Operations Lead & Laser Safety Officer

Operations Lead & Laser Safety Officer

Monarch Quantum · San Diego, United States · Full-time · Posted 2026-10-26

Salary: USD 135,000–180,000

Workplace: on_site

Department: Engineering

Description

Join our fast-paced, passionate team as Operations Lead & Laser Safety Officer. As we scale production of laser light engines for quantum computers and integrate them into full quantum computer systems, you will help build our operations and safety foundations from the ground up. This is a dynamic, hands-on individual contributor role for a self-starter who thrives in a fluid startup environment. You'll have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge quantum hardware, work closely with leadership, and develop and implement operational and safety practices that support our mission and growth.

Your key responsibilities are as follows:

Laser safety program

• Serve as the designated Laser Safety Officer under ANSI Z136.1, with the authority to monitor and enforce laser safety controls and to suspend or stop any laser operation you judge unsafe.
• Build, document, and administer the laser safety program for all Class 3B and Class 4 lasers used in assembly, alignment, test, and research.
• Perform and document laser hazard evaluations, including Maximum Permissible Exposure (MPE), Nominal Hazard Zone (NHZ), and Nominal Ocular Hazard Distance (NOHD), and specify required optical density for eyewear.
• Write and maintain Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for laser use, including alignment procedures and controls for non-beam hazards such as electrical, fume, and fire risks.
• Specify, install, and audit engineering controls: interlocks, laser curtains and barriers, beam enclosures, beam dumps, and laser warning signage and labeling.
• Select and manage laser protective eyewear and other protective equipment.
• Develop, deliver, and record laser safety training for employees, contractors, and visitors.
• Conduct regular safety audits, investigate incidents and near misses, and track corrective actions to closure.
• Partner with engineering and science teams to review new setups and lab layout changes before they go live.
• Support engineering and legal in certifying Monarch Quantum’s laser products to FDA/CDRH performance standards (21 CFR 1040.10) and IEC 60825-1, including conformance under Laser Notice 56 where applicable.

Production operations

• Lead the production build of photonic laser modules, directing technicians and assemblers, setting build schedules and priorities, and coordinating handoffs with engineering to meet output and quality targets.
• Support the deployment, maintenance, and continuous improvement of production equipment, including automated pick-and-place, active and passive optical alignment, micro-assembly, packaging, and laser alignment systems.
• Own preventive maintenance schedules, equipment uptime tracking, and first-level troubleshooting of production failures.

Requirements

• Please note: 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: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Occupational Health & Safety, Chemical/Materials Science, Applied Physics, Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or a related technical discipline with a minimum of 3+ years of direct hands-on experience running operations in cleanrooms, optics laboratories, or semiconductor/hardware production environments, or extensive experience in lieu of a college degree.
• Minimum: Formal Laser Safety Officer (LSO) training completed through a recognized provider (e.g., Laser Institute of America / ANSI Z136-compliant curriculum).
• Desired / Preferred: 5+ years of operational cleanroom and lab safety experience in a commercial optics, photonics, or quantum computing environment.
• Desired / Preferred: Active Certified Laser Safety Officer (CLSO) credential issued by the Board of Laser Safety (BLS).

Skills: 

• Practical operational knowledge of ISO 14644 cleanroom standards, airflow management, and airborne optical particle counters.
• Deep understanding of ANSI Z136.1 safe use of lasers, hazard calculations (Maximum Permissible Exposure, Nominal Hazard Zone), and optical beam safety.
• Working knowledge of FDA/CDRH accession reporting (21 CFR Part 1040) and IEC 60825-1 product safety requirements for laser-containing equipment.
• Hands-on proficiency with hazardous waste manifest management, chemical segregation, spill containment, and Cal/OSHA occupational compliance.
• Proven vendor management skills for specialized janitorial, hazardous waste disposal, and cleanroom supply chains.
• Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently and across multi-disciplinary engineering teams.

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 $135,000-$180,000 (commensurate with experience). 

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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