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Optics Photonics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

Optical Communication Engineer

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$125K - $161K/yr

Master's or PhD in Engineering, Optics, Photonics, Materials Science, or a closely related field * 5+ years of previous experience with fiberoptic and laserbased systems for optical communications ...

$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 ...

Master's degree (+) in Optics/Photonics, Physics, or Electrical Engineering with industry experience in simulation, measurement, or system architecture * Knowledge of high-speed photonics and optical ...

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 ...

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 Sep 13, 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.
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:

Infographic showing various Optics Photonics job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 84% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 85% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $143,611 per year, or $69 per hour.

Senior Photonics Integrated Circuit Test Engineer

San Diego, CA • On-site

Prattwhitney
Engineering Professional Services • 10K+ employees

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 11 days ago


Pratt & Whitney rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 162 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

We are seeking a Senior Photonics Integrated Circuit Test Engineer to join our Surface Radars and Sensors Center within the Systems Engineering and Test Capabilities (SETC) Discipline, supporting Advanced Technology (AT) programs.

Responsibilities
  • Develop and conduct testing for integrated photonic components, sub-systems, and systems at die (PICs), wafer, and sub-assembly levels.
  • Implement test methodologies to evaluate photonic device performance based on design specifications, optical power, polarization, spectra, and environmental conditions.
  • Contribute to the selection of COTS/custom photonic components (discrete and silicon photonics), RF electronics, mixed-signal electronics, and embedded/digital signal processing solutions for wideband electronic and hybrid electronic‑photonics development programs.
  • Design mechanical fixtures and identify accessories to enhance and expand benchtop test capabilities.
  • Perform architectural trade studies on systems and sub-systems related to wideband RF and hybrid electronic‑photonics components and sub-systems.
  • Support the development and implementation of new hybrid electronic‑photonics capabilities.
  • Provide guidance, coaching, mentoring, and training to employees across the business in areas of expertise.
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and at least 5 years of relevant experience.
  • Lab experience in optical engineering tests, optical alignment systems, fiber‑waveguide coupling, and/or design verification testing.
  • Experience in Silicon Photonics, Optoelectronics, MEMS R&D, and/or related photonics product development.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Proficiency in programming languages for test automation and accurate, efficient data acquisition.
  • Experience in RF testing and characterization of photonic devices, including the use of tunable lasers, OSAs, switches, and attenuators.
  • Familiarity with discrete and integrated components (Silicon, Silicon Nitride, and compound‑semiconductor technologies).
  • Hands‑on experience with high‑speed test equipment such as bit‑error‑rate testers, digital communication analyzers, real‑time oscilloscopes, and vector network analyzers.
  • Experience with silicon and compound semiconductor fabrication technologies.
  • Proficiency in integrated photonics modeling and electronic design tools (e.g., Ansys HFSS, Lumerical, Cadence, Synopsis).
  • Knowledge of microelectronic and photonic integrated circuit packaging technologies.
  • Experience with high‑performance mixed‑signal systems (ADCs, DACs, FPGAs).
  • Demonstrated excellence in engaging with customers and decision‑makers.
  • Advanced degree (MS or PhD) in Physics, Optics, Photonics, or a related field.
Benefits
  • Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance.
  • Short‑term and long‑term disability coverage.
  • 401(k) match.
  • Flexible spending accounts.
  • Flexible work schedules.
  • Employee assistance program.
  • Employee Scholar Program.
  • Parental leave.
  • Paid time off and holidays.
  • Relocation assistance available.
Equal Opportunity Employer

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified individuals with a disability and protected veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

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About Pratt & Whitney

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Pratt & Whitney has a long history of leadership and innovation in the field of aviation propulsion. Our story begins in the 1920s and has flourished throughout the decades. We have continuously transformed and reinvented our businesses to offer superior products and services to our customers. In 1925, the Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Company was founded by Frederick B. Rentschler, pioneer of the air-cooled radial engine design which enabled unprecedented power-to-weight ratio. Its first engine, the R-1340 Wasp engine, transformed military and commercial aviation and is still in use today. In 1928, the Canadian division of the Pratt & Whitney Aircraft Company was established. In 1944, Pratt & Whitney began its gas turbine and jet propulsion initiative. The company constructed a wind tunnel, laboratory and engineering center to support our allies’ efforts in World War II. In 1945, wartime production included more than 300,000 Pratt & Whitney engines, touted by service members as extremely dependable – a legacy that continues today. From there, Pratt & Whitney continued to design and innovate more powerful, agile, and reliable engines becoming a leader in the aerospace industry. Today, Pratt & Whitney has more than 85,000 engines in service and more than 16,000 customers worldwide.

Industry

Engineering professional services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

East Hartford, CT, US