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Optics Photonics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Perform optical and electrical modeling using tools such as Lumerical, COMSOL, FDTD, and Matlab ... D. in Optics, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field. * 10+ years of industrial ...

About us nEye.ai, a well-funded optical switch startup, is poised to revolutionize the future of data centers. nEye's MEMS-based silicon photonics optical circuit switches (OCS) eliminate critical ...

About us nEye.ai, a well-funded optical switch startup, is poised to revolutionize the future of data centers. nEye's MEMS-based silicon photonics optical circuit switches (OCS) eliminate critical ...

Photonics Lab Operator

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$45 - $55/hr

About us nEye.ai, a well-funded optical switch startup, is poised to revolutionize the future of data centers. nEye's MEMS-based silicon photonics optical circuit switches (OCS) eliminate critical ...

Photonics Lab Operator

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$45 - $55/hr

About us nEye.ai, a well-funded optical switch startup, is poised to revolutionize the future of data centers. nEye's MEMS-based silicon photonics optical circuit switches (OCS) eliminate critical ...

About us nEye.ai, a well-funded optical switch startup, is poised to revolutionize the future of data centers. nEye's MEMS-based silicon photonics optical circuit switches (OCS) eliminate critical ...

About us nEye.ai, a well-funded optical switch startup, is poised to revolutionize the future of data centers. nEye's MEMS-based silicon photonics optical circuit switches (OCS) eliminate critical ...

PhD in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, or related field (or MS with equivalent experience) * Hands-on experience with nonlinear optics and/or quantum optics in laboratory settings

PhD in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, or related field (or MS with equivalent experience) * Hands-on experience with nonlinear optics and/or quantum optics in laboratory settings

Showing results 41-60

Optics Photonics information

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$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do optics photonics jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 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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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:

Infographic showing various Optics Photonics job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, and 7% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.

Senior/Principal Engineer, Photonics Design

QCi

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Senior Principal Engineer, Photonics Design

Location: Hoboken, NJ/Cranbury, NJ

Division: Technology

Department: PIC Engineering

Reports to: Senior Director, PIC Engineering

About Us

Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi) (Nasdaq: QUBT) is an innovative, integrated photonics company that provides accessible and affordable quantum machines to the world today. QCi products are designed to operate at room temperature and low power at an affordable cost. The Company's portfolio of core technology and products offer unique capabilities in the areas of high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, cyber security as well as remote sensing applications.

Position Description 

We are seeking an experienced Senior/Principal Engineer to lead the design, integration, and development of photonic integrated circuits with integrated laser sources. The ideal candidate will have deep expertise in semiconductor laser physics, photonic device design, process integration, and system-level modeling. This role requires a hands-on leader capable of driving projects from concept through fabrication, testing, and qualification, with a strong focus on innovation and performance optimization for next-generation photonic systems.

Duties and Responsibilities
  • Lead the design and modeling of integrated photonic circuits incorporating lasers, modulators, amplifiers, and passive components.
  • Develop and optimize epitaxial structures for laser integration on photonic platforms (e.g., Thin-film lithium niobate, Si photonics).
  • Perform optical and electrical modeling using tools such as Lumerical, COMSOL, FDTD, and Matlab/Python codes.
  • Drive process integration efforts including mask design, fabrication flow development, and collaboration with foundry partners.
  • Conduct device characterization, performance analysis, and reliability testing to meet product specifications.
  • Provide technical leadership in cross-functional teams including epitaxy, process engineering, testing, and reliability.
  • Support product qualification efforts including wafer acceptance testing, reliability modeling, and failure analysis.
  • Stay current with emerging technologies and contribute to intellectual property and technical roadmap development.
Required Skills and Experience
  • Ph.D. in Optics, Photonics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • 10+ years of industrial experience in semiconductor laser design, fabrication, and testing.
  • Strong background in photonic device modeling (FDTD, FDFD, PWEM, TMM, FEM).
  • Proficiency with photonic design and simulation tools (Lumerical, COMSOL, Sentaurus, etc.).
  • Experience with III-V semiconductor processes including lithography, etching, deposition, and characterization.
  • Demonstrated ability to lead technical projects and mentor junior engineers.
  • Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with photonic crystal lasers (PCSEL), VCSELs, DFB, EML, or SOA devices.
  • Knowledge of integrated photonic platforms (Si photonics, InP, heterogeneous integration).
  • Proficiency in programming for data analysis and automation (Python, Matlab, SQL, VBA).
  • Experience with reliability testing, wear-out modeling, and qualification for high-volume production.
  • Familiarity with mask design tools (KLayout, L-Edit) and process integration for photonics.
  • Track record of innovation through patents, publications, or product development.
  • Experience working in a cross-cultural, multi-site R&D environment.

Incumbent(s) in this position may be required to perform other duties and special assignments not specifically stated above. Statements outlined in this section are designated as essential job functions in accordance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990.


Employment Type: FULL_TIME