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Optics Photonics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aeva, Inc.

Photonics Module Engineer

Mountain View, CA

$164K - $222K/yr

Work closely with photonics designers, optics, mechanical engineers, and system engineers to create system POC and provide technical guidance for full system prototype designs * Manage core technical ...

Aeva, Inc.

Photonics Module Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$164K - $222K/yr

Work closely with photonics designers, optics, mechanical engineers, and system engineers to create system POC and provide technical guidance for full system prototype designs * Manage core technical ...

Aeva, Inc.

Photonics Module Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$164K - $222K/yr

Work closely with photonics designers, optics, mechanical engineers, and system engineers to create system POC and provide technical guidance for full system prototype designs * Manage core technical ...

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)

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 ...

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.

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Optics Photonics information

See salary details

$83K

$143.6K

$168.5K

How much do optics photonics jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 15, 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:
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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.

Optical Test Engineer

Mesh Optical Technologies

Gardena, CA

$120K - $160K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

OPTICAL TEST ENGINEER

Mesh Optical Technologies was founded on the belief that optical photons will be at the center of advanced technologies in the coming century. Making advanced technology ubiquitous means building at scale, and that's exactly what we're doing at Mesh.

Scaling advanced photonics demands test and measurement systems as sophisticated as the devices themselves. We are seeking an Optical Test Engineer to design, build, and validate the optical test infrastructure that ensures our products meet rigorous performance, yield, and reliability standards-from wafer-level characterization through integrated module validation. You will be the critical link between design intent and production reality, turning data into actionable insight across every stage of our manufacturing pipeline.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

  • Partner with PIC design, electrical, mechanical and test teams to define requirements for production and develop test approaches for complex hardware
  • Design, build, and validate optical test systems including imaging, microscopy, polarimetry, profilometry, and interferometry
  • Compile and analyze data sets to identify trends in performance
  • Assist with validation activities, including performance characterization at the wafer-, die-, and integrated module level
  • Work with internal engineering teams and suppliers to identify drivers of performance, yield, reliability, and quality issues
  • Review designs for manufacturability; drive integration build flow, test operations, and execution readiness

QUALIFICATIONS:

  • Bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, optical engineering, applied physics or an engineering discipline
  • 2+ years of hands-on experience 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 optical test equipment (e.g., power meters, interferometers, spectrum analyzers)
  • 1+ years of programming experience (e.g., C++, LabVIEW, and/or Python)
  • Willingness to work extended hours and weekends as needed

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:

  • Master's degree or PhD in electrical engineering, optical engineering, applied physics or an engineering discipline
  • Experience in optical lab or production environments with strong attention to detail
  • Proficiency with optical design/analysis tools (e.g., Zemax)
  • Experience integrating and testing electrical and/or avionics systems
  • Experience with documentation practices and configuration management
  • Hands-on experience with electro-optic wafer- and die-level test systems
  • Hands-on familiarity with optical/RF test equipment (e.g., spectrum analyzers, VNAs, VSGs, high-speed oscilloscopes, BERTs)
  • Experience writing test plans and procedures, and delivering go/no-go decisions with clear rationale
  • CAD proficiency (NX preferred)

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:

Pay range: 
Optical Test Engineer: $120,000.00 - $160,000.00/per year

Title and base salary are determined on a case by case basis commensurate with experience and merit.

In addition to base salary, compensation for this role includes:

  • Eligibility for long-term incentives including company stock options and discretionary bonuses awarded for exceptional achievements.
  • Comprehensive medical, vision, and dental insurance with significant cost covered by the company for yourself and dependents.
  • Paid parental leave and flexible PTO (3 weeks accrued vacation and 10 company holidays per year).
  • 401(k) retirement plan access.
  • Relocation assistance to sunny Los Angeles.

Apply