ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Optics Photonics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Syntec Optics

Technical Sales Associate

Rochester, NY · On-site

Position Summary The Technical Sales Associate supports business development, customer engagement, and sales activities for Syntec Optics' advanced optics, photonics, and precision manufacturing ...

IPG Photonics

Optical Technician

Marlborough, MA

... photonics, medical device, aerospace, or high-tech manufacturing environments * Strong experience working with fiber optics, laser systems, optical assemblies, or precision electro-optical equipment

QCi

Applications Engineer, Photonics About Us Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi) (Nasdaq: QUBT) is an ... Identify and pursue high-value applications and programs in lasers, photonic devices, and optical ...

IPG Photonics

Optical Technician

Marlborough, MA · On-site

... photonics, medical device, aerospace, or high-tech manufacturing environments * Strong experience working with fiber optics, laser systems, optical assemblies, or precision electro-optical equipment

QCi

Applications Engineer- Photonics

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

Applications Engineer, Photonics About Us Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi) (Nasdaq: QUBT) is an ... Identify and pursue high-value applications and programs in lasers, photonic devices, and optical ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsOptics Photonics Jobs

Optics Photonics information

See salary details

$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do optics photonics jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for optics photonics in the United States is $143,611.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $129,000.00 and $167,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Does NASA hire optical engineers?

Yes, NASA hires optical engineers to work on projects involving space optics, laser systems, and imaging technologies. These roles often require expertise in optics, photonics, and related engineering skills, and may involve working in specialized laboratories or on spacecraft development.

What are the career opportunities in photonics?

Optics photonics offers career opportunities in research and development, manufacturing, and systems design across industries such as telecommunications, healthcare, defense, and consumer electronics. Roles include optical engineer, photonics technician, research scientist, and systems integrator, often requiring knowledge of laser systems, fiber optics, and relevant certifications. These careers typically involve working in labs, cleanrooms, or technical environments with a focus on innovation and precision.

Is photonics a good career?

Optics photonics is a growing field that involves the study and application of light and laser technologies, with careers available in research, manufacturing, and telecommunications. It often requires strong skills in physics, engineering, and technical problem-solving, and may involve working with specialized tools and equipment. The demand for photonics professionals is expected to increase as industries adopt advanced optical technologies.

What is the difference between Optics Photonics vs Optical Engineer?

AspectOptics PhotonicsOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in optics, photonics, physicsBachelor's or higher in optical engineering, physics, or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing, R&D departmentsDesign, testing, and development in labs or industrial settings
Industry UsageResearch institutions, tech companies, defense, healthcareOptical systems design, laser development, imaging systems

Optics Photonics professionals focus on the study and application of light, including lasers, fiber optics, and photonic devices, often involving research and development. Optical Engineers design and develop optical systems and components for practical applications. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and work environments, Optics Photonics emphasizes fundamental research, whereas Optical Engineers focus on system design and implementation.

Is photonics the future of AI?

Optics Photonics professionals are increasingly involved in developing photonic components and systems that can enhance AI processing speeds and energy efficiency. Photonic technologies, such as integrated photonic circuits and optical interconnects, are expected to play a significant role in advancing high-speed data transmission and computation for AI applications.
More about Optics Photonics jobs
What cities are hiring for Optics Photonics jobs? Cities with the most Optics Photonics job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Optics Photonics jobs? The most popular types of Optics Photonics jobs are:
What states have the most Optics Photonics jobs? States with the most job openings for Optics Photonics jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Optics Photonics jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Optics Photonics jobs are:
Optics Photonics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optics Photonics job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, and 2% Part Time. Highlights an 98% Physical, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.
2026 Graduate - Optics & Photonics Engineer/Scientist

2026 Graduate - Optics & Photonics Engineer/Scientist

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

$127K - $165K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 3 days ago

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.9

Company rating: 9.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 58 rated research

Job description

Description
Do you want to explore a career in optics and photonics?
Are you passionate about helping shape the technology of tomorrow through cutting edge research and development projects?
Are you looking for a job that allows you to do both software based data analysis as well as hands on laboratory experimentation?
If you are graduating with a Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related discipline and want to apply your expertise to optics and photonics research applications, we'd love to have you join our team!
We are a team of highly skilled scientists and engineers focused on the development of innovative solutions to our nation's critical challenges. We seek to drive technology advances in a variety of applications including remote sensing, rf photonics, optical communications, optical system design, high energy laser systems, applied spectroscopy, optical materials characterization, and advanced photonic technologies (including leveraging FPGA and digital design tools for photonic-based systems). Our team values include respect, communication, and technical and professional integrity. We strive to foster an environment in which we can have spirited technical discussions that drive towards truly innovative solutions.
As an associate professional staff member in the Optics and Photonics Group...
  • Your primary responsibility will be to support projects as an individual technical contributor. Examples of this include using software tools to develop modeling and simulation capabilities, setting up experiments and collecting data in various optical laboratories, and performing data analysis.
  • You will collaborate on multi-disciplinary teams to solve complex problems for our sponsors.
  • You will make an impact by detailing work into formal and informal technical reports including, presentations, conference proceedings, and journal articles.

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...
  • Have a Bachelor's or Master's Degree in Optics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or a related field.
  • Are interested in exploring a career in one or more of the following areas: Remote Sensing, Optical Communications, Optical System Design, High Energy Laser systems and technologies, Applied Spectroscopy, Optical Materials Characterization, or Advanced Photonics, FPGA development or digital design.
  • Have excellent written and oral communication skills and an ability to collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.
  • Are willing and able to work on site at APL and travel occasionally in support of meetings, workshops and reviews with government sponsors, contractors, vendors, and field tests.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret level security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have directly relevant experience in a hands on laboratory environment.
  • Are proficient in python and matlab.
  • Have established yourself in the technical community through journal and conference publications and involvement in professional societies.
  • Hold a current Top Secret clearance with the ability to obtain higher-level clearances.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at https://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accessibility@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$85,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$165,000 Annually

What Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory employees say

Pay

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply