Photonics Engineering Technician Level 3

Monarch Quantum•San Diego, CA

19h•$30 - $45

About The Position

As a Photonics Engineering Technician II, you will work in a high-tech photonics laboratory environment, supporting development of complex optical modules for Monarch Quantum’s photonic “engines”. You will collaborate closely with engineers to assemble, align, test, and prototype optical systems using both manual and automated methods. This is a hands-on, highly collaborative role focused on ensuring products meet internal specifications, quality standards, and performance requirements.

Requirements

Associates degree in relevant technical field
10+ years of relevant experience, preferably in startup, R&D, prototype manufacturing, or technology-focused environment.
Strong ability to interpret technical requirements, specifications, and documentation.
Experience working in laboratory, prototype, or low-volume manufacturing environments.

Nice To Haves

Demonstrated experience aligning, collimating, and fiber-coupling optical components.
Experience assembling compound optical and opto-mechanical assemblies
Proficiency with common measurement and inspection tools (calipers, multimeters, microscopes, tape measures, hot plates, bake ovens).
Experience soldering small, ESD-sensitive electronic components.
Experience cleaning free-space and fiber-optic components.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
Clear and effective communication skills when working with engineering teams.
Experience with high-complexity assemblies (>200 unique mechanical and electronic parts)
Willingness and ability to learn, evaluate, and help validate new processes and equipment
Experience training technicians across processes at varying levels of maturity
Ability to serve as a subject-matter expert for common lab equipment (e.g., bake ovens, plasma ovens)
Experience with machining tools such as lathes, manual mills, band saws, taps, etc.

Responsibilities

Align, collimate, and fiber couple a variety of optical components.
Assemble compound optical and opto-mechanical subassemblies according to engineering direction.
Inspect and monitor material and build quality throughout the assembly process.
Collaborate with engineers to troubleshoot technical and build-related issues.
Support problem analysis and contribute to process improvements.
Work in both laboratory and cleanroom environments to ensure compliance with cleanliness standards.
Train and mentor junior technicians as needed.
Other duties as assigned.