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Entry Level Silicon Photonics Engineer Jobs in Rutherford, NJ

All JobsSilicon Photonics Engineer JobsEntry Level Silicon Photonics Engineer JobsEntry 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 Sep 5, 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 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 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 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 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.

Entry Level Silicon Photonics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Entry Level Silicon Photonics Engineer job openings in Rutherford, NJ as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $70,710 per year, or $34 per hour.

Sr Engineer Quantum Technology Development

GlobalFoundries

New York, NY • On-site

$69K - $120K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 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 545 rated manufacturers

Job description

About GlobalFoundries:
GlobalFoundries 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, GlobalFoundries 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:
Our Quantum Technology Solutions group is seeking professionals to support state-of-the-art 300mm semiconductor manufacturing and development in Malta, New York. The core responsibilities include owning process integration of semiconductor devices and driving improvements in areas such as yield, Cp/Cpk, electrical performance, and defectivity. The team also develops new and emerging technologies through experimentation and data analysis, with a focus on optimizing quality, cost, and delivery.
Essential Responsibilities Include:
  • Own and drive the success of the 45nm Silicon Photonics technology product ramp from development through mature production
  • Maintain full ownership of a technology module, including prioritizing projects, delegating tasks, and leading experiment definition and hardware disposition
  • Develop and qualify silicon photonics process flows and integrations to meet product performance, reliability, and defectivity requirements
  • Monitor line performance through data analysis, resolve issues quickly, and collaborate cross-functionally to improve yield, reduce costs, enhance efficiency, and support customer engagement

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

Required Qualifications:
  • Education - Graduating with Masters and/or PhD with desired major of technology-related degree: Photonics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, Electronics Engineering, Microsystems, Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or other related engineering physical science disciplines.
  • Must have at least an overall 3.0 GPA and proven good academic standing.
  • Language Fluency - English (Written & Verbal)

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Prior related internship or co-op experience.
  • Demonstrated prior leadership experience in the workplace, school projects, competitions, etc.
  • Project management skills, i.e. the ability to innovate and execute solutions that matter; the ability to navigate ambiguity.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong planning & organizational skills
  • Exposure to Silicon Photonics (through academic or hands-on experience), with a strong foundation in semiconductor processing
  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, including knowledge of SPC, DOE, and Lean Manufacturing principles

Expected Salary Range
$69,000.00 - $120,000.00
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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