Senior Director of Robotics Optics Alignment

Monarch Quantum•San Diego, CA

About The Position

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Senior Director of Robotics Optics Alignment. 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. Your key responsibilities are as follows: Technical Leadership Lead development of robotic systems for: Single-mode laser to single-mode fiber coupling Free-space collimation and beam shaping Mirror and micro-optic alignment (sub-micron / sub-µrad tolerances) Define alignment strategies (active vs. passive, closed-loop optimization, vision-based vs. power-based). Set standards for optical performance, stability, and manufacturability. Optic Attach & Permanent Fixation Own advanced optic attach processes, including: UV-curable and thermally cured adhesives Solder and eutectic attach Laser welding / resistance welding Balance optical performance, thermal stability, reliability, and cycle time. Partner with reliability teams to ensure long-term alignment stability. Robotics & Automation Strategy Define automation roadmap from pilot tools to full high-volume manufacturing. Oversee system architecture including: Precision motion stages and robotics Vision systems and metrology Control software and optimization algorithms Drive equipment scalability, uptime, and cost reduction. High-Volume Manufacturing Enablement Translate R&D alignment techniques into robust, repeatable production processes. Lead yield improvement, cycle-time reduction, and process capability (Cp/Cpk). Support factory ramp, supplier engagement, and global manufacturing transfer. People & Organization Build and lead multidisciplinary teams across robotics, optics, controls, and manufacturing engineering. Mentor senior technical leaders and develop next-generation engineering talent. Collaborate cross-functionally with product, reliability, quality, and supply chain teams. 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).

Requirements

12+ years in photonics, optics manufacturing, robotics, or precision automation.
Proven experience aligning single-mode lasers
Proven experience aligning single-mode fiber coupling
Proven experience aligning collimation optics and mirrors
Deep hands-on and leadership experience with advanced optic attach methods: UV adhesives
Deep hands-on and leadership experience with advanced optic attach methods: Solder / eutectic bonding
Deep hands-on and leadership experience with advanced optic attach methods: Welding techniques
Demonstrated success deploying high-volume manufacturing automation.
Optical alignment theory and practice (active alignment, tolerance analysis).
Precision robotics, motion control, and metrology.
Understanding of thermal, mechanical, and material interactions affecting optical stability.
Familiarity with telecom, datacom, laser systems, or integrated photonics manufacturing.
Experience leading large technical teams and cross-functional initiatives.
Ability to set technical vision while executing against aggressive production timelines.
Strong communication skills across executive, engineering, and factory audiences.
Proven record of building and leading engineering teams successfully executing multiple, parallel, complex process development engineering projects through development, qualification, fielding and maintenance cycle.
Practical experience and industry recognition in the areas of photonics process development.
Proficient with common industry equipment: Wire-bonding, optical fiber processing equipment, die bonding, vacuum reflow oven soldering, adhesive dispense, pick and place, optics attach, laser welding, parallel seam sealing, etc.
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.

Nice To Haves

Experience scaling optical alignment automation from prototype to >100k units/month.
Background in laser welding or hermetic packaging.
Exposure to PIC-based or hybrid photonic assemblies.
MS or PhD in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, or related field.

Responsibilities

Lead development of robotic systems for single-mode laser to single-mode fiber coupling
Lead development of robotic systems for free-space collimation and beam shaping
Lead development of robotic systems for mirror and micro-optic alignment (sub-micron / sub-µrad tolerances)
Define alignment strategies (active vs. passive, closed-loop optimization, vision-based vs. power-based).
Set standards for optical performance, stability, and manufacturability.
Own advanced optic attach processes, including UV-curable and thermally cured adhesives
Own advanced optic attach processes, including solder and eutectic attach
Own advanced optic attach processes, including laser welding / resistance welding
Balance optical performance, thermal stability, reliability, and cycle time.
Partner with reliability teams to ensure long-term alignment stability.
Define automation roadmap from pilot tools to full high-volume manufacturing.
Oversee system architecture including precision motion stages and robotics
Oversee system architecture including vision systems and metrology
Oversee system architecture including control software and optimization algorithms
Drive equipment scalability, uptime, and cost reduction.
Translate R&D alignment techniques into robust, repeatable production processes.
Lead yield improvement, cycle-time reduction, and process capability (Cp/Cpk).
Support factory ramp, supplier engagement, and global manufacturing transfer.
Build and lead multidisciplinary teams across robotics, optics, controls, and manufacturing engineering.
Mentor senior technical leaders and develop next-generation engineering talent.
Collaborate cross-functionally with product, reliability, quality, and supply chain teams.