Principal Project Engineer, Photonic System Development

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental and Vision insurance

4% employer matching 401(k)

20 PTO days per year

13 company holidays

9/80 work schedule

Job summary

Monarch Quantum is seeking a Senior Principal Project Engineer in San Diego to build the foundation from the ground up in a dynamic startup setting. You will lead photonic system development, guide cross-functional teams, and implement engineering practices to support rapid growth.

Responsibilities include managing scope, schedule, and budget; driving milestones; and collaborating with leadership to deliver high-quality, cutting-edge solutions. Equal opportunity employer.

Qualifications

• Advanced degree in Engineering or related field.
• 8 years of relevant experience in startup or technology environment.
• Proven leadership of photonic system development projects using structured processes.
• Experience across systems engineering, optics/photonics, AMO physics, and related domains.

Responsibilities

• Leads planning and execution of development projects, including scope, schedule and budget.
• Manages matrixed technical team through bottlenecks and changes to maximize productivity.
• Provides technical, logistical and problem-solving leadership and applies best practices.
• Ensures project milestones align with defined processes and reviews.

Skills

Project leadership

Systems engineering

Optics and photonics

AMO physics

Control theory

Opto-mechanics

Electrical and software engineering

Education

Advanced degree in Engineering or related field

Job description

Responsibilities

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Senior Principal Project 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:

• 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.

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

• 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.

Benefits

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

• 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.