2027 Monarch Quantum Summer Internship Program

Monarch Quantum; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

Monarch Quantum invites students to join its Summer Internship Program in San Diego to work on cutting-edge quantum photonics.

Interns contribute to hardware, software, and system-level projects, with hands-on experience in a fast-moving, industry-focused environment and mentoring from experienced engineers.

Open to bachelor's, master's, and PhD students; hourly pay ranges from $23 to $45, commensurate with academic level.

Qualifications

• Enrollment in a bachelor's, master's, or PhD program.
• Strong interest in quantum photonics or related fields.
• Ability to work on multidisciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Design or test opto‑mechanical components.
• Build experimental setups and perform testing.
• Develop control or automation software.
• Analyze system performance and reliability.
• Collaborate with engineers and researchers across teams.

Skills

C/C++

Python

LabVIEW

Hardware testing

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor’s or higher (student)

Tools

Zemax

COMSOL

SolidWorks

ANSYS

Job description

The Monarch Quantum Summer Internship Program offers students the opportunity to work on cutting‑edge technology shaping the future of quantum computing. Interns join multidisciplinary teams and contribute to real engineering projects that support our quantum hardware, software, and system‑level development efforts.

As a Monarch intern, you may help design or test opto-mechanical components, build experimental setups, develop control or automation software, analyze system performance, or support integration of quantum‑safe technologies—depending on your background and interests. Interns collaborate closely with experienced engineers and researchers while gaining hands‑on experience in a fast‑moving, industry‑focused environment.

We encourage applications from students who are curious, motivated, and excited to apply their technical skills to emerging quantum photonic technologies. Opportunities are available for students at the bachelor's, master’s and PhD levels.

Some project examples include:

• Develop a test fixture for assessing the stability of opto‑mechanical bonds & assemblies and perform stability experiments. The intern will define test goals & requirements, execute mechanical & optical design of a fixture and test station, facilitate material procurement, build the assembly, execute testing, compile results, and deliver a presentation to engineering leadership. The intern will also participate in ongoing projects to gain exposure in a professional, high precision engineering environment.
• Work hands‑on with an optically pumped semiconductor laser (OPSL) system in an ISO-7 (Class 10,000) cleanroom laboratory, collaborating with and mentored by junior and senior engineers as well as senior management. Intern project opportunities in this role include, but are not limited to, material characterization; device‑level semiconductor laser characterization such as spectral analysis and power‑efficiency measurements; and optical and thermal modeling using tools such as Zemax, COMSOL, SolidWorks, and ANSYS. Interns will gain practical experience across the full development cycle, from simulation and design through laboratory testing and analysis.
• Contribute to the optical design of components and lenses for next‑generation laser modules. Interns will help develop and design test stations used to evaluate both individual components and full module assemblies. The role includes hands‑on intern involvement in building and operating these test stations to collect and analyze performance data. The intern will also support the development and validation of new design methodologies for laser module engineering
• Support the development of advanced automated pick‑and‑place routines for a fully integrated robotic cell consisting of multiple 6‑DOF industrial robots. The project includes designing, implementing, and testing motion control algorithms that improve accuracy, speed, and reliability of component handling within the automated cell. The intern will collaborate with robotics engineers to develop end‑to‑end workflows, including path planning, error detection, sensor integration, and automation sequencing. In addition, the intern will help evaluate system performance, optimize cycle times, and contribute to documentation and validation of the robotic software stack.
• Design a reliability test station for cutting‑edge photonics components. Develop requirements, procure parts, and build a test system that allows a laser to auto‑focus into a micron‑sized target. Interns will utilize CAD software to design the test layout and work directly to set up the experiment in a cleanroom laser laboratory environment. They will write a script in python or LabView to perform the auto‑focusing calibration routine.
• Work alongside experienced engineers to design, analyze, document, and test electrical systems and prototypes. Intern responsibilities include schematic development, PCB documentation, data analysis, test execution, and supporting failure analysis and corrective actions. This project provides extensive opportunities for technical skill‑building, mentorship, and exposure to professional electrical engineering practices.
• Support the build and test of existing and novel External Cavity Diode Laser (ECDL) products through hands on lab experiments. Interns will join the laser development team and will design and execute tests to prove components and full laser assemblies to support Monarch Quantum's mission to deliver high‑quality light engines to our customers. Project opportunities include building and characterizing laser cavities with novel components, designing diode test stations, improving alignment processes, and modeling laser systems. Interns will be mentored by collaborating with senior scientists, management, and laser technicians. Interns will leave the experience with a strong theoretical knowledge of and hands‑on experience with ECDLs.
• Focus on developing FPGA‑based systems using hybrid C/C++ and HDL architectures, including designing interfaces to ADCs, DACs, microcontrollers, and other components. Interns will support the creation and testing of advanced data acquisition and analysis systems, participate in hardware‑firmware integration, and contribute to reviews, verification, and documentation.
• Support the development of automated optical assembly processes, with a focus on investigating adhesive properties and performance when bonding precision optics to metal components. Interns will design and execute experiments to characterize adhesive behavior, develop and refine process parameters, and evaluate the impact on optical performance and assembly quality. They will also receive hands‑on training in optical alignment, precision motion systems, and robotic automation. This project will provide practical experience at the intersection of optics, materials, process development, and robotics.

Please note this internship 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).

Opportunities are available for students at the bachelor's, master’s levels and PhD.

This program welcomes students from a wide range of fields, including (but not limited to):

• Physics, Applied Physics, or related disciplines
• Optical Engineering or Optics
• Electrical, Electronic, or Systems Engineering
• Firmware Engineering, Computer Engineering, Computer Science, or Software Engineering
• Robotics, Mechanical Engineering or Mechatronics

Hourly pay ranges from $23 to $45, commensurate with academic level.

Monarch Quantum is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminateon the basis ofrace, 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.