Principal Photonic Systems Architect

Monarch Quantum•San Diego, CA

16h

About The Position

Join Monarch’s fast-paced team as a Senior Principal Photonics Systems Engineer. This hands-on role will help build the company’s foundation as it scales, working closely with leadership on cutting-edge technologies and developing engineering practices that support its mission and growth. The position provides technical leadership and system-level direction for the architecture, design, and integration of advanced laser systems for quantum technologies. It also guides development of photonics and control technologies, including laser stabilization, narrow-linewidth sources, and low-noise electronic control systems. The role focuses on achieving ultra-low-noise performance and exceptional reliability through design, modeling, and experimental validation, and involves close collaboration across optical, electronic, firmware, and mechanical engineering. The successful candidate will also contribute technical expertise to system-level requirements, specifications, and performance validation protocols, while mentoring junior engineers and fostering technical excellence, innovation, and cross-functional collaboration.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics, or a related field.
At least 5 years of experience designing and testing complex photonic or laser-based systems.
Demonstrated expertise in narrow-linewidth and frequency-stabilized laser systems.
Demonstrated expertise in low-noise electronic controls and servo systems.
Demonstrated expertise in optical system modeling, alignment, and noise analysis.
Demonstrated expertise in experimental design, execution, and troubleshooting.
Demonstrated expertise in data processing and analysis.
Demonstrated expertise with optical and electronic laboratory test equipment and metrology.
Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to drive technical decisions across teams.
Creative, flexible, and eager to wear multiple hats; passionate about building systems from the ground up and comfortable with ambiguity and change.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree preferred.
Experience in quantum systems, precision metrology, or related emerging technologies.

Responsibilities

Provide technical leadership and system-level direction for the architecture, design, and integration of advanced laser systems for quantum technologies.
Define and guide 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 with optical, electronic, firmware, and mechanical engineers.
Provide technical expertise in developing and maintaining system-level requirements, specifications, and performance validation protocols.
Mentor junior engineers and foster technical excellence, innovation, and cross-functional collaboration.