Principal Optical Engineer - Build & Innovate Optics

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

401(k)

PTO

Holidays

Job summary

Monarch Quantum is seeking a Principal Optical Engineer to help build foundational capabilities in a fast-growing startup environment. The role combines hands-on design, rigorous analysis, and leadership in cutting-edge laser technologies.

You will work with leadership to implement engineering practices, mentor teammates, and drive product roadmap alignment through robust optical modeling and metrology. This full-time role offers comprehensive benefits and a dynamic team culture.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 9 years of relevant experience, ideally within a startup or technology company.

Responsibilities

• Work independently and in a team while overcommunicating with the manager, project engineer, and teammates.
• Execute complex engineering tasks involving planning, data collection, analysis, and decision-making with peer reviews and documentation.
• Ensure data quality, conformance to best practices, and clear communication and documentation.
• Grow competency through mentorship, curiosity, communication, exposure, and initiative.
• Drive innovation in modeling, design, analysis, and alignment to support the product roadmap.
• Support project engineering with scope, schedule, and risk analysis.

Skills

Beam propagation

Ray tracing

Optical design

Fiber optics

Tolerance analysis

Metrology

Non-sequential design

Vendor engagement

Python

Zemax OSLO FRED

Education

Bachelor's in Optical Engineering

Physics degree

Tools

Zemax

OSLO

FRED

Python

Job description

Monarch Quantum is seeking a Principal Optical Engineer to help build foundational capabilities in a fast-growing startup environment. The role combines hands-on design, rigorous analysis, and leadership in cutting-edge laser technologies.

You will work with leadership to implement engineering practices, mentor teammates, and drive product roadmap alignment through robust optical modeling and metrology. This full-time role offers comprehensive benefits and a dynamic team culture.