Senior Photonic Systems Engineer - Quantum Light Engines

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, Vision insurance

401(k) with employer matching

PTO 20 days per year

13 holidays per year

9/80 schedule

Job summary

Monarch Quantum is seeking a Photonic Systems Project Engineer 3 to lead the design and development of Light Engine systems. You will own end-to-end optical system development, including beam conditioning, switching, and control, while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team.

The role emphasizes leadership in AMO laser systems, with opportunities to shape strategic technology roadmaps and work on quantum sensing applications. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits are provided.

Qualifications

• Ph.D. (or M.S. with 10+ years) in Physics, Optical Engineering, or a closely related field with hands-on work in AMO or ultrafast laser systems.
• Direct experience building and maintaining laser systems, preferably in an AMO lab context—atom trapping, cooling, trapped ions, optical clocks, or quantum sensing.
• Experience implementing laser frequency stabilization and understanding servo/feedback control theory.
• Experience with fiber optics including coupling, delivery, and power handling.
• Strong leadership and ability to drive technical decisions across teams.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and system-level direction on architecture, design, and integration of advanced laser systems for quantum technologies.
• Define and guide core photonics and control technologies, including laser stabilization and low-noise electronic control systems.
• Lead efforts to achieve ultra-low noise performance and high reliability through design, modeling, and experimental validation.
• Collaborate with optical, electronic, firmware, and mechanical engineers.
• Mentor junior engineers and foster technical excellence and cross-functional collaboration.
• Architect optical subsystems for beam conditioning, delivery, switching, and control.

Skills

Leadership

Documentation

Communication

Laser stabilization

Education

Ph.D. in Physics or Optical Engineering

M.S. with 10+ years AMO laser experience

Tools

AOMs

EOMs

Optical isolators

Fiber coupling

Job description

Monarch Quantum is seeking a Photonic Systems Project Engineer 3 to lead the design and development of Light Engine systems. You will own end-to-end optical system development, including beam conditioning, switching, and control, while collaborating with a multidisciplinary team.

The role emphasizes leadership in AMO laser systems, with opportunities to shape strategic technology roadmaps and work on quantum sensing applications. Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits are provided.