About Applied Photonics Project Management Department

Applied Photonics is a business unit within Quartus that focuses on the practical application of the science and technology of light. Our teams develop innovative products as well as custom optical and metrology solutions for commercial and industrial applications. Our expertise spans precision metrology, robotics, machine vision, semiconductor and emerging photonic technologies including quantum optics.  Typical development cycles begin with defining customer objectives, progress through all stages of design and analysis, and conclude with hardware build and rigorous testing.

Our clients range from large, industry-leading organizations to agile startup-style companies. We pride ourselves on bridging diverse perspectives and delivering advanced technical systems that meet each program’s budget and schedule constraints.

Our multidisciplinary team—comprising optical, opto-mechanical, mechanical, electrical, and software engineers—works in a highly collaborative environment where communication and team ethics are paramount. 

What will you do?

As a Technical Project Manager in our San Diego office, you will lead small to mid-sized engineering projects and support larger programs as a deputy to a Program Manager. Acting as the primary liaison between Quartus and our clients, you will manage expectations while planning and executing projects from inception to completion.

Key responsibilities include:

• Overseeing scope, schedule, and budget
• Delegating tasks and ensuring quality deliverables
• Mentoring junior team members
• Applying strong technical expertise to drive complex, challenging work

Success in this role requires exceptional communication, leadership, and time management skills in a fast-paced, collaborative environment. This is a dynamic position where effective time management—both for yourself and your project team—is critical to achieving results.

Essential Job Functions:

Project Execution

• Responsible for all phases of project(s) from conception through completion, including: 

o  Proposal/project planning 

o  Managing project performance to ensure quality, business, and financial objectives are met 

• Participate with engineering to establish engineering technical approach that aligns with project budget and schedule, typically including generation and maintenance of requirements verification/validation strategy and risk mitigation planning
• Planning project staffing
• Track labor, material, and expense costs against developed cost estimate baselines 
• Manage bill of material suppliers and subcontractors based on project needs to mitigate impact of cost and schedule constraints
• Responsible for handling issues or nonconformances as they occur and reacting quickly towards resolution
• Communicate with client and manage their expectations
• Organize and lead internal and external weekly project status meetings
• May be a key technical contributor on project work. For example, perform engineering tasks such as design, hardware build and test, etc.

Staff Leadership

• Deliver project performance feedback – both directly to engineers and to their respective managers
• Foster a collaborative and transparent work environment, encouraging effective communication and knowledge sharing across project teams and departments 
• May be expected to mentor Junior Project Managers

Sales

• Work with program managers, engineering, and sales to write effective proposals, which includes defining scope, estimating costs, generating a schedule, and defining technical content for a variety of contract vehicles

Training and Continuous Improvement

• Process improvement:

o  Champion a culture of continuous improvement by evaluating and enhancing program management methodologies, tools, and processes

Location

Position is based in San Diego with a hybrid schedule. *

*The hybrid work arrangement is subject to change based on business needs including but not limited to training, performance, or other operational requirements. Any physical location change may impact future employment.

What are we looking for?

Required:

• BS in engineering field – Mechanical, Optical, Electrical, Aerospace or similar discipline
• 8+ years of experience in one or more of the following areas: Applied imaging optical systems (preferred), Opto-Mechanical, Aerospace, Mechanical, Optical, Electrical or similar
• Experience managing a team of interdisciplinary engineers on technical development programs, including Mechanical, Opto-Mechanical, Electrical and Software Engineers
• Experience defining scope, budget and staffing requirements for projects up to <$1.5M
• Schedule development and management
• Strong aptitude for customer interaction and communication
• Demonstrated understanding of engineering fundamentals
• Demonstrates a positive attitude and willingness to learn
• Must be a US Person (US Citizen or US Permanent Resident)

Preferred:

• Experience with technical proposal development (lead or assisting) 

Compensation and Benefits

Project Manager pay range: $104,190 - 160,000*

*This range represents base pay. In addition, you may be eligible for additional benefits and compensation.

Referral eligibility: Tier 1

Quartus is an equal opportunity employer and we are committed to employing a diverse workforce, including, but not limited to, minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans. Quartus provides comprehensive benefits including competitive salary, discretionary performance-based bonus, employee stock ownership plan, medical, dental, vision, and 401k plan with company match.