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Monarch Quantum

60 Monarch Quantum Optical Engineer Jobs Hiring Near You

Monarch Quantum

Optical Engineer Level 2

San Diego, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as an Optical Engineer 2. As we scale, you will be ... other Friday off) Monarch Quantum is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not ...

Monarch Quantum

Optical Engineer Level 2

San Diego, CA · On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as an Optical Engineer 2. As we scale, you will be ... other Friday off) Monarch Quantum is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not ...

Monarch Quantum

Optical Engineer Level 3

San Diego, CA · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Senior Optical Engineer. As we scale, you will be ... other Friday off) Monarch Quantum is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not ...

Monarch Quantum

Optical Engineer Level 3

San Diego, CA · On-site

$125K - $175K/yr

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Senior Optical Engineer. As we scale, you will be ... other Friday off) Monarch Quantum is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not ...

Monarch Quantum

Optical Engineer Level 3

San Diego, CA

$125K - $175K/yr

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Senior Optical Engineer. As we scale, you will be ... other Friday off) Monarch Quantum is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not ...

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Monarch Quantum Jobs Information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optical Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optical Engineer, you need a solid background in physics, optics, and mathematics, typically supported by a degree in optical engineering or a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or Code V), CAD tools, and laboratory equipment is commonly required, along with relevant certifications like SPIE or OSA membership. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork are crucial soft skills for success in this field. These skills and qualifications are vital for designing precise optical systems, solving complex technical challenges, and collaborating on innovative projects.

What are some typical challenges Optical Engineers face when working on new product development?

Optical Engineers involved in new product development often encounter challenges such as balancing optical performance with manufacturability and cost constraints. They must collaborate closely with mechanical and electrical engineers to ensure system integration meets all technical requirements. Additionally, they need to troubleshoot issues that arise during prototyping, such as unexpected aberrations or alignment difficulties, and iterate designs rapidly to meet project timelines. Effective communication and creative problem-solving are essential in overcoming these hurdles.

What does an optical engineer do?

An optical engineer designs and develops devices and systems that use the properties of light, such as lenses, lasers, microscopes, and fiber optics. They use principles of physics and engineering to solve problems related to the generation, transmission, and detection of light. Optical engineers work in a variety of industries, including telecommunications, aerospace, healthcare, and manufacturing. Their work often involves research, testing, and improving optical components and systems to enhance performance and efficiency.

What is the difference between Optical Engineer vs Optical Technician?

AspectOptical EngineerOptical Technician
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in optical engineering, physics, or related fieldAssociate's degree or technical certification in optics or related field
Work EnvironmentDesign, development, and testing of optical systems in labs or R&D settingsAssembly, alignment, and maintenance of optical equipment in manufacturing or labs
Employer & Industry UsageResearch institutions, tech companies, aerospace, defenseManufacturers, optical labs, production facilities

Optical Engineers focus on designing and developing optical systems, requiring higher education and involved in R&D. Optical Technicians handle the assembly, alignment, and maintenance of optical devices, often with technical certifications. Both roles are essential in the optics industry but differ in responsibilities and qualifications.

What other companies are hiring for Optical Engineer jobs?
What are the most popular jobs at Monarch Quantum?
What are the most popular categories at Monarch Quantum?
Infographic showing various Optical Engineer job openings at Monarch Quantum in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 91% Physical, and 9% Hybrid job distribution.

Optical Engineer Level 2

Monarch Quantum

San Diego, CA • On-site

$100K - $150K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 3 days ago

Job description

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as an Optical Engineer 2. 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:
  • Work independently and in a team while overcommunicating with the manager, project engineer, and the teammates. Will mentor junior engineers.
  • Execute complex engineering tasks involving planning, preparation, data/information collection, and analysis and decision-making in a process involving peer reviews and documentation of the results.
  • Use tenacity, patience, self-discipline, and passion for excellence to assure accuracy of execution schedule, data quality/integrity, conformance to company best practices, clarity in communication, and documentation.
  • Use every opportunity to grow competency through mentorship, curiosity, communication, exposure, and initiative.

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:
  • A bachelor's degree in Optical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 2 years of relevant experience, ideally within a startup or technology company.

Skills:
  • In-depth knowledge of various optical engineering topics along with a strong grasp of a standard optical engineering degree curriculum.
  • Comprehensive understanding of optical modeling techniques including ray tracing, wave propagation, and electromagnetic solvers.
  • Insight into laser beam propagation, including how the movement and rotation of optics influence a beam's near-field, far-field, beam quality, and fiber coupling efficiency.
  • Ability to design according to specifications by planning design processes that address a range of innovative requirements, identifying the most efficient analysis methods for each, and developing and validating new design and analysis approaches.
  • Capability to assess optical layouts for optimal performance, manufacturability, and risk evaluation.
  • Familiarity with arranging laser modules within optical design software.
  • Extensive knowledge of how to quantitatively characterize an optic, including its material properties, surface specifications, surface irregularities, roughness, mechanical constraints, coatings, power handling, environmental considerations, testing, and inspection methods.
  • Thorough understanding of tolerance analysis techniques for component fabrication.
  • Knowledge of fiber optics as applied to high-power continuous wave (CW) laser systems, including multi-mode, single-mode, polarization-maintaining, step index, photonic crystal, and endcap variants.
  • Proven ability to successfully complete engineering tasks involving design software (preferably Ansys Zemax OpticStudio, Photon Engineering FRED, and/or Lambda Research OSLO), quantitative analysis/programming tools (such as Python), instrumentation and measurement, part fabrication or procurement, integration and testing, data collection, and documentation.

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 $100,000-$150,000.
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.

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