Senior Director of Robotics Optics Alignment
Monarch Quantum, San Diego, CA, United States
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
Requirements
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)
Experience
12+ years in photonics, optics manufacturing, robotics, or precision automation
Proven experience aligning:
Single-mode lasers
Single-mode fiber coupling
Collimation optics and mirrors
Deep hands‑on and leadership experience with advanced optic attach methods:
UV adhesives
Solder / eutectic bonding
Welding techniques
Demonstrated success deploying
high-volume manufacturing automation
Technical Expertise
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
Leadership
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
Preferred Qualifications
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.
Skills
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
Startup Mindset
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.
Benefits The expected annual salary range for this position is $240,000-$300,000.
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.
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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
Requirements
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)
Experience
12+ years in photonics, optics manufacturing, robotics, or precision automation
Proven experience aligning:
Single-mode lasers
Single-mode fiber coupling
Collimation optics and mirrors
Deep hands‑on and leadership experience with advanced optic attach methods:
UV adhesives
Solder / eutectic bonding
Welding techniques
Demonstrated success deploying
high-volume manufacturing automation
Technical Expertise
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
Leadership
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
Preferred Qualifications
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.
Skills
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
Startup Mindset
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.
Benefits The expected annual salary range for this position is $240,000-$300,000.
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.
#J-18808-Ljbffr