Monarch Quantum · 16 hours ago
Principal Laser Scientist New Laser Development
San Diego, CA
Full-time
Onsite
Lead/Staff
$170K/yr - $240K/yr
10+ years expMonarch Quantum is a dynamic startup focused on innovative laser technologies, and they are seeking a Principal Laser Scientist for New Laser Development. In this role, you will architect and develop new laser platforms, lead design across multiple architectures, and collaborate with various engineering teams to drive technology forward.
Consumer Electronics
No H1B
U.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Architect and develop new laser platforms from concept through prototype and early productization
Lead laser design across multiple architectures:
External cavity lasers (free-space and fiber-based)
Fiber lasers and amplifiers
Semiconductor lasers (DFB, DBR, FP, ECL gain chips)
Define optical, electrical, thermal, and mechanical requirements for new laser systems
Perform and guide:
Optical design and modeling
Cavity design, mode control, linewidth and noise optimization
Wavelength tuning, stabilization, and control
Design and execute experiments to characterize:
Linewidth, phase noise, RIN
SMSR, tuning range, power, efficiency
Environmental sensitivity (temperature, vibration, aging)
Drive technology trade studies and down-select architectures based on performance, manufacturability, and cost
Collaborate closely with:
Photonics integration and packaging teams
Electronics and control systems engineers
Reliability and manufacturing engineering
Mentor senior and junior engineers; set technical direction and best practices
Author technical documentation, invention disclosures, and peer-reviewed publications as appropriate
Support transition of designs to production, including design for test and design for manufacturability
Qualification
Required
This position requires access to export-controlled information. Employment is contingent upon the applicant being a U.S. person as defined by 8 U.S.C 1324b(a)(3)
PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or related field (exceptional MS candidates considered)
10+ years of hands-on experience designing and building laser systems
Deep expertise in at least two of the following: External cavity laser architectures, Fiber lasers and fiber amplifiers, Semiconductor laser design and physics
Strong understanding of: Laser physics and cavity dynamics, Noise processes (linewidth, phase noise, RIN), Thermal effects and opto-mechanical stability
Proven experience taking laser concepts from lab demonstration to robust prototype
Comfortable working hands-on in the lab (optical benches, fiber splicing, diagnostics)
Preferred
Experience with narrow linewidth, low-noise, or widely tunable lasers
Background in one or more application areas: Telecommunications, LIDAR, Sensing or metrology, Quantum, atomic, or coherent optical systems
Familiarity with: PIC-based lasers or hybrid integration, Control loops, frequency locking, and stabilization techniques, Reliability, lifetime testing, and environmental qualification, Track record of patents or high-impact publications
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