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Optics Photonics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Mesh Optical Technologies

Optical Test Engineer

Gardena, CA · On-site

$120K - $160K/yr

... in optics, photonics, lasers, or test * Working knowledge of lasers, photodiodes, fiber optics, optical test/troubleshooting methods, and signal integrity fundamentals * Hands-on experience with ...

Qunett

Quantum Photonics Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

Quantum Photonics Engineer About Qunett Qunett is developing the foundational hardware layer for ... PhD in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, or related field (or MS with equivalent experience)

HyperLight

Product Engineer, Custom

Cambridge, MA · On-site +1

$90K - $180K/yr

Proven experience in semiconductor/optics/photonics industry; MPW or PDK experience a plus * Familiarity with basics of microwave circuits and components, electro-optic modulators, layout tools (e.g ...

Qunett

Quantum Photonics Engineer

Boston, MA

Quantum Photonics Engineer About Qunett Qunett is developing the foundational hardware layer for ... PhD in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, or related field (or MS with equivalent experience)

Anello Photonics

Sr Photonics Engineer (PIC)

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

ANELLO Photonics is a leading-edge technology company based in Santa Clara, CA. The company has ... Support optical packaging, through interfacing to external vendors and internal development.

Psionic

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Hampton, VA · On-site

Integrated optical sensors and supporting electronics are necessary to achieve high-performance requirements. The successful candidate will be familiar with the integrated photonics lab testing ...

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$143.6K

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How much do optics photonics jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 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.

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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 89% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.
Principal Engineer Test

Principal Engineer Test

Northrop Grumman Corporation

Apopka, FL

$89K - $134K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Northrop Grumman rating

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 338 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

106th of 518 rated manufacturers

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance availableCLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: NoCLEARANCE TYPE: SecretTRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescriptionAt Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is a trusted provider of mission-enabling solutions for global security. We have awide portfolio of secure, affordable, integrated, and multi-domain systems and technologies. Our differentiated battlemanagement and cyber solutions deliver timely, mission-enabling information and provide superior situational awarenessand understanding to protect the U.S. and its global allies.

Northrop Grumman Mission Systems is looking for you to join our team as a Principal Test Engineer based in Apopka, Florida.

We offer great learning opportunities, exposure to a wide variety of projects and customers, and a very friendly team environment. We are looking for self-motivated, proactive, and goal-oriented people to help us grow our services and become even better at what we do.

What you will get to do:

  • Design, develop and implement testing methods and optical / mechanical equipment.
  • Plan and arrange the labor, schedules, and equipment required for testing and evaluating standard and special devices.
  • Provide test area with parameters for sample testing and specifies tests to be performed.
  • Compile data and define changes required in testing equipment, testing procedures, manufacturing processes, or new testing requirements.
  • Responsible for testing all customer samples and for special tests that cannot be performed in the test area.
  • Review, interpret, and analyze formal and informal requirements.

The ideal candidate will:

  • Possess a complete understanding and wide application of technical principles, theories, and concepts in Optics/Photonics. General knowledge of other related disciplines.
  • Provide technical solutions to a wide range of complex difficult problems. Solutions are imaginative, thorough, practicable, and consistent with organization objectives.
  • Work under only general direction. Independently determines and develops approach to solutions. Work is reviewed upon completion for adequacy in meeting objectives.

Basic Qualifications for Test Engineer:

  • A bachelor's degree in Optics/Photonics or a related STEM field with a minimum of 5 years of relevant work experience; OR a master's degree in Optics/Photonics or a related STEM field with 3 or more years of relevant work experience; OR a PhD in Optics/Photonics or a related STEM field with at least 1 year of relevant work experience.
  • Experience with COTS (common off the shelf) equipment used in laser manufacturing laboratories e.g., laser diodes, energy/pulse width detection, optical devices, and mounts, etc.
  • Experience with optical design software such as Zemax, CodeV, etc.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.
  • U.S. Citizenship required.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with engineering development tools such as CAD, Optical Design, with exposure to laser measurement/analysis techniques.
  • Lab experience with VIS, SWIR, MWIR, LWIR camera imaging parameters such as MRC and MRTD.
  • A current DoD Secret Clearance

What We Can Offer You:

Northrop Grumman provides a comprehensive benefits package and a work environment that encourages your growth and supports the mutual success of our people and our company. Northrop Grumman benefits give you the flexibility and control to choose the benefits that make the most sense for you and your family.

Your benefits will include the following: Health Plan, Savings Plan, Paid Time Off, and Additional Benefits, including Education Assistance, Training and Development, 9/80 Work Schedule (where available), and much more!

#MPR

Primary Level Salary Range: $89,400.00 - $134,200.00The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

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About Northrop Grumman

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work - and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible.

Industry

Space research administration

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Falls Church, VA, US

Year founded

1939

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