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Entry Level Silicon Photonics Engineer Jobs in Rutherford, NJ

Entry Level Silicon Photonics Engineer information

See Rutherford, NJ salary details

$30.6K

$70.7K

$120.3K

How much do entry level silicon photonics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for entry level silicon photonics engineer in Rutherford, NJ is $70,710.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $52,500.00 and $80,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by entry level silicon photonics engineers when transitioning from academia to industry?

Entry level silicon photonics engineers often find that the pace and priorities in industry differ significantly from academic research. In industry, there is a greater focus on product development cycles, meeting project deadlines, and collaborating within multidisciplinary teams, including electrical, optical, and process engineers. New engineers may also need to quickly adapt to proprietary simulation tools and fabrication processes unique to the company. Overcoming these challenges typically involves proactive learning, seeking mentorship from senior colleagues, and developing strong communication skills to ensure successful integration into the team.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an entry level silicon photonics engineer?

To thrive as an Entry Level Silicon Photonics Engineer, you typically need a degree in electrical engineering, physics, or a related field with a solid understanding of photonics, optics, and semiconductor device fundamentals. Familiarity with simulation tools like Lumerical, COMSOL, and experience in cleanroom fabrication or optical testing are often required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication abilities help you excel in collaborative, research-driven environments. These competencies are crucial for designing innovative photonic devices, ensuring device performance, and driving advancements in integrated optical technology.

What does an entry level silicon photonics engineer do?

An Entry Level Silicon Photonics Engineer works on the design, fabrication, and testing of photonic devices that use silicon as a medium for light-based data transmission. They assist senior engineers in developing advanced optical components used in telecommunications, data centers, and computing. Their tasks may include simulations, hands-on laboratory work, and collaborating with cross-functional teams to integrate photonic solutions. This role is ideal for recent graduates with backgrounds in electrical engineering, physics, or related fields who are interested in cutting-edge optical technology.

What is the difference between Entry Level Silicon Photonics Engineer vs Optical Test Engineer?

AspectEntry Level Silicon Photonics EngineerOptical Test Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related field; knowledge of photonics and semiconductor fabricationBachelor's in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or related; experience with optical testing and measurement tools
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, semiconductor fabrication facilities, R&D departmentsTesting labs, manufacturing facilities, quality assurance teams
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, photonics startups, research institutionsOptical component manufacturers, telecom companies, R&D labs

While both roles involve optics and photonics, the Entry Level Silicon Photonics Engineer focuses on designing and developing silicon-based photonic devices, whereas the Optical Test Engineer specializes in testing and validating optical components and systems. The former is more involved in product development, while the latter emphasizes quality assurance and testing processes.

Infographic showing various Entry Level Silicon Photonics Engineer job openings in Rutherford, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $70,710 per year, or $34 per hour.

Factory System Setup Technician (Days) (Silicon Photonics)

GlobalFoundries

New York, NY • On-site

$43K - $70K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


GlobalFoundries rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 540 rated manufacturers


Job description

About GlobalFoundries:
GlobalFoundries ("GF") is a leading full-service semiconductor foundry providing a unique combination of design, development, and fabrication services to some of the world's most inspired technology companies. With a global manufacturing footprint spanning three continents, GF makes possible the technologies and systems that transform industries and give customers the power to shape their markets. For more information, visit www.gf.com.
Summary of Role:
This role is intended for our Malta site Fab 8, a 300mm leading edge semiconductor manufacturing facility. The Factory System Setup Technician handles the setup and configuration of factory systems to support new product introduction and achieve production ramp objectives.
Essential Responsibilities Include:
  • Responsible for setting up factory systems, including workflow, specification management, experiment management (EMS), manufacturing execution system (MES), and equipment management.
  • Work with engineering and technical support teams to configure, operate, maintain, and troubleshoot manufacturing systems, ensuring continuous 24x7 operations.
  • Set up various factory system components such as user accounts, manufacturing equipment, work areas, wafer banks, recipes, technologies, products, process definitions, steps, module definitions, main routes, engineering experiments, reticles, carriers, pods, and manufacturing codes.
  • Fulfill setup requirements and implement plans to optimize quality, performance, and customer delivery metrics for Fab 8.
  • Adhere to advanced global factory systems configuration processes and functions.
  • Assist with common nomenclature, standardization, documentation, and change management within Fab 8 and across other GlobalFoundries fabs.
  • Develop relationships with internal teams such as Operations, Information Technology, Process Integration, AME, and Supply Chain.
  • Help support Service Level Agreements (SLAs) with Operations, Process Integration, and other Manufacturing Services organizations.
  • Provide 24x7 factory systems setup support, which may involve 12-hour shifts, as well as on-call and holiday coverage.

Other Responsibilities:
  • Perform all activities in a safe and responsible manner and support all Environmental, Health, Safety & Security requirements and programs.

Required Qualifications:
  • An associate's or 2-year technical degree in science, math, engineering, semiconductor manufacturing, or a similar field is required. Equivalent military training or at least three years of relevant experience in semiconductor manufacturing can also meet the education requirement.
  • Must be fluent in English, both written and spoken.
  • Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Microsoft Edge, SharePoint, and navigating file systems.
  • Intermediate computer skills.
  • Shows dedication to ongoing learning and skill improvement.
  • Able to follow detailed instructions and procedures, with strong reasoning and problem-solving abilities.
  • Proven success in roles requiring attention to detail and meeting deadlines.
  • Capable of managing multiple tasks and prioritizing work.
  • Works well as part of a global team.
  • Candidate will work a Day Shift role which may consist of a compressed schedule of 12-hour shifts (6:00am - 6:00pm) or a Monday-Friday schedule.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • 3+ years experience in a 300 mm wafer fab with high factory automation.
  • Experience with IBM SiView MES or other MES solutions.
  • Experience with continuous improvement methodologies, such as Lean Manufacturing.
  • Data Analysis, Computer Information Systems.
  • Relevant military experience.
  • Customer service experience.
  • Computer - computer sciences, technical, engineering, software knowledge.
  • Microsoft Suite Applications (Excel, Outlook, Word, etc.)

Expected Salary Range
$43,100.00 - $70,600.00
The exact Salary will be determined based on qualifications, experience and location.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at usaccommodations@gf.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.
An offer with GlobalFoundries is conditioned upon the successful completion of pre-employment conditions, as applicable, and subject to applicable laws and regulations.
GlobalFoundries is fully committed to equal opportunity in the workplace and believes that cultural diversity within the company enhances its business potential. GlobalFoundries goal of excellence in business necessitates the attraction and retention of highly qualified people. Artificial barriers and stereotypic biases detract from this objective and may be illegally discriminatory.
All policies and processes which pertain to employees including recruitment, selection, training, utilization, promotion, compensation, benefits, extracurricular programs, and termination are created and implemented without regard to age, ethnicity, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other characteristic or category specified by local, state or federal law

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