Senior Principal Quantum Photonics Systems Engineer

Socket.dev; 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

20 PTO days per year

13 paid company holidays

9/80 work schedule

Job summary

Monarch is seeking a Senior Principal Photonics Systems Engineer to build our photonics foundation in a fast-paced startup environment.

The role drives architecture for laser-based systems, collaborates across optical, electronic, firmware, and mechanical teams, and mentors junior engineers to ensure high reliability and cutting-edge performance.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum 15 years designing and testing complex photonic or laser-based systems.
• Experience leading architecture and development of laser and photonic systems.

Responsibilities

• Provide technical leadership 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 controls.
• Lead efforts to achieve ultra-low noise performance and high reliability through design, modeling, and experiments.
• Collaborate with optical, electronic, firmware, and mechanical engineers.
• Develop system-level requirements, specifications, and validation protocols.

Skills

Laser stabilization

Low-noise controls

Optical modeling

Photonic systems

Leadership skills

Quantum tech

Education

Bachelor’s in physics/EE/optics

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

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'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.

Key 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 to for the development of and maintenance 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

• 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.

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.