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Intel Photonics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Senior Silicon Photonics Design Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

Business Group Intel's Integrated Photonics Solutions (IPS) is at the forefront of silicon photonics integration and commercialization, pioneering technologies that drive high-volume manufacturing ...

Business group You will join Intel's Integrated Photonics Solutions (IPS) Group, a global leader in silicon photonics integration and commercialization. This innovative team focuses on developing and ...

Business Group Intel's Integrated Photonics Solutions (IPS) team leads the industry in silicon photonics integration, focusing on scalable high-volume manufacturing and delivering transformative ...

Business Group Intel's Integrated Photonics Solutions (IPS) team leads the industry in silicon photonics integration, focusing on scalable high-volume manufacturing and delivering transformative ...

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Intel Photonics information

See salary details

$51K

$98.6K

$146.5K

How much do intel photonics jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 3, 2026, the average yearly pay for intel photonics in the United States is $98,618.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $74,000.00 and $123,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is Intel Photonics?

Intel Photonics refers to Intel's technology and products that use light (photons) instead of electricity (electrons) for transmitting data. These solutions, often in the form of optical transceivers and silicon photonics, enable faster and more energy-efficient data communication over longer distances than traditional copper connections. Intel Photonics are widely used in data centers, high-performance computing, and cloud infrastructure to meet the growing demand for high-bandwidth data transfer. The technology helps reduce latency, increase throughput, and lower power consumption in modern computing environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Intel Photonics engineer?

To thrive as an Intel Photonics Engineer, you need a strong background in optical engineering, physics, or electrical engineering, often supported by an advanced degree. Familiarity with photonic design software, cleanroom fabrication tools, and simulation platforms like Lumerical or COMSOL is typically required. Strong problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills help you innovate and work effectively within multidisciplinary teams. These skills are crucial for developing cutting-edge photonics technologies that drive advancements in data communications and semiconductor industries.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in Intel Photonics, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in Intel Photonics often encounter challenges such as keeping pace with rapidly evolving optical technologies, integrating photonics with traditional electronics, and ensuring high reliability in manufacturing processes. Addressing these challenges requires continuous learning, close collaboration with cross-functional engineering teams, and a strong focus on quality control. Regularly participating in technical trainings and industry conferences can help professionals stay current and contribute effectively to innovative projects.

What is the difference between Intel Photonics vs Optical Communications Engineer?

AspectIntel PhotonicsOptical Communications Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related fields; knowledge of photonics and optical systemsBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, or related fields; experience with optical networks
Work EnvironmentResearch and development labs, manufacturing facilities, corporate officesTelecommunications companies, network service providers, R&D labs
Industry UsageSemiconductor and photonics industry, focusing on integrated photonics solutionsTelecommunications, data centers, fiber optic network deployment

Intel Photonics professionals focus on developing integrated photonic components and systems within the semiconductor industry, often working in R&D and manufacturing environments. Optical Communications Engineers design, implement, and maintain optical fiber networks in telecommunications and data centers. While both roles require knowledge of optics and photonics, Intel Photonics emphasizes integrated photonics technology development, whereas Optical Communications Engineers focus on network deployment and maintenance.

More about Intel Photonics jobs

What cities are hiring for Intel Photonics jobs?

Cities with the most Intel Photonics job openings:

What states have the most Intel Photonics jobs?

States with the most job openings for Intel Photonics jobs include:

Infographic showing various Intel Photonics job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 3% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 25% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 74% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $98,618 per year, or $47.4 per hour.

Silicon Photonics Component Design Engineer

Intel

Albuquerque, NM

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Posted 14 days ago


Intel rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 161 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Job Details:Job Description: 

As a Silicon Photonics (SiPho) Component Design Engineer, you will join Intel Foundry's Silicon Photonics Process Development and Manufacturing (SPDM) team, which is driving process innovation and enabling the next generation of optical interconnect technologies. Since pioneering the world's first heterogeneous silicon laser nearly a decade ago, Intel has continued to lead the industry through advanced technology development and scalable high-volume manufacturing.

Our team is committed to expanding Intel Foundry's Silicon Photonics platform to support customer solutions across data center communications, co-packaged optics, and next-generation optical networking technologies ranging from 400G to 3.2T+ and beyond.

In this role, you will contribute to the development and optimization of silicon photonic components that power cutting-edge optical communication systems. You will collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to design, characterize, and improve photonic devices while advancing Intel Foundry's silicon photonics technology roadmap.

Key Responsibilities

Photonic Component Design and Development

  • Design, simulate, and support the development of photonic components, including lasers, modulators, high-speed photodetectors, passive devices, and waveguide structures.
  • Contribute to photonic integrated circuit (PIC) design and architecture evaluations.

Device Optimization and Analysis

  • Perform simulations, tolerance studies, and design evaluations to improve device performance, manufacturability, and reliability.
  • Apply established modeling methodologies and design best practices to optimize photonic components.

Test Chip Development and Validation

  • Support test chip execution activities, including design implementation, layout coordination, tape-out preparation, and silicon validation.
  • Collaborate with fabrication and test teams to ensure successful design realization.

Characterization and Data Analysis

  • Analyze characterization and test data to identify performance trends, root causes, and opportunities for design enhancement.
  • Support the implementation of design improvements based on experimental results.

Modeling and Methodology Development

  • Contribute to photonic device models, simulation workflows, and automation tools.
  • Drive improvements in test methodologies and engineering processes to increase development efficiency.

Research and Technology Innovation

  • Evaluate emerging photonic technologies and support proof-of-concept demonstrations.
  • Contribute to intellectual property development through patents, technical publications, and innovation activities.
Qualifications:

Minimum Qualifications:

  • PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related technical discipline with 2+ years of experience in silicon photonic device design, simulation, characterization, or related research environments;

or

  • Master's degree in a related field with 4+ years of relevant experience.
  • Experience in one or more of the following areas:
    • High-speed photonic devices, including optical modulators and photodetectors;
    • Photonic design and simulation using tools such as Sentaurus, Silvaco, Lumerical, HFSS, ADS, RSoft, or equivalent;
    • Photonic device testing and characterization; data analysis using MATLAB, Python, JMP, or similar tools;
    • Photonic layout design using Cadence, KLayout, or comparable design environments.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with the ability to work effectively in a collaborative, cross-functional engineering environment.
  • Experience with silicon photonic modulator or detector design.
  • Familiarity with micro-ring modulators or advanced photonic materials such as BTO, TFLN, or III-V integration.
  • Basic understanding of high-speed electronic ICs including TIAs, drivers, equalization techniques, and DSP concepts.
  • Experience with optical link modeling and system-level performance analysis.
  • Experience with photonic devices operating at 100G+ data rates.
  • Familiarity with semiconductor foundry development processes.
  • Publications, conference presentations, or patent contributions in photonics or related fields.
  • Experience working on customer-facing, product development, or cross-functional engineering projects.
  • Experience with active and passive silicon photonic devices including heaters, carrier injection devices, and passive waveguide structures.
Job Type:Experienced HireShift:Shift 1 (United States of America)Primary Location: US, New Mexico, AlbuquerqueAdditional Locations:Posting Statement:All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance.Position of TrustN/ABenefits

We offer a total compensation package that ranks among the best in the industry. It consists of competitive pay, stock bonuses, and benefit programs which include health, retirement, and vacation. Find out more about the benefits of working at Intel.

Annual Salary Range for jobs which could be performed in the US: $141,910.00-269,100.00 USDThe range displayed on this job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target compensation for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific compensation range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Work Model for this Role

This role will require an on-site presence. * Job posting details (such as work model, location or time type) are subject to change.

*

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Intel is committed to Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) compliance and ethical hiring practices. We do not charge any fees during our hiring process. Candidates should never be required to pay recruitment fees, medical examination fees, or any other charges as a condition of employment. If you are asked to pay any fees during our hiring process, please report this immediately to your recruiter.

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About Intel

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Intel strives to make every facet of semiconductor manufacturing state-of-the-art -- from semiconductor process development and manufacturing, through yield improvement to packaging, final test and optimization, and world class Supply Chain and facilities support. Employees in the Technology and Manufacturing Group are part of a worldwide network of design, development, manufacturing, and assembly/test facilities, all focused on utilizing the power of Moore's Law to bring smart, connected devices to every person on Earth

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1968