Photonic Systems Program Lead

Posted 3 Days Ago
Be an Early Applicant
San Diego, CA, USA
In-Office
150K-200K Annually
Senior level
Hardware • Semiconductor • Quantum Computing • Manufacturing
Delivering quantum light engines at scale
The Role
Leads photonic systems development projects from planning through execution, managing scope, schedules, budgets, risks, milestones, technical teams, customer interactions, and cross-functional coordination. Establishes engineering practices and oversees requirements, design and test readiness reviews, integration, testing, documentation, installation, and support. The role requires deep expertise in at least one relevant technical discipline and thrives in a startup environment.
Summary Generated by Built In

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Photonic Systems Program Lead. 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:

  • Leads planning and execution of development projects, responsible for project scope, schedule and budget. Represents the company in front of customers and collaborates with functional managers within Engineering and cross-functionally to assure successful project execution.
  • Manages matrixed technical team thru schedule bottlenecks, uncertainty, lack of information and sudden changes, while screening team from external turbulence and assuring highest productivity and focus on success.
  • Provides technical, logistical and problem-solving leadership, develops and employs best engineering practices. Anticipates risks and identifies opportunities, then manages both thru the projects.
  • Responsible for project execution per internally and customer defined processes, reaching, documenting and defending project milestones: requirement, design and test readiness reviews, integration and test events, test reports, installation and support activities.

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:

  • Advanced degree in Engineering or a related field.
  • 8 years of relevant experience (including pursuit of relevant higher education), ideally within a startup or technology company.

Skills:

  • Proven record of successfully leading a photonic system development project using structured development process.
  • Expert in a subset of technical areas: systems engineering, optics and photonics, AMO physics, control theory, opto-mechanics, electrical and software engineering.

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 $150,000-$200,000.

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.

Skills Required

  • U.S. person as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3), due to access to export-controlled information
  • Advanced degree in Engineering or a related field
  • 8 years of relevant experience, including relevant higher education
  • Proven record of successfully leading a photonic system development project using a structured development process
  • Expertise in at least one technical area: systems engineering, optics and photonics, AMO physics, control theory, opto-mechanics, electrical engineering, or software engineering
  • Experience within a startup or technology company
  • Creative, flexible, hands-on startup mindset and comfort with ambiguity and change

Monarch Quantum, Inc. Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Monarch Quantum, Inc. and has not been reviewed or approved by Monarch Quantum, Inc..

  • Leave & Time Off Breadth — Time-off provisions include 20 PTO days and 13 paid holidays, indicating broad leave availability. A 9/80 schedule is also advertised, adding flexibility with every other Friday off.
  • Retirement Support — Retirement benefits feature a Fidelity 401(k) with a 4% employer match and immediate vesting. This combination signals solid support for long-term savings.
  • Fair & Transparent Compensation — Compensation is presented as competitive with larger San Diego tech employers, and job postings publish substantial salary ranges by role and level. This visibility indicates an intention to align pay with market benchmarks.

Monarch Quantum, Inc. Insights

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The Company
HQ: San Diego, CA
160 Employees
Year Founded: 2025

What We Do

Monarch Quantum is a U.S.-based quantum photonics company that designs and manufactures integrated photonics systems, known as Quantum Light Engines™, for quantum computing, sensing, and communications.

Why Work With Us

We’re looking for curious, driven individuals inspired by the intersection of physics, engineering, and imagination. Here, you’ll collaborate with world-class experts to scale transformative quantum solutions, see measurable impact from your work, and grow through mentorship and cross-disciplinary collaboration while benefiting from a flexible,

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