Quantum Systems Engineer - Ground-Up Optical Lab

Monarch Quantum; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401(k) with employer matching

Paid time off

Holidays

Job summary

Monarch Quantum in San Diego, CA seeks a Quantum Systems Engineer to own end-to-end optical systems for AMO applications. You will design, align, and characterize free-space and fiber laser setups, and collaborate with physicists and engineers to align hardware with research goals.

You will implement laser frequency stabilization, develop servo loops, and ensure robust operation in a fast-paced startup setting. Equal opportunity employer.

Qualifications

• PhD in Physics, Optical Engineering, or closely related field with hands-on AMO laser work.
• 2+ years of direct experience building and maintaining laser systems in AMO labs.
• Strong free-space optical alignment, beam diagnostics, and interferometric skills.
• Experience implementing laser frequency stabilization and related servo control theory.
• Familiarity with fiber optics, coupling, delivery, and power handling.

Responsibilities

• Design, assemble, align, and characterize free-space and fiber laser systems across UV, visible, and NIR wavelengths.
• Develop laser frequency stabilization schemes and tune servo loops for robust operation.
• Architect optical subsystems for beam conditioning, delivery, switching, and control including AOMs, EOMs, isolators, and polarization management.
• Architect opto-electronic subsystems for frequency up-conversion with various servo techniques.
• Translate experimental requirements into optical system specs and designs.
• Produce and maintain engineering docs: optical layouts, procedures, specs, and characterization reports.
• Specify and procure optical components; evaluate vendors and qualify hardware.
• Collaborate with AMO physicists and quantum engineers; integrate constraints into research decisions.
• Support laser safety compliance per IEC 60825-1 and institutional rules.

Skills

PhD in Physics/Optical Engineering

AMO laser systems

Free-space optical alignment

Beam diagnostics

Interferometry

Laser frequency stabilization

Education

PhD in Physics or Optical Engineering

Tools

Laser safety program

Job description

Monarch Quantum in San Diego, CA seeks a Quantum Systems Engineer to own end-to-end optical systems for AMO applications. You will design, align, and characterize free-space and fiber laser setups, and collaborate with physicists and engineers to align hardware with research goals.

You will implement laser frequency stabilization, develop servo loops, and ensure robust operation in a fast-paced startup setting. Equal opportunity employer.