Senior Quantum Photonics Systems Engineer

Monarch Quantum; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 165,000 - 200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance

401(k) with 4% employer matching

20 PTO days per year

13 paid company holidays

9/80 work schedule

Job summary

Monarch Quantum seeks a Senior Principal Photonics Systems Engineer in San Diego, CA to build our foundation from the ground up within a fast-paced startup. You will lead architecture and integration of advanced laser systems for quantum technologies, collaborating with cross-functional engineering teams.

The role requires 5+ years of designing complex photonic systems and expertise in low-noise controls, optical modeling, and metrology.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
• Minimum 5 years of experience designing and testing complex photonic or laser-based systems.

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 reliability through 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.

Skills

Laser stabilization

Low-noise controls

Optical modeling

Experimental design

Data analysis

Lab metrology

Leadership

Quantum tech

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Physics/EE/Optics

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Laser test equipment

Metrology instruments

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. Your key responsibilities are as follows:

• 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.

Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
• Minimum 5 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
• Experimental design, execution, and troubleshooting
• Data processing and analysis
• Optical and electronic laboratory test equipment and metrology
• 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 $165,000-$200,000.

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.