Photonic Systems Program Lead

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

Fidelity 401(k) plan with 4% employer

20 PTO days per year

13 company holidays

9/80 work schedule

Job summary

Monarch Quantum in San Diego, CA is seeking a Photonic Systems Program Lead to drive end-to-end development of critical photonic systems in a fast-paced startup environment.

You will lead project planning, manage cross-functional teams, implement robust engineering practices, and ensure milestones from requirements to test readiness are met, while navigating ambiguity and growth. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Led photonic system development projects using structured processes.
• Expert in optics/photonic domains and control theory.

Responsibilities

• Lead planning and execution of development projects, managing scope, schedule and budget.
• Manage matrixed technical teams through bottlenecks and uncertainty to maximize productivity.
• Provide technical, logistical, and problem-solving leadership; apply best engineering practices.
• Ensure execution per defined processes; document and defend milestones from requirements to test readiness.

Skills

Project leadership

Systems engineering

Education

Advanced degree

Job description

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Photonic Systems Program Lead. As we scale, you will be instrumental in building our foundation from the ground up. This is a dynamic, hands-on role for a self-starter who thrives in a fluid startup environment. You'll have the opportunity to work on cutting edge technologies, work closely with leadership, and develop and implement engineering practices that support our mission and growth. Your key responsibilities are as follows:

• Leads planning and execution of development projects, responsible for project scope, schedule and budget. Represents the company in front of customers and collaborates with functional managers within Engineering and cross-functionally to assure successful project execution.
• Manages matrixed technical team thru schedule bottlenecks, uncertainty, lack of information and sudden changes, while screening team from external turbulence and assuring highest productivity and focus on success.
• Provides technical, logistical and problem-solving leadership, develops and employs best engineering practices. Anticipates risks and identifies opportunities, then manages both thru the projects.
• Responsible for project execution per internally and customer defined processes, reaching, documenting and defending project milestones: requirement, design and test readiness reviews, integration and test events, test reports, installation and support activities.

• This 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).

Experience:

• Advanced degree in Engineering or a related field.
• 8 years of relevant experience (including pursuit of relevant higher education), ideally within a startup or technology company.

Skills:

• Proven record of successfully leading a photonic system development project using structured development process.
• Expert in a subset of technical areas: systems engineering, optics and photonics, AMO physics, control theory, opto-mechanics, electrical and software engineering.

Startup Mindset:

• You're creative, flexible, and eager to wear multiple hats.
• You're passionate about building systems from the ground up and comfortable with ambiguity and change.

The expected annual salary range for this position is $150,000-$200,000.

As a full-time employee, you will be eligible for Monarch’s comprehensive benefits package, which includes:

• Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Fidelity 401(k) plan with 4% employer matching
• 20 paid time off (PTO) days per year
• 13 paid company holidays
• 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off)

Monarch Quantum is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, 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.