Senior Mechanical Engineer - Optical Alignment Machines

Monarch Quantum; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 125,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Dental Vision

401(k) Plan with matching

PTO

Company holidays

9/80 schedule

Job summary

Monarch Quantum is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to design, align, and qualify optical systems for our cutting-edge automated platforms. You will own mechanical development from concept to prototype and production, working closely with leadership in a fast-paced startup environment.

The ideal candidate has a bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering or physics, 5+ years in precision automation or robotics, and proficiency with SolidWorks, Python, and ANSYS Workbench.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, physics, or related field.
• 5+ years of relevant experience, startup/tech experience preferred.
• Experience with precision automation designs and/or robotics is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Design, align, and qualify optical systems for automated platforms.
• Own mechanical development from concept to prototype and production.
• Collaborate with leadership and engineers, mentoring juniors where appropriate.

Skills

Mechanical Engineering

Robotics

CAD SolidWorks

Python

ANSYS Workbench

Precision Alignment

Independent Work

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or physics

Tools

SolidWorks

ANSYS Workbench

Python

CNC Machining

Job description

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Senior Mechanical Engineer of Optical Alignment Machines. 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:

• Work independently and in a team while over communicating with the manager, project engineer and the teammates. Will mentor junior engineers.
• Execute complex engineering tasks involving planning, preparation, data/information collection and analysis and decision‑making in a process involving peer reviews and documentation of the results.
• Use tenacity, patience, self‑discipline and passion for excellence to assure accuracy of execution schedule, data quality/integrity, conformance to company best practices, clarity in communication and documentation.
• Use every opportunity to grow competency thru mentorship, curiosity, communication, exposure and initiative.

• 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:

• A bachelor’s degree in mechanical engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, ideally within a startup or technology company.
• Experience with precision automation designs and/or robotics is a plus.

Skills:

• Deep working knowledge of multiple ME topics and strong understanding of standard mechanical engineering degree curriculum.
• Deep understanding of material properties, mechanisms, fabrication methods: CNC milling, CNC turning, sheet metal, injection molding, laser cutting, water jet cutting, and 3D printing (metal and plastic).
• Creative design engineer who is accustomed to working with large complex assemblies.
• Ability to process requirements and convert it into simple solutions.
• Experience with motor selection is a plus.
• Good understanding of precision linear stages and linear rails.
• Deep understanding of structural theory: static, modal, random vibration, shock, etc.
• Deep understanding of fluids and heat transfer theory: conduction, convection and radiation.
• Demonstrated successful execution of engineering tasks including use of mechanical CAD (SolidWorks preferred) and quantitative analysis/programming tools (Python), instrumentation and measurement, part fabrication or procurement, integration and test, data collection, analysis (ANSYS Workbench) and documentation.

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 $125,000-$175,000.

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.

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