Project Engineer 4 - Quantum Photonics Modules

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/Dental/Vision insurance

401(k) with 4% match

20 PTO days per year

13 company holidays

9/80 work schedule

Job summary

Monarch Quantum in San Diego, CA seeks a Quantum Photonics Modules Project Engineer to lead complex photonics programs from concept through high-volume production. You will coordinate optical, mechanical, electrical, and supply chain teams, run reviews, embed manufacturability and cost considerations, and drive continuous improvement.

This role demands strong leadership, a hands-on mindset, and the ability to navigate ambiguity in a startup environment.

Qualifications

• MS or PhD in Optical Engineering, Photonics Engineering, Physics, or related field.
• 5+ years of engineering or project management experience in photonics/optoelectronic industries.
• Ownership of a photonic or optoelectronic product from prototype to qualification and high-volume production.

Responsibilities

• Build integrated project plans, phase-gate deliverables, and budgets; drive milestones.
• Lead cross-functional teams across optical, mechanical, electrical, process, test, quality, and supply chain.
• Run design reviews and gate reviews; document rationale and decisions to closure.
• Embed DfX (DFM, DFA, DFT, DFR, design-to-cost) into design decisions.
• Drive design/process changes to improve yield, cycle time, and unit cost; own the business case.

Skills

Project management

Cross-functional leadership

Optical engineering

DFX

Photonics packaging

Supplier management

Risk management

Budgeting

Design reviews

Communication

Education

MS/PhD in Optical Engineering / Photonics

Job description

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Quantum Photonics Modules Project Engineer 4. 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:

• Build and maintain integrated project plans, phase-gate deliverables, and budgets; drive milestones to completion and expedite early when the critical path is at risk.
• Lead cross-functional teams spanning optical, mechanical, electrical, process, test, quality, and supply chain — largely without direct authority — aligning priorities and resolving competing constraints.
• Run design reviews, gate reviews, and technical problem-solving sessions; drive decisions to closure and document the rationale.
• Embed DfX — manufacturability, assembly, test, reliability, and cost — into design decisions from the concept phase forward.
• Drive design and process changes that improve first-pass yield, cycle time, and unit cost, and own the business case behind each.
• Develop and manage supplier relationships for critical photonic and optomechanical components; drive qualification, second-sourcing, and cost reduction.
• Track project progress, generate status reports, and communicate updates to management and stakeholders
• Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize project execution and module performance
• Report program status, metrics, and decisions to engineering leadership and executive stakeholders.

• MS or PhD. degree in Optical Engineering, Photonics Engineering, Physics, or related technical field
• Typically, 5+ years of engineering or project management experience within photonics, optoelectronics, or related industries
• Demonstrated ownership of at least one photonic or optoelectronic product taken from prototype through qualification and into sustained high-volume production.
• Hands-on DfX experience — DFM, DFA, DFT, DFR, and design-to-cost — applied to photonic or optomechanical packaging.
• Working knowledge of photonic module integration across optical, mechanical, and electrical domains.
• Track record leading cross-functional programs with multiple stakeholders, managing schedule, budgets, and resources.
• Experience identifying and mitigating technical risk in a development environment.

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.

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).

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 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.