Photonic Systems Project Engineer 3 (opens in a new tab)

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

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Photonic Systems Project Engineer 3. 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'llhave the opportunity to work oncutting edgetechnologies, work closely with leadership, and develop and implement engineering practices that support our mission and growth.

This role leads the design and drives the development of Light Engines systems. This is a technical leadership role, with complementary system engineering, design, and analysis responsibilities that directly support and inform experimental work. The successful candidate will take end-to-end ownership of complex optical systems while working closely with a multidisciplinary team of engineers designing light engines for neutral atom, trapped ion, and quantum sensing applications. The background in AMO laboratory laser systems is beneficial.

Your key responsibilities are as follows:

• Provide technical leadership and system-level direction on the architecture, design, and integration of advanced laser systems for quantum technologies.
• Define and guide the development of core photonics and control technologies, including laser stabilization, narrow linewidth sources, and low-noise electronic control systems.
• Lead efforts to achieve ultra-low noise performance and exceptional reliability through rigorous design, modeling, and experimental validation.
• Collaborate closely with optical, electronic, firmware, and mechanical engineers
• Provide technical expertise for the development and maintenance of system-level requirements, specifications, and performance validation protocols.
• Mentor junior engineers and foster a culture of technical excellence, innovation, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Contribute to strategic technology roadmaps and partner with leadership to align technical development with business goals.
• Architect optical subsystems for beam conditioning, delivery, switching, and control including AOMs, EOMs, isolators, and polarization management.
• Translate experimental requirements from physics teams into optical system specifications and engineering designs.
• Produce and maintain clear engineering documentation: optical layouts, alignment and checkout procedures, component specifications, and characterization reports.
• Support laser safety compliance in accordance with IEC 60825-1 and institutional requirements.

• 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:

• Ph.D. (or M.S. with 10+ years of experience) in Physics, Optical Engineering, or a closely related field, with hands-on thesis or postdoctoral work involving AMO or ultrafast laser systems.
• Direct experience building and maintaining laser systems, preferably in an AMO laboratory context — atom trapping and cooling, trapped ions, optical clocks, or quantum sensing.
• Experience implementing laser frequency stabilization and understanding of the underlying servo and feedback control theory.
• Experience with fiber optics, including coupling, delivery, and power handling.

Skills:

• Ability to produce clean, complete engineering documentation alongside laboratory work.
• Laser safety awareness; comfort working within a formal laser safety program.
• Excellent communication and leadership skills with demonstrated ability to drive technical decisions across teams.

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 $125,000-$175,000.

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.