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Applied Optoelectronics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Applied Materials

Photonics Test Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$138K - $190K/yr

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce ... As an optoelectronics testing engineer, you'll be responsible for characterizing and testing our ...

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$93.3K

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How much do applied optoelectronics jobs pay per year?

As of May 31, 2026, the average yearly pay for applied optoelectronics in the United States is $93,309.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $72,000.00 and $112,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Applied Optoelectronics Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Applied Optoelectronics Engineer, you need a solid background in physics, optics, and electronics, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering, photonics, or a related field. Familiarity with optical simulation software, lab instrumentation, and experience with fiber optics or semiconductor devices are highly valuable, along with certifications like Certified Photonics Technician if applicable. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork skills help professionals excel in this fast-evolving sector. These competencies are crucial for developing innovative optoelectronic devices and ensuring their reliable performance in real-world applications.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals in applied optoelectronics, and how can new hires prepare for them?

Professionals in applied optoelectronics often encounter challenges such as integrating optical components with electronic systems, keeping up with rapid technological advancements, and troubleshooting complex photonic devices. New hires can prepare by developing strong foundational knowledge in both optics and electronics, familiarizing themselves with simulation tools, and staying updated on industry trends through journals and conferences. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams is common, so effective communication and teamwork skills are also essential for success in this field.

What is Applied Optoelectronics?

Applied Optoelectronics refers to the practical application of devices and systems that use light (photons) for various functions, such as transmitting, processing, or detecting information. Professionals in this field work with technologies like lasers, fiber optics, LEDs, and photodetectors to develop products used in telecommunications, data centers, medical devices, and industrial equipment. Applied optoelectronics bridges the gap between pure optical science and real-world engineering solutions, making it crucial in advancing high-speed communication and sensing technologies.

What is the difference between Applied Optoelectronics vs Optical Engineer?

AspectApplied OptoelectronicsOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related fields; experience in optoelectronic device designBachelor's or higher in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related; often requires specialized certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch and manufacturing facilities focused on optoelectronic componentsDesign labs, R&D departments, and technical consulting settings
Employer & Industry UsageManufacturers of optoelectronic devices, telecommunications, consumer electronicsTech companies, research institutions, and engineering firms specializing in optics

Applied Optoelectronics professionals focus on designing and manufacturing optoelectronic devices, while Optical Engineers typically work on designing optical systems and components. Both roles require strong technical skills and relevant education, but Applied Optoelectronics roles are more product-focused, whereas Optical Engineers often work on system-level design and analysis.

More about Applied Optoelectronics jobs
What cities are hiring for Applied Optoelectronics jobs? Cities with the most Applied Optoelectronics job openings:
What job categories do people searching Applied Optoelectronics jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Applied Optoelectronics jobs are:
Applied Optoelectronics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Applied Optoelectronics job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 76% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $93,309 per year, or $44.9 per hour.
Photonics Test Engineer

Photonics Test Engineer

Applied Materials

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$138K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Applied Materials rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 53 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 512 rated manufacturers

Job description

Who We Are
Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display and semiconductor chips - the brains of devices we use every day. As the foundation of the global electronics industry, Applied enables the exciting technologies that literally connect our world - like AI and IoT. If you want to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering to create next generation technology, join us to deliver material innovation that changes the world.
What We Offer
Salary:
$138,000.00 - $190,000.00
Location:
Santa Clara,CA
You'll benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages you to learn, develop, and grow your career as you take on challenges and drive innovative solutions for our customers. We empower our team to push the boundaries of what is possible-while learning every day in a supportive leading global company. Visit our Careers website to learn more.
At Applied Materials, we care about the health and wellbeing of our employees. We're committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth and care for you at work, at home, or wherever you may go. Learn more about our benefits.
As an optoelectronics testing engineer, you'll be responsible for characterizing and testing our next generation photonics interconnect devices, such as interposer, waveguide, FAU, CPO, transceivers, and various optoelectronic subsystems. You will conduct verification and characterization of various active and passive optical and photonic components including but not limited to modulators, photodetectors, passive waveguides and couplers, multiplexers and de-multiplexers, and fiber-to-chip coupling. You will define test plan and develop test setup and procedures for optical device and modules.
Responsibilities
  • Bring-up and characterization of high-speed optical components, including waveguide, coupler, modulators and photodetectors, ensuring they meet performance expectations.
  • Design, implement and maintain optical and electrical test setups
  • Design and implement test procedures for silicon photonics chips and SIP based optical subsystems
  • Design and execute validation and debug plans aligned with product specs, including link-level electro-optic testing using industry-standard equipment like BERTs, DCAs, VNAs, and AWGs.
  • Design and debug test methods and fixtures to characterize optical alignment systems
  • Establish and manage test data collection, archiving, analysis and presentation
  • Maintain test equipment and instrument calibration, identify and purchase test parts and write equipment preventive maintenance (PM) procedures

Qualification
  • Ph.D. MS or equivalent degree in Electrical Engineering, Optics and Optical Engineering, Applied Physics or related field
  • A minimum of 3 years of industry experience preferred, or less experienced candidate with exceptional track record of related work
  • Hands on experience with optical chip, component and system-level prototyping and testing for Telecommunications or Data Center Interconnect (DCI) product development.
  • Working knowledge and experience with manufacturing support, such as optical component testing and performance evaluation.
  • Fluent in programming skills in a PC/Windows environment using C, Python, LabView to enable test scripting and automation
  • Data collection, analysis and reporting data analysis software such as JMP, Matlab, and MS Office.
  • Desirable experience with CAD/modeling/simulation software such as PADs, Solidworks, and Zemax
  • Self-motivated, creative, teamwork oriented

Additional Information
Time Type:
Full time
Employee Type:
Assignee / Regular
Travel:
Yes, 10% of the Time
Relocation Eligible:
Yes
The salary offered to a selected candidate will be based on multiple factors including location, hire grade, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and with consideration of internal equity of our current team members. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, candidates may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and a stock award program, as applicable.
For all sales roles, the posted salary range is the Target Total Cash (TTC) range for the role, which is the sum of base salary and target bonus amount at 100% goal achievement.
Applied Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
In addition, Applied endeavors to make our careers site accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us via e-mail at Accommodations_Program@amat.com, or by calling our HR Direct Help Line at 877-612-7547, option 1, and following the prompts to speak to an HR Advisor. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.

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About Applied Materials

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Applied Materials is the global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We're the brain (and the brawn) behind every new technology development--whether it's building semiconductor chips for smartphones and computers, or the underpinnings for robotics, AI and even smart TV display screens. With 27,000 employees in 19 countries, we offer an exciting place to grow and learn alongside some of the best people you'll ever meet. We take deep pride in our Culture of Inclusion, and we celebrate the diverse backgrounds, perspectives and experiences that help us build stronger, more resilient teams. Join us as we innovate to Make Possible a Better Future!

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1967

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