Principal Optical Engineer Level 4

Monarch Quantum, Inc.; 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

Job summary

A forward-thinking technology startup is seeking a Principal Optical Engineer to join their passionate team in San Diego, California. This dynamic, hands-on role requires over 2 years of relevant experience and offers the opportunity to work with cutting-edge technologies while collaborating with leadership. Responsibilities include executing complex engineering tasks, driving innovation, and supporting business development. The position offers a competitive salary ranging from $100,000 to $150,000 annually and comes with comprehensive benefits.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in a startup or technology company.
• Extensive expertise in optical engineering topics.

Responsibilities

• Work independently and in a team while communicating effectively.
• Execute complex engineering tasks with peer reviews.
• Drive innovation in modeling, design, analysis, and alignment methods.

Skills

Optical engineering expertise

Optical modeling techniques

Design according to specifications

Tolerance analysis methodologies

Laser beam propagation knowledge

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field

Tools

Ansys Zemax OpticStudio

Photon Engineering FRED

Lambda Research OSLO

Python

Job description

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. Your key responsibilities are as follows:

Responsibilities

• Work independently and in a team while over communicating with the manager, project engineer, and 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.

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.

The expected annual salary range for this position is $100,000–$150,000.

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)

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.