Monarch Quantum · 1 week ago
Sr. Principal Optical Engineer Level 5
San Diego, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level, Lead/Staff
$165K/yr - $225K/yr
14+ years expMonarch Quantum is a fast-paced and passionate company seeking a Senior Principal Optical Engineer. In this dynamic role, you will be instrumental in building foundational engineering practices and driving innovation in optical engineering to support the company's mission and growth.
Consumer Electronics
Responsibilities
Work independently and in a team while over communicating with the manager, project engineer, and the teammates
Execute complex engineering tasks involving planning, preparation, data/information collection, and analysis and decision-making in a process involving peer reviews and documentation of the results
Use tenacity, patience, self-discipline, and passion for excellence to assure accuracy of execution schedule, data quality/integrity, conformance to company best practices, clarity in communication, and documentation
Use every opportunity to grow competency through mentorship, curiosity, communication, exposure, and initiative
Drive innovation in modeling, design, analysis, and alignment methods to support product roadmap
Perform laser system architecture trade studies with complex and interdependent performance requirements
Support business development with architecture concepts, feasibility analysis, and white paper writing
Support project engineering with project scope, schedule, and risk analysis
Qualification
Required
A bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field
Minimum of 14 years of relevant experience, ideally within a startup or technology company
Extensive knowledge of various optical engineering topics coupled with a strong grasp of the standard curriculum for optical engineering degrees
Thorough understanding of optical modeling techniques, including ray tracing, wave propagation, and electromagnetic solvers
In-depth comprehension of laser beam propagation, including how movements and rotations of optics affect the beam's near-field, far-field, beam quality, and fiber coupling efficiency
Proficient in designing to specific requirements: strategizing design efforts to meet innovative requirements, identifying optimal analysis methods for each requirement, and creating and validating new design and analysis techniques
Insightful skills in assessing optical configurations for baseline performance, manufacturability, and associated risks
Expertise in configuring complex laser modules using optical design software
Skilled in quantitatively defining optics: including material characteristics, surface specifications, surface irregularities, roughness, mechanical limitations, coatings, power handling capabilities, environmental considerations, as well as testing and inspection protocols
Solid understanding of tolerance analysis techniques pertinent to component manufacturing
Comprehensive knowledge of fiber optics for high-power continuous-wave laser systems: including multi-mode, single-mode, polarization-maintaining, step-index, photonic crystal fibers, and endcaps
Deep expertise in stray light analysis within laser systems
Competence in methods for measuring and controlling laser intensity, frequency, and phase noise
Ability to design electro-optics (such as modulators) and opto-electronics (such as detectors) for integration into laser systems
Understanding of nonlinear optical phenomena: capable of predictive modeling for resonant and non-resonant harmonic generation, frequency conversion, and parametric amplification
Proven ability to effectively execute engineering projects using design software (Ansys Zemax OpticStudio, Photon Engineering FRED, and/or Lambda Research OSLO preferred) and quantitative analysis/programming tools (such as Python), as well as with instrumentation and measurement, part fabrication or procurement, integration and testing, data gathering, and documentation
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
Preferred
Proven ability to effectively execute engineering projects using design software (Ansys Zemax OpticStudio, Photon Engineering FRED, and/or Lambda Research OSLO preferred)
Benefits
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)
Company
Monarch Quantum
We’re an integrated photonics company in California building the light engines that power the next era of quantum technology — from advanced computing to precision sensing.
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageCompany data provided by crunchbase