Senior Laser Scientist - New Product Introduction

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Senior Laser Scientist, New Product Introduction. 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:Lead and define optical, electrical, thermal, and mechanical requirements for new laser systems and the semiconductor gain media (e.g., laser diodes) which are implemented in these systemsDrive technology trade studies and down-select architectures based on performance, manufacturability, and costInterface with suppliers to drive collaborations that produce quality laser components. Contribute to the development of new laser platforms from concept through prototype and early productizationAuthor technical documentation, invention disclosures, and peer-reviewed publications as appropriateSupport transition of designs to production, including design for test and design for manufacturabilityContribute to laser design across multiple architectures:External cavity lasers (free-space and fiber-based)Fiber lasers and amplifiersSemiconductor lasers (DFB, DBR, FP, ECL gain chips)Perform and guide:Optical design and modelingCavity design, mode control, linewidth and noise optimizationWavelength tuning, stabilization, and controlDesign and execute experiments to characterize:Linewidth, phase noise, RINSMSR, tuning range, power, efficiencyEnvironmental sensitivity (temperature, vibration, aging)Mentor senior and junior engineers; set technical direction and best practicesCollaborate closely with:Photonics integration and packaging teamsElectronics and control systems engineersReliability and manufacturing engineering 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: PhD in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or related field (exceptional MS candidates considered)8+ years of hands-on experience designing and building laser systemsSkills:Expertise in at least two of the following:Semiconductor laser design and physicsSemiconductor laser diodes / gain media and the commercial semiconductor manufacturing industryExternal cavity laser architecturesFiber lasers and fiber amplifiersStrong understanding of:Laser physics and cavity dynamicsNoise processes (linewidth, phase noise, RIN)Thermal effects and opto-mechanical stabilityProven experience taking laser concepts from lab demonstration to robust prototypeComfortable working hands-on in the lab (optical benches, fiber splicing, diagnostics)Preferred Skills:Experience with semiconductor laser diodes and laser diode manufacturingExperience with narrow linewidth, low-noise, or widely tunable lasersBackground in one or more application areas:TelecommunicationsLIDARSensing or metrologyQuantum, atomic, or coherent optical systemsFamiliarity with:PIC-based lasers or hybrid integrationControl loops, frequency locking, and stabilization techniquesReliability, lifetime testing, and environmental qualificationTrack record of patents or high-impact publicationsStartup Mindset:You're creative, flexible, and eager to wear multiple hatsYou'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 $125,000-$175,000. As a full-time employee, you will be eligible for Monarch's comprehensive benefits package, which includes:Medical, Dental, and Vision insuranceFidelity 401(k) plan with 4% employer matching20 paid time off (PTO) days per year13 paid company holidays9/80 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.