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Integrated Photonics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Integrated Photonics Engineer information

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$106.4K

$173.5K

How much do integrated photonics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 14, 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:
What states have the most Integrated Photonics Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Integrated Photonics Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Integrated Photonics Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Integrated Photonics Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Integrated Photonics Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,386 per year, or $51.1 per hour.
Integrated Photonics Summer PhD Intern

Integrated Photonics Summer PhD Intern

HyperLight

Cambridge, MA โ€ข On-site

$25 - $35/hr

Temporary

Posted 18 days ago


Job description

HyperLight is at the forefront of the commercialization of thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) integrated photonics - a material and process technology that is enabling high-performance, scalable optical components across AI/datacom infrastructure, hyperscale computing, quantum computing, sensing, and beyond. Founded in 2018 and backed by leading venture capital, we've built a team and a platform focused on real-world mass deployment of TFLN photonics technology.
At the core of our work is the TFLN Chipletโ„ข platform - a modular, integrated architecture designed for scalability, manufacturability, and seamless integration into complex systems. It offers a rare combination of extraordinary performance and industrial readiness, enabling system developers across applications to deploy the technology fast and ready. We partner with our customers and suppliers from conceptualization, design, and prototyping phases, all the way through mass production to ensure smooth and rapid deployment of TFLN photonic technology.
We believe our platform is the key, in the golden age of integrated photonics, to empower humanity to the next level. We assembled a world class team covering engineering, business and operations. We believe in the power of integrity, innovation, collaboration and pragmatic solutions. Our diverse team thrives on challenges and is united by a shared commitment to excellence. We take pride in tackling complex challenges with curiosity, humility, and a deep sense of care for one another.
As HyperLight continues to expand, we are looking for an Integrated Photonics Summer PhD Intern. This position offers a unique opportunity to participate in the technical parts of our integrated photonics product. This position will involve the measurement and testing of the product (at chip level, module level and system level), improvement of the test capabilities (building new test functionalities and test setups), and the development of the next-gen products. This is an exceptional opportunity to immerse yourself in the forefront of photonics while gaining valuable experience in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
The success of the HyperLight team originates in individuals who strive for excellence and continuous learning, and practice humility and care for their teammates. If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply!
We provide:
โ€ข Hands-on experience in a cutting-edge photonics environment.
โ€ข Mentorship and collaboration with leading photonics experts.
โ€ข Opportunity to contribute to impactful projects shaping the future of photonics technologies.
โ€ข Market competitive compensation.
Role responsibilities include:
โ€ข Perform optical and electrical testing of integrated photonic devices and systems.
โ€ข Improvement of the test capabilities (building new test functionalities and test setups)
โ€ข Assist in optimizing test protocols and to enhance efficiency and accuracy
โ€ข Drive the R&D to improve product performance such as optical, RF, electro-optical performance
โ€ข Analyze and interpret experimental data to validate device performance and identify areas for improvement
โ€ข Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including design and fabrication, to address performance challenges
Requirements
This position requires:
โ€ข Current Ph.D. or Master student in a Photonics related field such as Physics, Optics, Engineering
โ€ข Strong understanding of integrated photonics, silicon photonics, or related technologies
โ€ข Experience with electro-optical modulator is a plus
โ€ข Familiarity with fiber alignment systems and free-space optics setups is a plus
โ€ข Proficiency in data analysis using tools such as Python, MATLAB, or equivalent
โ€ข Experience with photonic device simulation tools (e.g., Lumerical, COMSOL) is a plus
โ€ข Strong written & oral commination skills
โ€ข Ability to work under time constraints
โ€ข Ability to solve problems in new and/or ambiguous scenarios
Duration and Location:
  • This is a 12-week or more, full-time internship during the summer/Fall. (Year-round internship also available)
  • The position is based at Cambridge, MA and is in-person only.
  • Pay range of $25 - $35 per hour

Authorization to work in the US is required. This position is in-person.
HyperLight is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. HyperLight is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during our hiring process. If you need assistance or an accommodation, please contact us at HR@hyperlightcorp.com.