Principal Quantum Photonics Systems Engineer

Entangled Future; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

Monarch Quantum in San Diego, CA, seeks a Principal Photonics Systems Engineer to lead product architecture and integration of laser systems for quantum technologies. This is a hands-on, senior role in a fast-moving startup environment requiring technical breadth and leadership.

You will mentor engineers, shape technical roadmaps, and collaborate across optical, electronic, firmware and mechanical teams to deliver reliable, ultra-low-noise photonic platforms in a dynamic, growth-focused company.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
• Minimum 8 years of experience designing and testing complex photonic or laser-based systems.
• Proven ability to design and deliver reliable photonic systems.
• Strong communication skills with experience guiding technical decisions across teams.
• Experience in quantum systems, precision metrology, or related emerging technologies is a strong plus.

Responsibilities

• 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 to for the development of and maintenance 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.

Skills

Narrow-linewidth laser systems

Low-noise electronic control

Optical system modeling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Physics/Electrical Engineering/Optics

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

Principal Quantum Photonics Systems Engineer at Monarch Quantum, San Diego, California, United States. A lead-level full time position in the Engineering team, listed under hardware engineering.

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Principal Photonics Systems 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:

• 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 to for the development of and maintenance 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.

Demonstrated expertise in

• Narrow-linewidth and frequency-stabilized laser systems
• Low-noise electronic control and servo systems
• Optical system modeling, alignment, and noise analysis

Startup Mindse t

• 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 $175,000-$225,000.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
• Minimum 8 years of experience designing and testing complex photonic or laser-based systems.
• Proven ability to design and deliver reliable photonic systems.
• Strong communication skills with experience guiding technical decisions across teams.
• Experience in quantum systems, precision metrology, or related emerging technologies is a strong plus.