Senior Quality Systems Manager at Monarch Quantum in San Diego, CA

Join our fast-paced and passionate team as a Senior Quality Systems Manager. As Monarch Quantum scales, you will be instrumental in building our quality architecture and supplier ecosystem from the ground up. The Senior Quality Manager will lead the overall quality strategy, compliance, and continuous improvement frameworks across our advanced product portfolios. Reporting directly to the Director of Supply Chain & Supplier Strategy, you will ensure that multi-disciplinary assemblies—combining micro-optics, fiber optic interconnects, printed circuit boards (PWBAs), and ultra-precise CNC machined components—meet exact customer specifications, engineering requirements, and rigorous quality standards. This is a dynamic, high-impact leadership role for a self-starter who thrives in a fluid startup environment. This role requires a hands-on, highly analytical individual capable of driving Advanced Product Quality Planning (APQP) during New Product Introduction (NPI) and scaling volume production with world-class yield rates.

Core Responsibilities:

Quality Architecture & Strategy: Lead the definition, execution, and scaling of Monarch’s global Supplier Quality Engineering strategy and Quality Management System (QMS) framework from early development through production. Ensure ongoing certification and audit compliance for critical industry standards such as ISO 9001 or AS9100.

PLM & QMS: Support implementation of Monarch Quantum’s Product Life Cycle Management and Quality Management System software tools. Own on-going Change Management and QMS processes.

NPI & Advanced Quality Planning (APQP): Partner closely with Engineering during New Product Introduction (NPI) to lead Design for Manufacturability/Quality (DFx), perform Design/Process Failure Mode and Effects Analysis (D/PFMEA), and establish critical-to-quality (CTQ) specifications.

Technical Commodity Ownership: Act as the premier internal authority on quality verification across four distinct manufacturing workflows:

• Optics: Oversee incoming inspection and qualification of lenses, mirrors, coatings, waveplates, and sub-micron alignment systems.
• Fiber Optics: Establish rigorous standards for active fiber-to-chip coupling, low-loss splicing, connectorization, and insertion/return loss metrics.
• Electronics: Drive standards for PWBA validation, surface mount technology (SMT) inspection, wire bonding, and signal integrity testing.
• Precision Machining: Implement robust dimensional inspections for complex mechanical housings using GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) and precision tools (CMM, height gauges, micrometers).

Supplier Quality Architecture: Manage technical qualifications and build out a robust supplier ecosystem for critical sub-components. Direct First Article Inspections (FAI/PPAP) and qualification protocols.

Continuous Improvement & Yield Optimization: Lead structured problem-solving initiatives using Lean/Six Sigma principles. Drive root-cause analyses using structured problem-solving methodologies (8D, 5-Why, Fishbone) for non-conformances, yield issues, and field escapes, ensuring permanent supplier resolution. Implementation and management of CAPA and SCAR processes.

Metrology & Calibration: Direct the calibration programs for advanced optical spectrum analyzers, environmental test chambers, electronic test benches, and mechanical inspection machinery.

Team Leadership: Manage, mentor, and build a high-performing team of quality engineers, inspectors, and technicians.

• 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).

Qualifications and Experience:

• 2–5 years of experience in quality control, quality inspection, or precision manufacturing inspection preferred.
• Hands-on experience inspecting optical, electronic, and mechanical components.
• Experience with precision measurement instruments and inspection equipment.
• Ability to read and interpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and GD&T.
• Familiarity with dimensional inspection techniques and visual inspection criteria.
• Understanding of manufacturing processes and quality control principles.
• Strong computer skills, including experience with Microsoft Office and electronic inspection documentation.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a team.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience inspecting precision optics, lenses, mirrors, windows, and optical assemblies.
• Familiarity with optical surface quality standards, including scratch-and-dig specifications.
• Experience inspecting electronic assemblies and printed circuit boards (PCBs).
• Knowledge of IPC-A-610 workmanship standards.
• Familiarity with ISO 9001 quality management systems and inspection procedures.
• Experience with AS9100 or other regulated manufacturing quality systems is a plus.
• Familiarity with GD&T and ANSI/ASME Y14.5.
• Experience with CMMs, optical comparators, microscopes, or other advanced inspection equipment.

Skills and Competencies:

• Exceptional attention to detail and visual acuity.
• Strong technical aptitude and mechanical understanding.
• Ability to identify defects and evaluate components against defined acceptance criteria.
• Strong problem-solving and analytical skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication.
• Ability to manage multiple inspection priorities in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.
• A strong commitment to product quality, accuracy, and continuous improvement.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to work at an inspection bench for extended periods.
• Ability to perform detailed visual inspections using microscopes and other optical inspection equipment.
• Ability to handle small, delicate, and precision-manufactured components.
• Ability to occasionally lift and move materials or equipment within established workplace guidelines.

The expected annual salary range for this position is $130,000-$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.