Senior Principal Multi‑Disciplinary Engineer (Electro‑Optics‑Lasers)

Monarch Quantum; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 195,000 - 235,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

Fidelity 401(k) plan with 4% employer…

20 paid time off (PTO) days per year

13 paid company holidays

9/80 work schedule (every other Friday

Job summary

Monarch Quantum is seeking a Multi-Disciplinary Engineer 5 (Electro-Optics-Lasers) to help build core hardware capabilities from the ground up in a fast, startup environment. This hands-on role requires collaborating across electronics, optics, firmware, and systems to solve challenging technical problems.

You will bring strong hands-on skills in multiple fields with deep depth in at least one area, and you will design, test, and validate high‑power laser systems while embracing ambiguity and

Qualifications

• PhD in Engineering or related field.
• 10+ years of relevant experience including higher-education work.
• Hands-on experience with high-power lasers and beam modulation.
• Ability to analyze, fabricate, and test designs to validate performance.

Responsibilities

• Build core hardware capabilities from the ground up.
• Collaborate across multiple engineering disciplines to solve challenging problems.
• Hands-on design, testing, and validation of high-power laser systems.
• Navigate export-control requirements and startup dynamics.

Skills

Electronic Hardware Design

System simulation

Controls and Systems

Test and Measurement

Firmware and Programming

Lasers and Optics

Hardware and Design

Education

PhD in Engineering or related field

Job description

Join our fast‑moving, mission‑driven team as a Multi‑Disciplinary Engineer 5 (Electro‑Optics‑Lasers). As we scale, you’ll play a foundational role in building core hardware capabilities from the ground up. This hands‑on position is ideal for a self‑starter who thrives in a fluid startup environment and enjoys working across multiple engineering disciplines to solve challenging technical problems. Individuals should have strong hands‑on practical skills in multiple fields listed below with exceptional skills in at least one of the fields:

• Electronic Hardware Design
• System simulation
• Controls and Systems
• Test and Measurement
• Firmware and Programming
• Lasers and Optics
• Hardware and Design

• 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:

• Phd in Engineering or a related field.
• 10+ years of relevant experience—including applicable higher‑education work—preferably within a startup or technology‑driven environment.
• Strong analytical capabilities paired with hands‑on experience in generating and controlling high‑precision, high‑power lasers and beam modulation.
• Proven ability to analyze, fabricate, and test designs to validate performance through real‑world experimentation.
• Candidates with extensive high‑power laser safety experience are strongly preferred.

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 $195.000-$235,000.

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.