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 insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with 4% match

20 PTO days per year

13 company holidays

9/80 work schedule

Job summary

Monarch Quantum is seeking a Senior Mechanical Engineer to design and align optical systems for high-precision automation in a startup environment.

You will build foundational engineering practices, mentor engineers, and collaborate with leadership to scale technologies. Requires strong Mechanical CAD, materials, fabrication, and precision design capabilities.

Qualifications

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

Responsibilities

• Work independently and in a team; mentor junior engineers.
• Plan, collect data, analyze, and document results with peer reviews.
• Ensure data quality, schedule accuracy, and adherence to best practices.

Skills

Mechanical design

CAD (SolidWorks)

Python

Instrumentation & measurement

Data analysis

Precision mechanisms

Motor selection

Linear stages & rails

Vibration theory

Materials & fabrication

Education

Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering, physics, or related field

Tools

ANSYS Workbench

SolidWorks

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.

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.

Requirements

• 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.

Benefits

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.