Principal Optical Systems Engineer

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Principal Optical 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.

This is a highly technical, lab-focused role for someone with strong practical optical experience who thrives in a fast-paced, dynamic engineering environment. You’ll work closely with Mechanical Engineering, Optical Design, Software, and Process Development teams to ensure our equipment performs reliably and meets evolving customer needs.

We’re looking for an independent problem solver who can confidently make technical decisions, troubleshoot complex optical systems, and translate lab findings into actionable engineering improvements.

Key Responsibilities:

Optical Integration & Characterization: Independently align, characterize, troubleshoot, and optimize free-space and fiber-based optical systems within automated equipment.

System Performance: Evaluate optical performance, identify root causes of issues, and recommend design or process improvements to increase reliability, repeatability, and performance.

Cross-Functional Collaboration: Serve as a key technical interface with Process Development, understanding their requirements and supporting the development and improvement of optical conversion kits.

New Product Development: Participate in design reviews, evaluate proposed optical configurations, and provide practical feedback based on lab experience and system performance.

Technical Ownership: Exercise independent engineering judgment, prioritize technical issues, and drive solutions in a rapidly evolving environment.

Safety & Documentation: Demonstrate disciplined laser safety practices and develop clear alignment procedures, test methods, and technical documentation.

Requirements

• 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).

Experience:

• BS or MS in Optical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or a related technical discipline, or equivalent relevant experience.
• 8+ years of hands-on experience working with complex optical or laser-based systems.
• Strong working knowledge of free-space optics, laser alignment, beam propagation, fiber coupling, and optical measurement techniques.
• Experience with optical characterization, troubleshooting, and experimental test setups.
• Ability to independently diagnose problems, make sound technical decisions, and communicate findings across engineering disciplines.
• Demonstrated commitment to safe laser operations and established laboratory safety procedures.

• Comfortable working in a dynamic startup environment where requirements and priorities evolve rapidly.

Preferred Experience

• Optical integration in semiconductor equipment, photonics, precision instrumentation, or automated test systems.
• Experience with opto-mechanical assemblies, active alignment, motion-control systems, and optical metrology.
• Experience translating experimental results into engineering design changes.

What Makes This Role Different

This is not primarily an optical design position. We’re looking for someone who knows how to make complex optical systems work in practice-someone equally comfortable aligning lasers at an optical table, investigating performance issues, and collaborating with engineers to improve the next generation of equipment.

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 Quantum 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.