Principal Project Engineer, Photonic System Development

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📍 San Diego, California, United StatesFull time

About this role

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Senior Principal Project 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:

  • 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.
  • 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.

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.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Where is the Principal Project Engineer, Photonic System Development position at 4T3NPou4Wb8Dju8UV53YqX located?
This Principal Project Engineer, Photonic System Development role at 4T3NPou4Wb8Dju8UV53YqX is based in San Diego, California, United States. The position is listed as on-site or hybrid. Check the full job description or apply directly to confirm the work arrangement.
Is the Principal Project Engineer, Photonic System Development role at 4T3NPou4Wb8Dju8UV53YqX full-time or part-time?
This is listed as a Full time position. It is posted as a Principal Project Engineer, Photonic System Development role in the Engineering department at 4T3NPou4Wb8Dju8UV53YqX.
Which team or department does the Principal Project Engineer, Photonic System Development at 4T3NPou4Wb8Dju8UV53YqX belong to?
This Principal Project Engineer, Photonic System Development position is part of the Engineering department at 4T3NPou4Wb8Dju8UV53YqX. See the full job description for more information about the team structure and responsibilities.
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When was the Principal Project Engineer, Photonic System Development job at 4T3NPou4Wb8Dju8UV53YqX posted?
This Principal Project Engineer, Photonic System Development position at 4T3NPou4Wb8Dju8UV53YqX was posted on Dec 16, 2025. Apply as soon as possible — early applications are often reviewed first.
Principal Project Engineer, Photonic System Development
4T3NPou4Wb8Dju8UV53YqX
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