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Integrated Photonics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Coherent Corp.

Photonics Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

Graphene Integration * Collaborate with Graphenea on graphene deposition and doping strategies ... D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Materials Science, or related field. * 3+ years of ...

IonQ

Senior Photonics Test Engineer

Boston, MA

$126K - $166K/yr

As a Senior Photonics Test Engineer, you'll be part of a cross-functional team whose mission is to ... Design, upgrade, and expand the testing infrastructure for characterizing classical integrated ...

Aeva, Inc.

Photonics Module Engineer

Mountain View, CA

... integrates all key LiDAR components onto a silicon photonics chip in a compact module. Aeva 4D ... As a Photonics Module Engineer you will be partnering with cross functional teams to deliver ...

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Aeva, Inc.

Photonics Module Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$164K - $222K/yr

... integrates all key LiDAR components onto a silicon photonics chip in a compact module. Aeva 4D ... As a Photonics Module Engineer you will be partnering with cross functional teams to deliver ...

Neurophos Inc

Lead Silicon Photonics Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$270K - $325K/yr

Work with optical fiber assemblies and ensure seamless integration with high-speed photonic systems ... PhD in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline. * 3+ years of industry ...

Aeva, Inc.

Photonics Module Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$164K - $222K/yr

... integrates all key LiDAR components onto a silicon photonics chip in a compact module. Aeva 4D ... As a Photonics Module Engineer you will be partnering with cross functional teams to deliver ...

HyperLight

Senior Photonics Process Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$125K - $185K/yr

At the core of our work is the TFLN Chiplet™ platform -- a modular, integrated architecture ... As a Senior Photonics Process Development Engineer , you will be a key player in driving the ...

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Integrated Photonics Engineer information

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$44K

$106.4K

$173.5K

How much do integrated photonics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for integrated photonics engineer in the United States is $106,386.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,000.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.
More about Integrated Photonics Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Integrated Photonics Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Integrated Photonics Engineer job openings:
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What job categories do people searching Integrated Photonics Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Integrated Photonics Engineer jobs are:
Integrated Photonics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Integrated Photonics Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 17% As Needed, 17% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 49% Contract. Highlights an 91% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,386 per year, or $51.1 per hour.
Photonics Engineer

Photonics Engineer

Coherent Corp.

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Part-time

Posted 9 days ago

Job description


Primary Duties & Responsibilities
  • Device Design & Simulation
    • Design and model backside-emitting VCSEL structures optimized for 1060 nm emission.
    • Develop and simulate photonic crystal cavity structures to enhance light-graphene interaction.
    • Optimize device parameters for >100 GHz 3 dB bandwidth, <3 V modulation bias, and >3 dB extinction ratio.
  • Graphene Integration
    • Collaborate with Graphenea on graphene deposition and doping strategies.
    • Evaluate doping approaches (boron and molecular adsorbate) for Fermi level tuning and resistance control.
    • Define gate oxide materials and thicknesses to minimize RC time constants in device performance.
  • Fabrication Coordination
    • Work with Coherent's Sherman facility to coordinate deposition, patterning, and etching processes.
    • Oversee e-beam lithography (EBL) and reactive ion etching (RIE) for photonic crystal patterning.
    • Integrate ITO contacts and graphene layers for electrical backgating.
  • Testing & Characterization
    • Perform electrical efficiency and high-speed modulation testing of graphene-based VCSELs.
    • Conduct optical reflection and modulation experiments using spectrometers, beamsplitters, and photodiodes.
    • Collaborate with Coherent teams in Fremont and Stanford University for advanced characterization.
  • Collaboration & Documentation
    • Work cross-functionally with materials scientists, process engineers, and external partners.
    • Maintain detailed experiment logs, test reports, and contribute to patent filings and publications.

Education & Experience
  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Materials Science, or related field.
  • 3+ years of experience in VCSEL, photonics, or optoelectronic device R&D.
  • Hands-on experience with nanofabrication (EBL, RIE, PVD/ALD/CVD).
  • Proficiency with optical and electrical modeling tools (Lumerical, COMSOL, or equivalent).
  • Experience with high-speed (GHz+) optoelectronic testing.
  • Experience working with 2D materials (e.g., graphene) in optoelectronic applications.

Skills
  • Knowledge of graphene doping and gate-tunable devices.
  • Experience in cross-site collaboration and vendor management (international).
  • Familiarity with backside-emitting VCSEL architectures and photonic crystal design.
  • Strong interpersonal, teaming, and problem-solving skills.
  • Work effectively with other members of Coherent Corp. xxxxx.

Working Conditions
  • Onsite or hybrid work
  • Regular collaboration with engineers and scientist in a fast-paced R&D setting, with both independent and team-based tasks

Physical Requirements
  • Ability to perform fine manual tasks under a microscope and handle delicate semiconductor components with precision.
  • Capability to stand or sit for extended periods while working in a lab or cleanroom environment.

Safety Requirements
All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.
Quality and Environmental Responsibilities
Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.
Culture Commitment
Ensure adherence to company's values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:
Integrity - Create an Environment of Trust
Collaboration - Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
Accountability - Own the Process and the Outcome
Respect - Recognize the Value in Everyone
Enthusiasm - Find a Sense of Purpose in Work
Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.
About Us
Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.

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