Optical Engineer Level 3 (opens in a new tab)

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

Benefits offered by this job

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)

Job summary

A leading technology company in San Diego is looking for a Senior Optical Engineer to join their dynamic team. In this hands-on role, the ideal candidate will have a solid background in optical engineering, at least 5 years of experience, and the ability to mentor junior engineers. Responsibilities include executing complex engineering tasks, fostering communication in a startup environment, and contributing to cutting-edge projects. The position offers a salary range of $125,000–$175,000 and a comprehensive benefits package including medical, 401(k) matching, and generous PTO.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience in optical engineering, preferably in a startup environment.
• Strong understanding of optical modeling and design.
• Proficiency in quantitative analysis and various optical design software.

Responsibilities

• Mentor junior engineers and lead engineering tasks.
• Perform data collection and analysis for engineering projects.
• Ensure accuracy and documentation in engineering practices.

Skills

Optical engineering expertise

Optical modeling techniques

Laser beam propagation

Design to specifications

Tolerance analysis techniques

Fiber optics knowledge

Stray light analysis

Measurement and control techniques

Engineering software proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field

Tools

Ansys Zemax OpticStudio

Photon Engineering FRED

Lambda Research OSLO

Python

Job description

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Senior Optical 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:

• Work independently and in a team while overcommunicating 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 through 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 Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
• A minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, ideally within a startup or technology company.

Skills

• Extensive expertise in various topics related to optical engineering and a robust understanding of the standard curriculum for optical engineering degrees.
• In‑depth knowledge of optical modeling techniques, including ray tracing, wave propagation, and electromagnetic solvers.
• Comprehensive understanding of laser beam propagation, particularly how the movement and rotation of optics influence a beam’s near‑field, far‑field, beam quality, and fiber coupling efficiency.
• Thorough knowledge on designing to specifications: strategizing design tasks to meet an array of innovative requirements, identifying the most efficient analysis methods for each task, and developing as well as validating new design and analysis techniques.
• In‑depth insight into evaluating optical layouts for optimal performance, manufacturability, and associated risks.
• Extensive experience in organizing complex laser modules using optical design software.
• Proficient in quantitatively defining optical components, including material properties, surface prescriptions, surface irregularities, roughness, mechanical limitations, coatings, power handling capabilities, environmental handling, and testing and inspection methodologies.
• Advanced knowledge of tolerance analysis techniques related to component fabrication.
• Strong understanding of fiber optics used in high‑power continuous wave (CW) laser systems, such as multi‑mode, single mode, polarization‑maintaining, step index, photonic crystal fibers, and endcaps.
• Familiarity with stray light analysis within the context of a laser system.
• Knowledge of measurement and control techniques for laser intensity, frequency, and phase noise.
• Understanding of how to incorporate electro‑optics (modulators) and opto‑electronics (detectors) into laser systems.
• Documented success in carrying out engineering tasks, including proficiency in design software (such as Ansys Zemax OpticStudio, Photon Engineering FRED, and/or Lambda Research OSLO preferred) along with quantitative analysis/programming tools (e.g., Python), instrumentation and measurement, part fabrication or procurement, integration and testing, data collection, 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.