Lead Photonics Systems Engineer for Startup Growth

Monarch Quantum; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 150,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision insurance

4% employer matching 401(k)

20 PTO days per year

13 company holidays

9/80 work schedule

Job summary

Monarch Quantum is seeking a Senior Principal Project Engineer in San Diego to build the foundation from the ground up in a dynamic startup setting. You will lead photonic system development, guide cross-functional teams, and implement engineering practices to support rapid growth.

Responsibilities include managing scope, schedule, and budget; driving milestones; and collaborating with leadership to deliver high-quality, cutting-edge solutions. Equal opportunity employer.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Engineering or related field.
• 8 years of relevant experience in startup or technology environment.
• Proven leadership of photonic system development projects using structured processes.
• Experience across systems engineering, optics/photonics, AMO physics, and related domains.

Responsibilities

• Leads planning and execution of development projects, including scope, schedule and budget.
• Manages matrixed technical team through bottlenecks and changes to maximize productivity.
• Provides technical, logistical and problem-solving leadership and applies best practices.
• Ensures project milestones align with defined processes and reviews.

Skills

Project leadership

Systems engineering

Optics and photonics

AMO physics

Control theory

Opto-mechanics

Electrical and software engineering

Education

Advanced degree in Engineering or related field

Job description

Monarch Quantum is seeking a Senior Principal Project Engineer in San Diego to build the foundation from the ground up in a dynamic startup setting. You will lead photonic system development, guide cross-functional teams, and implement engineering practices to support rapid growth.

Responsibilities include managing scope, schedule, and budget; driving milestones; and collaborating with leadership to deliver high-quality, cutting-edge solutions. Equal opportunity employer.