Principal Electrical and Firmware Systems Architect

Join our fast-paced and passionate Systems Engineering, Integration, and Test team as a Principal Electrical and Firmware Systems Architect. You will own the electrical and firmware architecture of our laser and photonic systems, translating system-level photonic requirements into clear, testable requirements for every electrical and firmware element of the system, from communications and electronics infrastructure to analog signal processing, FPGA, and frequency-locking servo control. This is a dynamic, hands-on role for a self-starter who thrives in a fluid startup environment. You'll work on cutting-edge technologies, work closely with leadership, and build the engineering practices that support our mission and growth. Your key responsibilities are as follows:Partner with the Photonic Systems Architect to decompose and flow down system requirements into electrical and firmware requirements, specifications, and acceptance criteriaDefine the system communications topology and architecture, including internal buses, controller hierarchy, external interfaces, timing, and data flow between subsystems and the host softwareArchitect analog signal processing and control chains, including photodetection, signal conditioning, low-noise amplification, and data conversion, and own the associated noise and bandwidth budgetsDefine FPGA architecture and partitioning between FPGA, microcontroller, and host processing, including real-time control, data acquisition, and digital signal processing functionsArchitect frequency-locking and servo control systems for laser stabilization, including error-signal generation, loop design, bandwidth and stability analysis, and lock acquisition and recoveryDefine the electronics infrastructure, including power distribution, grounding, shielding, thermal management, cabling, and board and chassis-level partitioningDefine and control electrical and firmware interfaces through interface control documents (ICDs), working directly with the photonics, mechanical, and software teamsDevelop integration and verification strategies, including test plans, requirements traceability, and system-level characterization on real hardwareLead system-level troubleshooting across the optical/electrical/firmware boundary, and drive root cause analysis and corrective actionPresent and defend electrical and firmware architecture and maturity at technical reviews (SRR, PDR, CDR) to leadership and customersDrive design for manufacturability, testability, and reliability to support scalable productionMentor engineers and build a culture of technical rigor, ownership, and cross-functional collaborationRequirementsPlease 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 Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, or a related field (advanced degree preferred)Minimum 10 years of experience architecting, designing, and testing electronics and firmware for complex electro-optical, laser, or precision measurement systems. Skills:Demonstrated expertise in:Communications topology and architecture for multi-board embedded systemsLow-noise analog signal processing and control electronicsFPGA architecture and real-time digital signal processingElectronics infrastructure, including power, grounding, shielding, and thermal designFrequency-locking techniques and servo controller design (e.g., PDH, PID, lock-in detection)Proven track record of architecting and delivering high-reliability electronics and firmware from development through productionStrong command of systems engineering practices, including requirements flow-down, interface management, and design reviewsProficiency with embedded firmware development (C/C++) and HDL (VHDL or Verilog)Hands-on lab skills with oscilloscopes, spectrum and network analyzers, and noise characterizationExcellent communication and leadership skills with demonstrated ability to drive technical decisions across teamsExperience with laser systems, photonics, quantum systems, or precision metrology is a strong plusExperience with EMC, environmental testing, or qualification is a plusStartup 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 changeBenefitsThe expected annual salary range for this position is $175,000-$225,000.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 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.