer 2 Components

diversity and inclusion are core values at Monarch. We encourage applications from all backgrounds and experiences. --- Photonics Engineer 2 – Components Req ID: 2024-003 Location: Boulder, CO Schedule: Full-time Travel: Minimal Department: Photonics Components Reports to: Director of Photonics Components Employment Type: Regular Security Clearance: None, but must be a U.S. person for export-controlled information Work Authorization: Must be a U.S. person as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3)" Here is the clean HTML fragment:

Location: Boulder, CO. Must be a U.S. person for access to export-controlled information.

About the role

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

Responsibilities

• Component Design & Development
  • 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
• Optical Packaging & Integration
  • 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
• Testing & Characterization
  • 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
• Reliability & Failure Analysis
  • 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
• Cross-Functional Collaboration
  • 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

Requirements

• 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
• Startup Mindset:
  • 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

Benefits

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

• 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)