Senior Principal Photonics Systems Engineer

Monarch Quantum, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 160,000 - 240,000; 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 quantum technologies company in San Diego is seeking a Senior Principal Photonics Systems Engineer to provide technical leadership in advanced laser systems. The ideal candidate will have at least 15 years of experience in photonic systems design and possess expertise in narrow linewidth and low-noise systems. The role includes mentoring junior engineers and aligning technical projects with business goals. This full-time position offers a competitive salary range of $160,000 to $240,000 and a comprehensive benefits package.

Qualifications

• Minimum 15 years of experience designing and testing complex photonic or laser-based systems.
• Advanced degree preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership on advanced laser systems.
• Guide development of core photonics and control technologies.
• Achieve ultra-low noise performance through rigorous design and validation.
• Collaborate with engineering teams across disciplines.
• Mentor junior engineers and foster technical excellence.
• Align technical development with business goals.

Skills

Narrow linewidth and frequency-stabilized laser systems

Low-noise electronic controls and servo systems

Optical system modeling, alignment, and noise analysis

Communication and leadership skills

Experience in quantum systems

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics

Job description

Overview

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Senior Principal Photonics Systems 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 will work on cutting edge technologies, collaborate with leadership, and develop and implement engineering practices that support our mission and growth.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership and system-level direction on the architecture, design, and integration of advanced laser systems for quantum technologies.
• Define and guide the development of core photonics and control technologies, including laser stabilization, narrow linewidth sources, and low-noise electronic control systems.
• Lead efforts to achieve ultra-low noise performance and exceptional reliability through rigorous design, modeling, and experimental validation.
• Collaborate closely with optical, electronic, firmware, and mechanical engineers.
• Provide technical expertise for the development of and maintenance of system-level requirements, specifications, and performance validation protocols.
• Mentor junior engineers and foster a culture of technical excellence, innovation, and cross-functional collaboration.
• Contribute to strategic technology roadmaps and partner with leadership to align technical development with business goals.

Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
• Minimum 15 years of experience designing and testing complex photonic or laser-based systems.

Skills

Demonstrated expertise in:

• Narrow linewidth and frequency-stabilized laser systems
• Low-noise electronic controls and servo systems
• Optical system modeling, alignment, and noise analysis
• Proven track record of architecting and delivering high-reliability photonic systems
• Excellent communication and leadership skills with demonstrated ability to drive technical decisions across teams
• Experience in quantum systems, precision metrology, or related emerging technologies is a strong plus

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 $160,000-$240,000.

Benefits

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 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.