Lead Photonic Systems Engineer — Quantum Light Engines

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

Fidelity 401(k) with 4% match

20 PTO days per year

13 paid holidays

9/80 work schedule

Job summary

Monarch Quantum is seeking a Photonic Systems Project Engineer 3 to lead end-to-end design of Light Engine systems for quantum technologies in a fast-paced startup setting. You’ll own architecture, integration, and documentation while mentoring staff and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

The role emphasizes AMO laser stabilization, fiber optics, and high-reliability subsystems, with exposure to leadership and roadmap planning.

Qualifications

• PhD or MS with 10+ years in Physics, Optical Engineering, or related field with hands-on AMO/ultrafast laser work.
• Direct experience building and maintaining laser systems in an AMO lab context (atom trapping/cooling, trapped ions, optical clocks, or quantum sensing).
• Experience implementing laser frequency stabilization and understanding servo/feedback control.
• Experience with fiber optics: coupling, delivery, power handling.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and system-level direction on architecture, design, and integration of advanced laser systems for quantum technologies.
• Define and guide development of core photonics and control technologies (laser stabilization, narrow linewidth sources, low-noise control).
• Lead efforts to achieve ultra-low noise performance and reliability through design, modeling, and experimental validation.
• Collaborate with optical, electronic, firmware, and mechanical engineers.
• Mentor junior engineers and foster cross-functional collaboration.

Skills

Excellent communication

Leadership

Documentation

Laser safety awareness

Education

PhD in Physics/Optical Engineering

MS in Physics/Optical Engineering (10+ years)

Tools

AOMs

EOMs

Isolators

Polarization management

Job description

Monarch Quantum is seeking a Photonic Systems Project Engineer 3 to lead end-to-end design of Light Engine systems for quantum technologies in a fast-paced startup setting. You’ll own architecture, integration, and documentation while mentoring staff and collaborating with cross-functional teams.

The role emphasizes AMO laser stabilization, fiber optics, and high-reliability subsystems, with exposure to leadership and roadmap planning.