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Integrated Photonics Engineer Jobs in Washington

Lead Bioengineer

Ashburn, VA ยท On-site

$145 - $165/hr

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 Molecular Systems Engineer

Ashburn, VA ยท On-site

$145K - $165K/yr

... photonics, and microsystems leads on integration. Key Responsibilities Molecular Machines and ... Molecular Sensing and Actuation โ€ข Engineer molecular and supramolecular systems for chemical ...

... photonics and industrial applications. In this role, you will combine deep expertise in plasma ... Team Leadership Lead a small team of engineers and technicians: assign project tasks, track ...

Supporting the integration of optical ground terminals into SATCOM architectures, collaborating ... Five or more years of professional experience in optical communications, photonics, or related ...

Supporting the integration of optical ground terminals into SATCOM architectures, collaborating ... Five or more years of professional experience in optical communications, photonics, or related ...

Showing results 41-60

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.

Research Engineer / Engineering Physicist with Security Clearance

Alaire Technologies, Inc

Alexandria, VA โ€ข On-site

$80K - $150K/yr

Other

Re-posted 2 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Design, build, and test laboratory experiments and prototype hardware.

  • Develop and integrate data acquisition, instrumentation, and control systems.

  • Support development of electro-optical, infrared, laser, and advanced sensing technologies.


Job description

Research Engineer / Engineering Physicist โ€“
Sensors, Optics & Experimental Systems
Location: Alexandria, VA / Washington, DC Employment Type: Full-Time Experience Level: Entry-Level through Senior (BS, MS, or PhD) Salary: $80,000โ€“$150,000 DOE Security Clearance: U.S. Citizenship required. Ability to obtain a DoD Secret Clearance.
Active Secret Clearance preferred. Join Alaire Technologies
Alaire Technologies develops advanced sensing, imaging, and signal processing technologies
that support the U.S. Navy and Marine Corps. We are seeking motivated Research Engineers and
Engineering Physicists to help develop, prototype, test, and validate next-generation sensing
systems used in national defense. This position offers opportunities for both recent graduates and experienced engineers or
scientists interested in experimental research, instrumentation, optics, electronics, and advanced
sensor development. Position Overview
The successful candidate will work on multidisciplinary teams developing advanced electro-
optical, infrared, laser, and sensor technologies supporting ISR, remote sensing, and defense
applications. Responsibilities include laboratory experimentation, prototype development, data acquisition,
instrumentation, signal processing, and system integration from concept through testing and
validation. This position is well suited for candidates with backgrounds in experimental physics,
engineering physics, electrical engineering, optical engineering, photonics, instrumentation, or
applied research. ,Key Responsibilities โ€ข Design, build, and test laboratory experiments and prototype hardware. โ€ข Develop and integrate data acquisition, instrumentation, and control systems. โ€ข Support development of electro-optical (EO), infrared (IR), laser, and advanced sensing technologies. โ€ข Perform experimental testing, system characterization, calibration, and validation. โ€ข Collect, process, and analyze experimental data using statistical and computational methods. โ€ข Develop software tools for automation, instrumentation, data acquisition, and analysis. โ€ข Support sensor integration, hardware troubleshooting, and laboratory operations. โ€ข Collaborate with physicists, engineers, software developers, and government customers. โ€ข Document experimental procedures, technical findings, engineering analyses, and test results. โ€ข Participate in laboratory demonstrations, field testing, and technology transition efforts. Required Qualifications โ€ข BS, MS, or PhD in: o Physics o Engineering Physics o Applied Physics o Electrical Engineering o Optical Engineering o Mechanical Engineering o Aerospace Engineering o Photonics o or a closely related STEM discipline. โ€ข Strong laboratory, research, or engineering experience through industry, government, or academic research. โ€ข Hands-on experience assembling, testing, troubleshooting, or integrating experimental systems. โ€ข Strong analytical and problem-solving skills. โ€ข U.S. Citizenship. โ€ข Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Clearance. Preferred Qualifications
Experience with one or more of the following: , โ€ข Electro-optics (EO) โ€ข Infrared (IR) โ€ข EO/IR sensors โ€ข Optical systems โ€ข Laser systems โ€ข Photonics โ€ข Instrumentation โ€ข Laboratory automation โ€ข Data acquisition systems โ€ข National Instruments โ€ข LabVIEW โ€ข Oscilloscopes โ€ข Spectrum analyzers โ€ข Signal generators โ€ข Embedded electronics โ€ข PCB integration โ€ข Sensors โ€ข Remote sensing โ€ข Signal processing โ€ข Digital Signal Processing (DSP) โ€ข Image processing โ€ข Computer vision โ€ข Control systems โ€ข Robotics โ€ข Experimental physics โ€ข Prototype development โ€ข Systems integration โ€ข Hardware validation โ€ข Verification and validation (V&V) Programming experience with one or more of: โ€ข Python โ€ข MATLAB โ€ข C โ€ข C++ โ€ข LabVIEW Ideal Candidate Background
We welcome candidates from: , โ€ข University research laboratories โ€ข National laboratories โ€ข Defense contractors โ€ข Government research organizations โ€ข Applied research organizations โ€ข Naval Research Laboratory (NRL) โ€ข Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) โ€ข MIT Lincoln Laboratory โ€ข Draper โ€ข AFRL โ€ข NASA โ€ข DOE National Laboratories Clearance Requirements โ€ข U.S. Citizenship required. โ€ข Ability to obtain and maintain a DoD Secret Clearance. โ€ข Active Secret Clearance preferred. โ€ข Active Top Secret or SCI clearance is a plus. Why Join Alaire?
At Alaire Technologies, you'll work on advanced technologies that directly support the U.S.
Navy and national defense. Whether you're an early-career engineer looking to build hands-on
experience or a senior researcher leading cutting-edge development, you'll have the opportunity
to contribute to meaningful, technically challenging programs alongside a highly collaborative
team.