Principal Quantum Photonics Systems Engineer (opens in a new tab)

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

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

401(k) matching

Paid time off

Holidays

Job summary

Monarch Quantum is seeking a Principal Photonics Systems Engineer to help build our foundational laser and quantum systems. You will provide technical leadership across architecture, design, and integration in a fast-moving startup environment.

You will drive stabilization and control technologies, model performance, mentor engineers, and align development with business goals, with a salary range of $175k–$225k and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics, or related field.
• Minimum 8 years of experience designing and testing complex photonic or laser-based systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership on architecture, design, and integration of advanced laser systems for quantum technologies.
• Define and guide development of core photonics and control technologies, including laser stabilization and low-noise electronic control.
• Lead efforts to achieve ultra-low noise performance and reliability through modeling and validation.
• Collaborate with optical, electronic, firmware, and mechanical engineers.
• Mentor junior engineers and drive cross-functional collaboration.
• Contribute to technology roadmaps and align development with business goals.

Skills

Narrow-linewidth lasers

Low-noise electronics

Optical system modeling

Education

Bachelor's degree in Physics or Engineering

Tools

Laser stabilization

Frequency stabilization

Control system design

Job description

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.

Experience:

• 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.

Skills:

Demonstrated expertise in:

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

Additional qualifications:

• 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.

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 $175,000-$225,000.

As a full-time employee, you will be eligible for Monarch's comprehensive benefits package, which includes:

• 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 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.