Automation test engineer Jobs in San Diego, CA

We are seeking a Senior Photonics Module Test Engineer to join our Quantum Photonics Module team. In this role you will be the technical owner for characterization, qualification, and reliability testing of photonic components and modules. You will work closely with architecture and design engineers to design and build test stations, execute rigorous DOE-driven experiments, and perform comprehensive optical measurements including power, phase noise, RIN, and nonlinearity. Spanning EVT, DVT, and PVT phases, you will generate lab-quality data that drives design decisions, accelerates product development, and ensures production readiness.

• Characterization: Design: Build and operate test setups for photonic components and modules, measuring output power, wavelength, linewidth, phase noise, RIN, optical nonlinearity, and beam parameters (profile, M², divergence)
• DOE & Experiments: Draft structured DOE test plans, carry out experiments, document results, and deliver clear data analysis and engineering reports.
• Reliability Testing: Carry out life testing for modules and key components; trend data and deliver reports. Conduct failure analysis under guidance of SME and scientists.
• Design Verification: Support or lead DVPR activities across EVT, DVT, and PVT phases — develop test plans, define acceptance criteria, execute qualification protocols, author sign-off documentation, and build automated test sequences (Python / LabVIEW / MATLAB).

Requirements

Please note: 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:

• B.S. or M.S. in Photonics, Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field
• Minimum 3+ years of hands-on photonics laboratory experience

Skills:

• Extensive hands-on experience in a photonics, semiconductor, or optoelectronic device test or research environment, with a strong record of operating and troubleshooting complex optical setups.
• Deep familiarity with core photonics lab instrumentation: lasers, optical power meters, optical spectrum analyzers (OSA), electrical spectrum analyzers (ESA), and beam profilers.
• Demonstrated experience with free-space optics, fiber optics, and optomechanical assemblies; proficient in precision optical alignment and beam path construction.
• Working knowledge of nonlinear optical effects (e.g., SHG, SRS, SPM, XPM) and experience measuring or mitigating them in photonic or fiber systems.
• Experience with reliability or qualification testing of photonic components or modules (burn-in, accelerated aging)
• Proficiency in DOE methodology and statistical data analysis; skilled in Python or MATLAB for processing experimental data, generating visualizations, and producing engineering reports.
• Demonstrated strong ability to independently troubleshoot systems in error and document the root cause and solution method once found
• Excellent technical communication skills: able to document experimental methods, analyze results, and present findings clearly to both technical peers and cross-functional stakeholders.

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 $125,000-$175000.

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 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.