Senior Principal Supplier Quality Engineer

Monarch Quantum, Inc.; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 175,000 - 225,000; Full time

Job summary

Monarch Quantum, Inc. is seeking a Senior Principal Supplier Quality Engineer to build our quality architecture and supplier ecosystem from the ground up in a fast-paced startup environment.

You will lead DFx, audits, CAPA, and risk management across optics, electronics, fiber optics, and exotic metals, collaborating with engineering, operations, and procurement to drive supplier excellence and robust QMS implementation.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical, Optical, Electrical Engineering or Materials Science.
• 12+ years in supplier quality or quality engineering in high-tech, precision hardware.
• Experience auditing and qualifying vendors for exotic metals, optics, fiber, PWBA assemblies.
• Knowledge of SMT/PWBA standards (IPC-A-610/J-STD) and GD&T fundamentals.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001/AS9100, SPC, FMEA, 8D problem solving, Gage R&R.
• Willingness to travel 25–35% domestically and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Define and execute Monarch’s Supplier Quality Architecture and QMS strategy.
• Own technical commodities including optics, PCBs, fiber cables, and exotic metals.
• Lead DFx during NPI and manage APQP, CTQ specs and D/PFMEA.
• Perform audits, FAI/PPAP and supplier qualification.
• Drive CAPA with structured root-cause analyses and preventive actions.
• Monitor supplier KPIs and collaborate on dual-sourcing and development.

Skills

Cross-Functional Leadership

Supplier Quality

Quality Engineering

Risk Management

Project Management

Education

Bachelor’s in Mechanical/ Optical/ Electrical Engineering or Materials Science

Master’s preferred

Tools

GD&T (ASME Y14.5)

ISO 9001/AS9100

SPC

FMEA

8D problem-solving

Gage R&R

IPC-A-610/J-STD

Job description

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Senior Principal Supplier Quality Engineer. As Monarch Quantum scales, you will be instrumental in building our quality architecture and supplier ecosystem from the ground up. Reporting directly to the Director of Supply Chain, you will serve as the premier technical authority on supplier quality across high-precision commodities critical to our laser light engines and quantum computer system integration.

This is a dynamic, high-impact leadership role for a self-starter who thrives in a fluid startup environment. You willestablishrigorous quality systems, lead cross-functional risk mitigation(DFx), and drive vendor excellence across optics, advanced electronics, fiberoptics, and exotic metal fabrications.

Key Responsibilities:

• Supplier Quality Architecture & Strategy: Lead the definition and execution of Monarch’s global Supplier Quality Engineering strategy and Quality Management System (QMS) framework from early development through production scale-up.
• Technical & Commodity Ownership: Serve as the technical expert for2 or morecritical supplier commodities, including optical components (lenses, mirrors, coatings), printed circuit board assemblies (PWBAs), fiber optic cables, and precision-machined partsutilizingexotic materials (MoCu, Kovar, Molybdenum).
• NPI & Advanced Quality Planning (APQP): Partner closely with Hardware and Manufacturing Engineering during New Product Introduction (NPI) to lead Design for Manufacturability/Quality (DFx), perform Design/Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (D/PFMEA), andestablishcritical-to-quality (CTQ) specifications.
• Engineering & Drawing Verification: Interpret complex engineering drawings, technical specifications, optical parameters, and advanced Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T) data to align technical intent with supplier manufacturing capabilities.
• Auditing & Supplier Qualification: Design and perform comprehensive onsite process, technical, and system audits for new and existing global suppliers. Direct First Article Inspections (FAI/PPAP) and qualification protocols.
• Corrective & Preventive Action (CAPA): Drive root-cause analyses using structured problem-solving methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone) for non-conformances, yield issues, and field escapes, ensuring permanent supplier resolution.
• Risk & Performance Metrics: Monitor, score, and report supplier quality metrics (SCARs, PPM, yield) to executive leadership. Partner with Supply Chain on dual-sourcing strategy and supplier development initiatives.

Please note: 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).

Skills & Experience:

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Mechanical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, or a related technical discipline (Master’spreferred).
• Experience: Minimum of 12+ years of progressive supplier quality or quality engineering experience in high-tech, precision hardware environments (optics, photonics, semiconductors, aerospace, or advanced systems).
• Technical Expertise: Deep experience auditing and qualifying vendors forone or more of the following:
• Precision-machined exotic metals (MoCu, Kovar, Molybdenum) and tight-tolerance CNC/EDM operations.
• Free-space optics, optical coatings, and fiber optic cable assemblies.
• Surface-mount technology (SMT) and PWBA assembly standards (IPC-A-610/J-STD).
• Tooling & Standards: Mastery of GD&T (ASME Y14.5), ISO 9001/AS9100, SPC, FMEA, 8D problem-solving, and Gage R&R studies.
• Cross-Functional Leadership: Demonstratedability to lead supplier risk reviews, influence senior technical leadership, and work across engineering, operations, and procurement teams.
• Travel: Ability to travel up to 25–35% (domestic and international) for vendor audits and on-site technical resolution.

Startup Mindset:

• You'recreative, flexible, and eager to wear multiple hats-youdon'twait for a process to exist; you build it.
• You'repassionate about building systems from the ground up and comfortable with ambiguity and change.

The expected annual salary range for this position is $175,000-$225,000.

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.