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) plan with 4% employer

20 paid time off (PTO) days per year

13 paid company holidays

9/80 work schedule (every other Friday

Job summary

Monarch Quantum in San Diego seeks a Photonic Systems Project Engineer 3 to own the design and development of light engines for quantum technologies. You will lead architecture, coordinate cross‑functional teams, and translate physics requirements into optical system specifications.

You will mentor engineers, shape technology roadmaps, and ensure rigorous validation and safety processes. This is a hands-on, startup‑minded role in a fast-moving environment.

Qualifications

• PhD or MS with 10+ years in AMO or ultrafast laser systems.
• Hands-on experience building and maintaining laser systems in AMO contexts.
• Experience with laser frequency stabilization and servo control theory.
• Experience with fiber interfaces, coupling, delivery, and power handling.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and system-level direction on advanced laser system architecture and integration.
• Define core photonics and control technologies, including stabilization and low-noise electronics.
• Lead efforts to achieve ultra-low noise performance and high reliability through modeling and experiments.
• Collaborate with optical, electronic, firmware and mechanical engineers; mentor junior engineers.
• Develop system-level requirements, specifications and performance validation protocols.
• Architect optical subsystems for beam conditioning, delivery, switching, and control.
• Translate experimental requirements into optical designs and specifications.
• Produce clear engineering documentation and ensure laser safety compliance.

Skills

Technical leadership

System engineering

Optical design

Laser safety

Technical documentation

Mentoring

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Ph.D. in Physics/Optical Engineering

M.S. in Physics/Optical Engineering with 10+ years

Tools

AOMs

EOMs

Polarization management

Job description

Monarch Quantum in San Diego seeks a Photonic Systems Project Engineer 3 to own the design and development of light engines for quantum technologies. You will lead architecture, coordinate cross‑functional teams, and translate physics requirements into optical system specifications.

You will mentor engineers, shape technology roadmaps, and ensure rigorous validation and safety processes. This is a hands-on, startup‑minded role in a fast-moving environment.