Project Engineer 4 - Quantum Photonics Modules

Monarch Quantum•San Diego, CA

10h•$175,000 - $225,000

About The Position

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Quantum Photonics Modules Project Engineer 4. 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.

Requirements

MS or PhD. degree in Optical Engineering, Photonics Engineering, Physics, or related technical field
Typically, 5+ years of engineering or project management experience within photonics, optoelectronics, or related industries
Demonstrated ownership of at least one photonic or optoelectronic product taken from prototype through qualification and into sustained high-volume production.
Hands-on DfX experience — DFM, DFA, DFT, DFR, and design-to-cost — applied to photonic or optomechanical packaging.
Working knowledge of photonic module integration across optical, mechanical, and electrical domains.
Track record leading cross-functional programs with multiple stakeholders, managing schedule, budgets, and resources.
Experience identifying and mitigating technical risk in a development environment.

Nice To Haves

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.

Responsibilities

Build and maintain integrated project plans, phase-gate deliverables, and budgets; drive milestones to completion and escalate early when the critical path is at risk.
Lead cross-functional teams spanning optical, mechanical, electrical, process, test, quality, and supply chain — largely without direct authority — aligning priorities and resolving competing constraints.
Run design reviews, gate reviews, and technical problem-solving sessions; drive decisions to closure and document the rationale.
Embed DfX — manufacturability, assembly, test, reliability, and cost — into design decisions from the concept phase forward.
Drive design and process changes that improve first-pass yield, cycle time, and unit cost, and own the business case behind each.
Develop and manage supplier relationships for critical photonic and optomechanical components; drive qualification, second-sourcing, and cost reduction.
Track project progress, generate status reports, and communicate updates to management and stakeholders
Drive continuous improvement initiatives to optimize project execution and module performance
Report program status, metrics, and decisions to engineering leadership and executive stakeholders.