Demo

Software Engineer 3 Robotic Automation

Monarch Quantum
San Diego, CA Full Time
POSTED ON 3/24/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 4/23/2026

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Senior Robotic Automation Software 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:

  • Create hardware support libraries for cameras, motors, power meters, wavelength meters, and other USB and TCP/IP devices.
  • Develop and sustain the Qt/C software framework used for robotic alignment stations.
  • Write Python scripts to automate the alignment and attachment of optics in intricate laser systems.
  • Design databases.
  • Develop routines for image and signal processing.
  • Create algorithms for optimizing optical alignment.
  • Lead an agile development team in planning and managing intricate projects within the automation team, ensuring that timelines are met.
  • Acquire hands-on expertise in optical instrumentation and metrology.
  • Assemble and align laser-based optical bench setups.
  • Support design efforts that adhere to cost constraints and manufacturability considerations.
  • Collaborate with users, manufacturing engineers, and design teams to gather system and software requirements.
  • Ensure that assigned tasks are completed punctually while fulfilling technical specifications.
  • Develop prototypes to mitigate key development risks as directed.
  • Work efficiently as part of a diverse team and engage effectively with customers and suppliers, author reports, and contribute to peer-reviewed publications and invention disclosures.
  • Promote, communicate, uphold, and advocate the mission, values, and culture of the organization.
  • Work autonomously and collaboratively while maintaining clear communication with the manager, project engineer, and team members.
  • Apply determination, patience, self-discipline, and a commitment to excellence to ensure the accuracy of execution schedules, data quality and integrity, compliance with company best practices, and clarity in communication and documentation.
  • Seize every opportunity to enhance competency through mentorship, curiosity, communication, exposure, and initiative.
  • 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 Software Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 5 years of relevant experience, ideally within a startup or technology company.

Skills:

  • 5 years of professional experience in C software development.
  • Strong understanding of modern C (C 14/17/20).
  • Experience with Qt 6 for GUI development with Qt Widgets & QML.
  • Experience with CMake for build and project configuration.
  • Familiarity with unit testing frameworks, preferably Google Test.
  • Ability to debug, profile, and optimize C applications.
  • Experience working with version control systems (Git).
  • Strong problem-solving skills and ability to work independently and in a team.
  • Experience with instrument communication protocols (e.g., SCPI, FTDI USB, Ethernet, Serial).
  • Familiarity with multi-threaded programming and concurrency in C .
  • Knowledge of software best practices, including design patterns, SOLID principles, and performance optimization.
  • Experience working in an agile development environment.
  • Experience implementing image processing routines.
  • Experience with optical bench alignment.
  • Familiarity with optics.

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 $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 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.

Salary : $125 - $175

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