Senior Process Engineer – Alignment & Photonics Assembly - ASD

Palomar Technologies' Advanced Solutions Division (ASD) provides high-complexity engineering services to microelectronics, semiconductor, photonics, and advanced packaging customers through process development, prototyping, contract manufacturing, training, and process optimization.

ASD is expanding its capabilities in active alignment and optoelectronic assembly through the addition of a newly acquired active alignment system
. This equipment will support customer applications involving optical alignment, photonic device assembly, laser-based systems, fiber coupling, optical sensor packaging, and other precision optoelectronic assemblies.

Palomar is seeking a Senior Active Alignment Process Engineer to lead the development, implementation, and commercialization of this new capability within ASD. This role will serve as the primary technical owner for the active alignment platform, including equipment learning, process development, customer engagement, documentation, and internal knowledge transfer.

This is a highly autonomous role intended for an engineer who can pioneer a new process area with limited internal precedent. The ideal candidate will have hands-on experience in active alignment, optoelectronics, photonics assembly, or related precision optical packaging processes, along with strong customer-facing communication skills and the ability to rapidly learn complex equipment software.

• Lead development of active alignment processes for optoelectronic, photonic, laser, sensor, fiber-coupled, and optical module assemblies.
• Translate customer requirements into practical process development plans, including alignment strategy, test feedback method, process sequence, inspection approach, and risk mitigation.
• Develop process parameters for optical coupling, alignment, fixation, adhesive dispense, cure, and post-process verification.
• Identify and control variables affecting optical performance, alignment stability, yield, and repeatability.
• Support feasibility builds, prototypes, process optimization, and low-volume contract manufacturing projects.

• Serve as the internal technical owner for their active alignment system and projects.
• Complete in-depth equipment training directly with the equipment manufacturer and convert that knowledge into usable internal practices.
• Develop, modify, and debug equipment routines, process sequences, and machine workflows.
• Learn and manage the equipment's software environment, including any script-like or coding-style interface required to operate the system effectively.
• Establish internal best practices for equipment setup, calibration, maintenance coordination, program control, and process transfer.
• Troubleshoot equipment, software, motion, vision, dispense, and test feedback issues as they arise.

• Serve as the primary technical liaison for active alignment customer inquiries, development programs, and project execution.
• Support Sales and Program Management during technical discovery, feasibility review, quoting, and proposal development.
• Communicate clearly with customers regarding technical requirements, risks, process assumptions, development progress, and recommended paths forward.
• Help customers understand design-for-manufacturability considerations related to active alignment and optoelectronic assembly.
• Build customer confidence in Palomar's new active alignment capability through professional, technically grounded communication.

• Create internal documentation for active alignment processes, machine operation, troubleshooting, calibration checks, and standard work.
• Develop process travelers, set up checklists, inspection criteria, and customer-specific work instructions.
• Capture lessons learned from development programs and convert them into reusable knowledge for future projects.
• Train other ASD engineers and technicians as the capability matures.
• Help establish active alignment as a scalable service offering within ASD.

• Work closely with Process Engineering, Engineering…