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Integrated Photonics Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

IonQ

Optical Integration Engineer

Bothell, WA · On-site

$144K - $186K/yr

We are seeking an Optical Integration Engineer to join the Quantum Networking team at IonQ. This ... Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Optics, Photonics, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent ...

IonQ

Optical Integration Engineer

Bothell, WA · On-site

$144K - $186K/yr

IONQ] is the world's leading quantum platform and merchant supplier - delivering integrated quantum ... Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Optics, Photonics, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent ...

IonQ

Senior Mask Layout Engineer

Bothell, WA · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

D. in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or related field * 5+ years experience in generating layout files for complex semiconductor flows with custom elements, such as MEMS, integrated ...

IonQ

Photonic Layout Engineer

Bothell, WA · On-site

We are looking for a Photonic Layout Engineer to join our QPU Design team at Oxford Ionics/IonQ. In ... integrated photonics, contributing directly to the success of building utility-scale quantum ...

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All JobsIntegrated Photonics Engineer JobsIntegrated Photonics Engineer Jobs in Seattle, WA

Integrated Photonics Engineer information

See Seattle, WA salary details

$50.1K

$121.1K

$197.4K

How much do integrated photonics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for integrated photonics engineer in Seattle, WA is $121,068.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $86,500.00 and $150,800.00 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 Seattle, WA?

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

What job categories do people searching Integrated Photonics Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA look for?

The top searched job categories for Integrated Photonics Engineer jobs in Seattle, WA are:

Integrated Photonics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Integrated Photonics Engineer job openings in Seattle, WA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 88% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $121,068 per year, or $58.2 per hour.

Photonics Engineer III

Collabera Digital

Redmond, WA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 20 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Design and develop complete Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), from fundamental component blocks to full-circuit implementations, with a strong emphasis on active device integration.

  • Generate, verify, and prepare fabrication-ready layout files, ensuring compliance with foundry Process Design Kits (PDKs) for external fabrication.

  • Support the entire design-to-fabrication pipeline, from initial concept through tapeout, coordinating closely with cross-functional teams and external partners.

Job description

About Ascendion
Ascendion is an AI-native software engineering disruptor helping businesses innovate faster, smarter, and with greater impact. We partner with enterprise clients across North America, the UK, Europe, and APAC to solve complex challenges in data, experience design, software product engineering, and workforce transformation. Powered by expert engineers, thousands of AI agents, and our Engineering to the Power of AI (EngineeringAI) method, we deliver measurable outcomes that build trust, unlock value, and accelerate growth.
Learn more at https://ascendion.com/
Engineering to the Power of AI™, AAVA™, EngineeringAI, Engineering to Elevate Life™, Enterprise PlatformsAI, Data & InsightsAI, ExperienceAI, GCCAI, OperationsAI, Platform EngineeringAI, ProductAI, and Quality EngineeringAI are trademarks or service marks of Ascendion®. AAVA™ is pending registration. Unauthorized use is strictly prohibited.
Ascendion | Engineering to elevate life
We have a culture built on opportunity, inclusion, and a spirit of partnership. Come, change the world with us:
  • Build the coolest tech for the world's leading brands
  • Solve complex problems - and learn new skills
  • Experience the power of transforming digital engineering for Fortune 500 clients
  • Master your craft with leading training programs and hands-on experience

Experience a community of change makers!
Join a culture of high-performing innovators with endless ideas and a passion for tech. Our culture is the fabric of our company, and it is what makes us unique and diverse. The way we share ideas, learning, experiences, successes, and joy allows everyone to be their best at Ascendion.
About The Role:
  • We are seeking a passionate Optical Engineer, Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) Design & Analysis, to join our research and development team.
  • This role focuses on delivering state-of-the-art near-to-eye display system technologies.
  • The ideal candidate will have expertise in novel integrated photonics device design and metrology, gained through a Ph.D. or industry experience.

Job Title: Photonics Engineer III
Key Responsibilities:
  • Design and develop complete Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), from fundamental component blocks to full-circuit implementations, with a strong emphasis on active device integration.
  • Generate, verify, and prepare fabrication-ready layout files, ensuring compliance with foundry Process Design Kits (PDKs) for external fabrication.
  • Conduct systematic design analysis, including optimization and parametric studies, to guide design decisions.
  • Support the entire design-to-fabrication pipeline, from initial concept through tapeout, coordinating closely with cross-functional teams and external partners.
  • Collaborate with program leadership, Technical Program Managers (TPMs), and researchers on PIC designs that align with overall program objectives.

Minimum Qualifications:
  • MS or Ph.D. degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Sciences, Physics, or a closely related field.
  • 3+ years of hands-on experience in the design, simulation, and layout of PICs for visible or IR wavelengths on platforms such as Silicon (Si), Silicon Nitride (SiN), Lithium Niobate (LiNbO), or Barium Titanate (BTO).
  • 3+ years of experience utilizing photonic device simulation and electromagnetic modeling tools for both component and circuit-level analysis (e.g., Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD)/Mode Analysis (MODE)/Device Simulation (DEVICE), Photonics, RSoft, or Multiphysics).
  • 2+ years of experience with PIC layout tools and GDSII generation (e.g., KLayout, Virtuoso, or equivalent), including familiarity with foundry PDK integration and design rule verification.
  • 2+ years of experience with scientific programming (e.g., Python or MATLAB) for scripting, design automation, and analysis.
  • 1+ years of experience supporting or executing PIC tapeouts at a commercial semiconductor foundry, including an understanding of fabrication process constraints (e.g., propagation losses, sidewall roughness, etch non-idealities).

Preferred Qualifications:
  • 3+ years experience in active PIC design, fabrication, and validation, particularly for visible wavelengths on LiNbO or BTO platforms.
  • 3+ years of experience in design space exploration, sensitivity analysis, and statistical performance/yield modeling for photonic circuits.
  • 3+ years of experience with one or more major photonic simulation tool suites
  • 2+ years of experience utilizing photonic circuit-level simulation tools (e.g., Interconnect, OptSim) for system-level performance evaluation.
  • 2+ years of experience in photonic device characterization and test, including both optical and electro-optic measurements.
  • 1+ years experience with fiber optics, free-space optics, PIC packaging, and comprehensive device characterization.
  • 1+ years experience with semiconductor fabrication processes and a deep understanding of process-induced performance limitations, such as optical losses, sidewall roughness, and process variability.
  • Demonstrated ability to directly incorporate fabrication constraints into PIC designs (e.g., optimizing minimum feature sizes and bend radii, implementing effective tapering strategies, and using layout techniques to mitigate scattering and coupling losses).

Location: Redmond, WA [Onsite]
Salary Range: The salary for this position is between $124,800 - $180,960 annually. Factors which may affect pay within this range may include geography/market, skills, education, experience, and other qualifications of the successful candidate.
Benefits: The Company offers the following benefits for this position, subject to applicable eligibility requirements: [medical insurance] [dental insurance] [vision insurance] [401(k) retirement plan] [long-term disability insurance] [short-term disability insurance] [5 personal days accrued each calendar year. The Paid time off benefits meet the paid sick and safe time laws that pertains to the City/ State] [10-15 days of paid vacation time] [6 paid holidays and 1 floating holiday per calendar year] [Ascendion Learning Management System]
Want to change the world? Let us know.
Tell us about your experiences, education, and ambitions. Bring your knowledge, unique viewpoint, and creativity to the table. Let's talk!
Preferred Skills
Photonic Integrated Circuit (PIC) Design
  • Optical Engineering
  • Photonics
  • Python/MATLAB

Job details
Job ID 332820
Role Photonics Engineer III
Location Redmond, Washington, US
Job type Direct Hire
Recruiter Chirag
Email chirag.balani@ascendion.com
About Ascendion
Ascendion is a full-service digital engineering solutions company. We make and manage software platforms and products that power growth and deliver captivating experiences to consumers and employees.
Our engineering, cloud, data, experience design, and talent solution capabilities accelerate transformation and impact for enterprise clients. Headquartered in New Jersey, our workforce of 6,000+ Ascenders delivers solutions from around the globe. Ascendion is built differently to engineer the next.

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