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Optics Photonics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lyte

Photonics Validation Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$170K - $250K/yr

Background in free space optics, micro-optics, packaging, and III-V semiconductor physics is a plus. You will work alongside a world-class, cross-functional team in a fast-paced and rapidly growing ...

General Motors

Provide technical leadership across optical systems, photonics, display science, head up display systems, holography, waveguides, computational optics, sensing, human factors, multimodal interaction ...

IonQ

Optical Integration Engineer

Bothell, WA · On-site

$144K - $186K/yr

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Optics, Photonics, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience) * 2-5 years of experience in optical components, aerospace, optical communications ...

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 ...

Pixcel

Optics/Electronics Technician

Matawan, NJ · On-site

Assemble and integrate optical and electronic components, including photonic devices, detectors ... You will work closely with PIXCEL's silicon photonics development leads, supporting the development ...

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Optics Photonics information

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How much do optics photonics jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 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.

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 optics photonics a good career?

Optics photonics is a promising career field involving the study and application of light and laser technologies, with opportunities in research, manufacturing, and telecommunications. It often requires strong skills in physics, engineering, and technical problem-solving, and can offer competitive salaries and job growth due to technological advancements. The field typically demands a bachelor's degree or higher in related disciplines and may involve working in laboratory or industrial environments.

What can you do with an optics photonics degree?

An optics photonics degree prepares individuals for careers in designing, developing, and testing optical and photonic systems used in telecommunications, medical devices, laser technology, and imaging. Graduates often work as optical engineers, research scientists, or technical specialists, utilizing skills in optics, laser physics, and instrumentation. The field typically requires knowledge of laboratory tools and may involve certifications or security clearances depending on the role.
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Optics Photonics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optics Photonics job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Part Time. Highlights an 96% Physical, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.

Photonics Validation Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

Lyte AI Inc.
See more jobs at Lyte AI Inc.external

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Posted 23 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Build test benches and automated test setups for photonics systems, components, and packaged opto-electronic devices

  • Design, execute, and refine test plans and validation methodologies across wafer, chip, eval board, and sub-module levels

  • Perform failure analysis to identify root causes and drive corrective actions across optical, electrical, and firmware layers

Job description

  • We are seeking a highly motivated Photonics Validation Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for validating photonics sub-systems and packaged opto-electronic modules - building test infrastructure from the ground up and driving failure analysis from component level through module level. This position requires hands-on expertise in optical and electro-optic testing, strong troubleshooting instincts, and the ability to work closely with a multidisciplinary engineering team. Experience with EIC control, firmware/FPGA/ASIC-based test environments, coherent communications, and data analysis is essential. Background in free space optics, micro-optics, packaging, and III-V semiconductor physics is a plus. You will work alongside a world-class, cross-functional team in a fast-paced and rapidly growing environment.
What you'll do
  • Build test benches and automated test setups from scratch for photonics systems, components, and packaged opto-electronic devices
  • Design, execute, and refine test plans and validation methodologies across wafer, chip, eval board, and sub-module levels
  • Perform spectrum analysis, noise analysis and FFT-based signal analysis
  • Validate coherent communication systems and modules (e.g., coherent receivers, DSP-linked subsystems)
  • Perform failure analysis efforts - root-causing device and system failures across optical, electrical, and firmware layers, and driving corrective actions
  • Troubleshoot and debug test setups and design issues, identifying and resolving challenges
  • Analyze and visualize test data to characterize device performance and identify trends or deviations
  • Interface with EIC controls, firmware, and embedded software during test bring-up
  • Collaborate with FPGA/ASIC teams to support test automation, debug, and validation workflows
  • Work closely with cross-functional teams (design, packaging, manufacturing, product) to drive issues from detection to resolution
  • Document test procedures, results, and failure analyses; communicate findings clearly to internal stakeholders
  • Support the transition of test methodologies from R&D into high-volume manufacturing
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Applied Physics, or a related field; a Master's or Ph.D. is welcome but not required
  • 3-7 years of relevant industry or applied research experience in photonics validation, optical testing, or opto-electronic systems
  • Hands-on experience testing photonic or opto-electronic components, subsystems, or packaged modules
  • Experience building test benches, fixtures, or automated test setups from the ground up
  • Strong failure-analysis and troubleshooting skills, with the ability to isolate root causes across optical, electrical, and firmware domains
  • Hands-on experience with optical and electrical lab equipment, including spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, network analyzers, and optical power meters
  • Proficiency in data analysis, automation, and visualization using Python, MATLAB, or similar tools
  • Working knowledge of coherent optical communication principles
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across engineering disciplines
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience interfacing with EIC controls, firmware, or embedded software during test bring-up
  • Experience with FPGA- or ASIC-based test environments and validation workflows
  • Experience with spectrum, noise, or FFT-based signal analysis
  • Background in free-space optics, micro-optics, photonics packaging, or III-V semiconductor physics
  • Experience transitioning test methodologies from R&D into manufacturing or high-volume production
Benefits (subject to location and local regulations)
  • Competitive salary and equity
  • Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage
  • Flexible vacation and time-off policy
  • Collaborative, fast-paced, and inclusive work environment
  • Opportunity to work oncutting-edgetechnologies with a highly cross-functional team
About Lyte

Lyte buildsperceptionsystems for Physical AIoperatingin complex environments. The company combines custom silicon, integrated sensors, and software into a unified platform for robotics, mobility, and next-generation automation. Lyte is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California, with a global presence. For more information, visit www.lyte.ai

Ifyou'reexcited about building impactful technology in a dynamic, hands-on environment,we'dlove to hear from you!

The pay range for this role is:

170,000 - 250,000 USD per year (Bay Area, CA)

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