Optical Engineer Level 4

Monarch Quantum; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 100,000 - 150,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

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)

Job summary

A technology startup in San Diego is seeking a Principal Optical Engineer to lead engineering initiatives. This fast-paced role involves complex engineering tasks and innovative model designs. The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor's in Optical Engineering, experience in a tech environment, and extensive skills in optical modeling and laser systems. Join this dynamic team to design and enhance cutting-edge technologies while benefitting from comprehensive perks including medical insurance and a 401(k) with matching.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience, ideally within a startup or technology company.
• Exposure to export-controlled information is necessary.

Responsibilities

• Work independently and with a team while maintaining communication.
• Execute complex engineering tasks and document results.
• Drive innovation in engineering methods to support product roadmap.
• Support business development with feasibility analyses.

Skills

Extensive expertise in optical engineering

In-depth knowledge of optical modeling techniques

Familiarity with laser beam propagation

Ability to strategize design efforts

Competence in laser module arrangement using optical design software

Proficiency in tolerance analysis methodologies

Knowledge of high-power continuous wave laser systems

Proven track record in engineering tasks

Education

Bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field

Tools

Ansys Zemax OpticStudio

Photon Engineering FRED

Lambda Research OSLO

Python

Job description

Base pay range

$100,000.00/yr - $150,000.00/yr

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Principal Optical Engineer. 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.

Key responsibilities

• Work independently and in a team while over‑communicating with the manager, project engineer, and the teammates.
• Execute complex engineering tasks involving planning, preparation, data/information collection, and analysis and decision‑making in a process involving peer reviews and documentation of the results.
• Use tenacity, patience, self‑discipline, and passion for excellence to assure accuracy of execution schedule, data quality/integrity, conformance to company best practices, clarity in communication, and documentation.
• Use every opportunity to grow competency through mentorship, curiosity, communication, exposure, and initiative.
• Drive innovation in modeling, design, analysis, and alignment methods to support product roadmap.
• Perform laser system architecture trade studies with complex and interdependent performance requirements.
• Support business development with architecture concepts, feasibility analysis, and white paper writing.
• Support project engineering with project scope, schedule, and risk analysis.

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

• A bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience, ideally within a startup or technology company.

Skills

• Extensive expertise in various optical engineering topics, coupled with a solid comprehension of the standard curriculum for optical engineering degrees.
• In‑depth knowledge of optical modeling techniques, including ray tracing, wave propagation, and electromagnetic solvers.
• Familiarity with laser beam propagation and the effects of optical movement and rotation on a beam's near‑field, far‑field, beam quality, and efficiency of fiber coupling.
• Ability to design according to specifications: strategizing design efforts to meet a series of unique requirements, identifying the most effective analysis methods for each, and creating as well as validating new design and analysis approaches.
• Capability to assess optical layouts for standard performance, manufacturability, and associated risks.
• Competence in arranging laser modules using optical design software.
• Thorough understanding of how to quantitatively define an optic, including material properties, surface prescriptions, surface irregularities, roughness, mechanical constraints, coatings, power handling, environmental considerations, and inspection methods.
• Proficient in tolerance analysis methodologies for component manufacturing.
• Knowledge of fiber optics relevant to high‑power continuous wave laser systems, including multi‑mode, single‑mode, polarization‑maintaining, step‑index, photonic crystal fibers, and endcaps.
• Proven track record in successfully completing engineering tasks, utilizing design software (such as Ansys Zemax OpticStudio, Photon Engineering FRED, or Lambda Research OSLO preferred), alongside quantitative analysis and programming tools (like Python), instrumentation and measurement, part fabrication or procurement, integration and testing, data collection, and documentation.

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.

Benefits

• 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)

The expected annual salary range for this position is $100,000-$150,000. As a full‑time employee, you will be eligible for Monarch's comprehensive benefits package.

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.

Seniority level

Mid‑Senior level

Employment type

Full‑time

Job function

IT Services and IT Consulting

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