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San Diego, United States

Principal Quantum Photonics Systems Engineer

Monarch Quantum · San Diego · United States

Salary
$175,000–$225,000 per year
Contract
Full time
Occupation
Systems Engineer

Posted: 10/23/2026 · Last checked: 10/26/2026

Job description

Quoted in full from Monarch Quantum's job posting. Gavroche does not edit it.

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.

From Gavroche data

Figures computed from live adverts on Gavroche; the job text above is the employer's.

Similar roles in San Diego

200 open roles like this one; at most three per employer shown.

What systems engineer adverts in the United States state

Middle half: 140,000 – 195,000 USD a year; median 170,000 USD.

From 441 adverts by 136 employers that state a salary, annualised.

How systems engineer roles in the United States are worked

3% fully remote · 3% hybrid · 94% do not say

Of 168 adverts. An advert that does not state a work mode is counted as not saying, not as on-site.

New openings in San Diego, by week

  1. 8/3/2026 22
  2. 8/10/2026 15
  3. 8/17/2026 42
  4. 8/24/2026 32
  5. 8/31/2026 56
  6. 9/7/2026 61
  7. 9/14/2026 69
  8. 9/21/2026 90
  9. 9/28/2026 48
  10. 10/5/2026 103
  11. 10/12/2026 93
  12. 10/19/2026 87
  13. 10/26/2026 12

730 openings over 12 weeks, by the week they were published.

Other roles at Monarch Quantum

70 open.