Lead Photonic Systems Engineer for Quantum Light Engines

Monarch Quantum; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, Dental, Vision insurance

401(k) with 4% employer match

20 PTO days

13 holidays

9/80 work schedule

Job summary

Monarch Quantum in San Diego, CA invites a Photonic Systems Project Engineer 3 to join a fast-paced startup environment. You will lead end-to-end design and development of Light Engines systems for quantum technologies, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and translating experimental requirements into robust engineering designs.

The role emphasizes technical leadership, system-level architecture, laser stabilization, and high-reliability optics.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. or M.S. with 10+ years of experience in AMO or ultrafast laser systems.
• Direct experience building and maintaining laser systems in a laboratory context.
• Experience with laser stabilization and servo control.
• Experience with fiber coupling and power handling.

Responsibilities

• Provide system-level direction on the architecture, design and integration of advanced laser systems.
• Define core photonics and control technologies, including laser stabilization and low-noise electronics.
• Lead efforts to achieve ultra-low noise performance through rigorous design, modeling and testing.
• Collaborate with optical, electronic, firmware and mechanical engineers.
• Mentor junior engineers and promote technical excellence and cross‑functional collaboration.
• Translate experimental requirements into optical system specifications and engineering designs.
• Produce and maintain clear engineering documentation and procedures.

Skills

Laser systems

Leadership

Documentation

Communication

Education

PhD in Physics or Optical Engineering

MS in Physics or Optical Engineering with 10+ years experience

Job description

Monarch Quantum in San Diego, CA invites a Photonic Systems Project Engineer 3 to join a fast-paced startup environment. You will lead end-to-end design and development of Light Engines systems for quantum technologies, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams and translating experimental requirements into robust engineering designs.

The role emphasizes technical leadership, system-level architecture, laser stabilization, and high-reliability optics.