
Posted 9 days ago
Principal Quantum Photonics Systems Engineer
AI Summary
Provides technical leadership on architecture, design and integration of advanced laser systems for quantum technologies, including laser stabilization and low-noise electronic control. Mentors engineers and contributes to technology roadmaps.
About this role
Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a 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.
- Contribute to strategic technology roadmaps and partner with leadership to align technical development with business goals.
Requirements
Experience:
- Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
- Minimum 8 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 control and servo systems
- Optical system modeling, alignment, and noise analysis
Additional qualifications:
- Proven ability to design and deliver reliable photonic systems.
- Strong communication skills with experience guiding 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.
Benefits
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.
Skills
Explore related jobs
More jobs at Monarch Quantum
- M
Precision Component Cleaning & Materials Handling Technician Fixed-TermSan Diego, CA - M
Supply Chain ManagerSan Diego, CA - M
Firmware Engineering ManagerSan Diego, CA - M
Laboratory Operations Lead & Laser Safety OfficerSan Diego, CA - M
Senior Technician Fiber Optic ProcessSan Diego, California - M
Principal Reliability EngineerSan Diego, California
Similar Photonics jobs
Jobs in San Diego
- M
Beauty Advisor - CHANEL Beaute, University Town Center CA- Full TimeMacy's · San Diego, CA - CForward Deployment Engineer - Advanced - 5G/6G/NTNCareers Keysight · San Diego, California
- CForward Deployment Engineer – Senior - 5G/6G/NTNCareers Keysight · San Diego, California
- CSenior Wireless Software Engineer (5G/6G Protocol Stack)Careers Keysight · San Diego, California
- AManager / Senior Manager, Technical OperationsARS Pharmaceuticals Operations, Inc. · San Diego, California
- ADirector / Senior Director, Technical OperationsARS Pharmaceuticals Operations, Inc. · San Diego, California
Browse these categories
Market data for this role
All reports →- SeriesRole reportsOne role family at a time: how many openings, what changed this week, who is hiring, what it pays.
- SeriesSalary reportsWhat employers publish in job postings, by level and workplace. Not self-reported pay.
- Market overviewState of tech hiring, September 2026: up 4.8%Tech hiring rose 4.8% month over month in September 2026, with 411,122 new listings. Customer support and account executive roles led the growth.