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Integrated Photonics Engineer Jobs in Washington

INTERDISCIPLINARY ENGINEER

Quantico, VA · On-site +1

$102K - $158K/yr

... Integration (i.e., MAGTF C2, Air Defense, Radar, Unmanned, Command/Control) - Armor and Fire ... Engineering. To be acceptable, the program must: (1) lead to a bachelor's degree in a school of ...

Work Environment This is an onsite role within a highly collaborative engineering environment focused on advanced photonics and integrated instrumentation systems. You will work closely with a ...

Work Environment This is an onsite role within a highly collaborative engineering environment focused on advanced photonics and integrated instrumentation systems. You will work closely with a ...

You define how living and engineered substrates combine into adaptive, learning, durable embodiments, working closely with the photonics, mechatronics, and controls leads on integration. Key ...

Lead Microsystems Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

... the photonics, bioengineering, controls, and mechatronics leads on integration. Key ... Required Qualifications • MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Mechanical ...

Showing results 21-40

Integrated Photonics Engineer information

See Washington salary details

$49.8K

$120.5K

$196.5K

How much do integrated photonics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for integrated photonics engineer in Washington is $120,492.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,100.00 and $150,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an integrated photonics engineer do?

An Integrated Photonics Engineer designs, develops, and tests devices and systems that use light (photons) rather than electricity (electrons) for processing and transmitting information. They work on creating photonic circuits and components, such as waveguides, lasers, modulators, and detectors, which can be integrated onto semiconductor chips. These engineers play a crucial role in advancing technologies for telecommunications, data centers, sensors, and quantum computing by making photonic devices more efficient, compact, and scalable.

What are some common challenges integrated photonics engineers face when moving designs from prototype to mass production?

One of the main challenges Integrated Photonics Engineers encounter is ensuring that prototype designs can be reliably manufactured at scale while maintaining performance and quality. Variations in fabrication processes, such as wafer uniformity and device alignment, can introduce inconsistencies that impact device yield and functionality. Engineers often collaborate closely with fabrication facilities and quality assurance teams to optimize design tolerances and address production issues. Understanding and managing these challenges is crucial for a smooth transition from research and development to commercial deployment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an integrated photonics engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Integrated Photonics Engineer, you need a strong background in physics, optics, and electrical engineering, often supported by a relevant bachelor's or master's degree. Familiarity with photonic simulation tools (like Lumerical or COMSOL), semiconductor fabrication processes, and cleanroom protocols is typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective collaboration are crucial soft skills in this role. These abilities are essential for designing innovative photonic devices and successfully bringing them from concept to production.

What is the difference between Integrated Photonics Engineer vs Optical Systems Engineer?

AspectIntegrated Photonics EngineerOptical Systems Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Photonics, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, fabrication facilities, R&D departmentsDesign, testing, and integration in systems or product development
Industry UsageTelecommunications, data centers, integrated photonics manufacturingOptical communication systems, defense, aerospace, and instrumentation

Integrated Photonics Engineers focus on designing and developing integrated photonic devices and circuits, often working in fabrication and R&D. Optical Systems Engineers work on designing and optimizing complete optical systems, including components and integration. While both roles require optical engineering knowledge, the main difference lies in the scope: device-level vs system-level focus.

What are popular job titles related to Integrated Photonics Engineer jobs in Washington?

For Integrated Photonics Engineer jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Integrated Photonics Engineer jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Integrated Photonics Engineer jobs in Washington are:

What cities in Washington are hiring for Integrated Photonics Engineer jobs?

Cities in Washington with the most Integrated Photonics Engineer job openings:

Infographic showing various Integrated Photonics Engineer job openings in Washington as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 89% Full Time, 6% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $120,492 per year, or $57.9 per hour.

Lead, Electrical Engineering - MEMS Subject

L3Harris Technologies

Herndon, VA

$164K - $171K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

L3Harris is dedicated to recruiting and developing high-performing talent who are passionate about what they do. Our employees are unified in a shared dedication to our customers' mission and quest for professional growth. L3Harris provides an inclusive, engaging environment designed to empower employees and promote work-life success. Fundamental to our culture is an unwavering focus on values, dedication to our communities, and commitment to excellence in everything we do.

L3Harris is the Trusted Disruptor in defense tech. With customers' mission-critical needs always in mind, our employees deliver end-to-end technology solutions connecting the space, air, land, sea and cyber domains in the interest of national security.

Job Title: Lead, Electrical Engineering - MEMS Subject Matter Expert

Job Code: 37521

Job Location: Herndon, VA

Job Schedule: 9/80: Employees work 9 out of every 14 days - totaling 80 hours worked - and have every other Friday off

Job Description:

L3Harris is seeking an accomplished MEMS Subject Matter Expert to lead our advanced microsystems technology initiatives and drive innovation in MEMS and Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) technologies. This senior technical leadership role offers an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of L3Harris's microelectronics capabilities while leading our Herndon, VA Nanosystems team. The ideal candidate will combine deep technical expertise in MEMS design and fabrication as well as PIC microfabrication with proven business development skills and a passion for innovation. As a key technical leader, you will drive seedling and innovation IRAD projects, identify and capture new business opportunities, and provide strategic direction for our Nanosystems team and capabilities.

Essential Functions:

  • Lead MEMS, Silicon Photonics, and PIC technology development from concept through demonstration, developing technology roadmaps and driving next-generation microsystems capabilities
  • Identify and pursue new business opportunities in MEMS, Silicon Photonics and PIC technology areas, supporting proposal development and engaging with customers to capture new programs
  • Provide technical leadership and subject matter expertise for complex MEMS design, modeling, and fabrication challenges across the organization
  • Lead and mentor the Herndon, VA Nanosystems fabrication and design team, managing resource allocation, prioritization, and team capability development
  • Direct microfabrication operations including cleanroom processes, equipment utilization, and process development activities to optimize throughput and quality
  • Design and model MEMS devices for defense applications, conducting device characterization and performance validation
  • Represent L3Harris at technical conferences and customer meetings, building relationships with key customers and partners in MEMS/PIC technology areas
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance with CI polygraph
  • Sit in Herndon, VA or potential to sit in Palm Bay, FL with significant travel to Herndon for team support

Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's Degree and minimum 9 years of prior relevant experience. Graduate Degree and a minimum of 7 years of prior related experience. In lieu of a degree, minimum of 13 years of prior related experience.

Preferred Additional Skills:

  • Active TS/SCI clearance
  • Demonstrated expertise in MEMS device design, simulation, and microfabrication with a strong background in relevant processes (lithography, etching, deposition, bonding)
  • Experience with cleanroom operations and semiconductor processing equipment
  • Knowledge of Silicon Photonics and PIC technologies and photonic device design
  • Proven track record of leading innovation projects and IRAD initiatives
  • Business development experience with successful new business capture
  • Experience with RF MEMS, optical MEMS, or inertial MEMS devices
  • Knowledge of silicon photonics and integrated photonics platforms
  • Familiarity with COMSOL, ANSYS, or other FEA/Multiphysics simulation tools
  • Experience with MEMS design tools Understanding of packaging technologies for MEMS and photonic devices
  • Publications or patents in MEMS or related fields
  • Experience with wafer-level processing and 3D integration
  • Knowledge of heterogeneous integration approaches
  • Experience with DOD customers and defense applications

In compliance with pay transparency requirements, the salary range for this role in Virginia - Greater Washington, D.C. area is $127,500- $236,500 . This is not a guarantee of compensation or salary, as final offer amount may vary based on factors including but not limited to experience and geographic location. L3Harris also offers a variety of benefits, including health and disability insurance, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, EAP, education assistance, parental leave, paid time off, and company-paid holidays. The specific programs and options available to an employee may vary depending on date of hire, schedule type, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

#LI-EK1

L3Harris Technologies is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. L3Harris is committed to treating all employees and applicants for employment with respect and dignity and maintaining a workplace that is free from unlawful discrimination. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding or other related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, characteristic or membership in any other group protected by federal, state or local laws. L3Harris maintains a drug-free workplace and performs pre-employment substance abuse testing and background checks, where permitted by law.

Please be aware many of our positions require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Security clearances may only be granted to U.S. citizens. In addition, applicants who accept a conditional offer of employment may be subject to government security investigation(s) and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.

By submitting your resume for this position, you understand and agree that L3Harris Technologies may share your resume, as well as any other related personal information or documentation you provide, with its subsidiaries and affiliated companies for the purpose of considering you for other available positions.

L3Harris Technologies is an E-Verify Employer. Please click here for the E-Verify Poster in English or Spanish. For information regarding your Right To Work, please click here for English or Spanish.

Employment Type: Full-Time