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Optoelectronic Research Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Keysight Technologies SAles Spain SL.

$104K - $138K/yr

About the Job We are seeking a motivated R&D Hardware Engineer to join our innovative team ... In this role, you will contribute to the development of optoelectronic hardware from concept ...

Infotech Sourcing

Research Scientist III

Redmond, WA · On-site

Meta Reality Labs brings together a world-class team of researchers, developers, and engineers to ... Develop next-generation optoelectronic materials with an emphasis on advanced design, fabrication ...

Infotech Sourcing

Research Scientist III

Redmond, WA · On-site

Meta Reality Labs brings together a world-class team of researchers, developers, and engineers to ... Develop next-generation optoelectronic materials with an emphasis on advanced design, fabrication ...

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Optoelectronic Research Engineer information

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$85K

$110.6K

$129K

How much do optoelectronic research engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for optoelectronic research engineer in the United States is $110,632.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $100,500.00 and $121,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an optoelectronic research engineer?

Optoelectronic research engineers are professionals who specialize in the study, design, and development of devices and systems that combine optics (light) and electronics. They work on technologies such as lasers, LEDs, photodetectors, and fiber-optic communication systems. Their responsibilities often include conducting experiments, analyzing data, designing prototypes, and improving the performance of optoelectronic devices for applications in telecommunications, medical equipment, and consumer electronics.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an optoelectronic research engineer?

To thrive as an Optoelectronic Research Engineer, you need a strong background in physics, electrical engineering, and optics, typically supported by an advanced degree (Master’s or PhD) in a relevant field. Familiarity with simulation software such as COMSOL or Lumerical, experience with laboratory instrumentation, and knowledge of semiconductor fabrication processes are commonly required. Analytical thinking, creativity, and strong communication skills help in problem-solving and collaborating on complex research projects. These competencies are crucial for developing innovative optoelectronic devices and advancing research in rapidly evolving technological environments.

What are some typical challenges faced by optoelectronic research engineers when working on new device prototypes?

Optoelectronic Research Engineers often encounter challenges such as optimizing device performance while balancing cost and manufacturability. Developing prototypes can involve troubleshooting unexpected material behaviors, aligning multidisciplinary teams (such as optics, electronics, and materials scientists), and iterating designs to meet strict reliability and efficiency standards. Additionally, staying current with rapid advancements in photonic technologies and ensuring compliance with industry standards can be demanding, but these challenges also drive innovation and professional growth.

What is the difference between Optoelectronic Research Engineer vs Optical Engineer?

AspectOptoelectronic Research EngineerOptical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's in Electrical, Physics, or Optical EngineeringBachelor's/Master's in Optical, Electrical, or Physics Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, R&D departments, universitiesManufacturing, product development, design teams
Industry UsageHigh-tech, telecommunications, defense, research institutionsConsumer electronics, optics manufacturing, healthcare devices

Optoelectronic Research Engineers focus on developing and testing optoelectronic devices and systems, often working in research settings. Optical Engineers typically work on designing and implementing optical systems for products and applications. While both roles require similar educational backgrounds and may overlap in industry, their primary focus and work environments differ.

What are popular job titles related to Optoelectronic Research Engineer jobs?

For Optoelectronic Research Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Optoelectronic Research Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $110,632 per year, or $53.2 per hour.

Research Engineer - Semiconductor Materials

Princeton, NJ • On-site

SRI International
Scientific Research and Development Services • 1 - 5K employees
Learn more about SRI Internationalexternal

$104K - $154K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

Overview
SRI International has an immediate opening in our Princeton, NJ campus for a Research Engineer in Semiconductor Materials. This position will leverage deep knowledge of semiconductor materials growth and fabrication to aid our in-house foundry. In this position, you will work with a small, dedicated research team on existing programs, with the long term goal of cultivating your own programs and research directions. Successful candidates will have a strong background in semiconductor material growth - particularly by MOCVD in commercial machines - as well as an understanding of how to characterize these materials and integrate into fabrication processes. Ideally the candidate has developed their understanding through extensive hands-on experience in materials growth and characterization. Our work aims to leverage these materials into inventing new technologies and techniques, developing prototypes, and constructing fieldable systems. Activities will be very hands-on, operating over a variety of projects related to national security.
SRI's Advanced Technology and Systems Division conducts innovative research and development in a wide range of disciplines, from hardware security and mixed-signal integrated circuits to novel nanoscale optoelectronic devices and quantum sensing. Candidates will have the opportunity to work on programs outside of the MOCVD focus area and contribute to innovations at all levels of the development process. This position will be on-site in Princeton, NJ.
Responsibilities
  • Conduct MOCVD growth of III-V materials (InP, GaAs, GaSb), including control of composition, doping, and layer thickness (down to quantum wells).
  • Characterize grown materials and adjust growth processes to optimize growth conditions.
  • Maintenance of existing growth and characterization equipment and installation and qualification of new equipment.
  • Seek, develop, and champion new research opportunities. Write and win proposals as a member of our team to actively seek funding from various government and commercial agencies.
  • Make technical presentations to external clients, academic, government, and industry audiences and to internal staff.

Qualifications
  • Required - M.S. or Ph.D. in Materials Science or related field. Recent graduates are welcome to apply, while industry experience is also a plus.
  • Due to government requirements, U.S. Citizenship is required with the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance.
  • Experience in wafer-scale crystal growth techniques such as MOCVD, MBE, CBE, etc.
  • Experience in crystal characterization techniques such as XRD, PL, SEM, Hall-effect, ECV, etc.

Preferred Qualifications:
  • Experience in a microfabrication environment. Hands-on experience on a range of deposition, etch, lithography, and characterization tools.
  • Experience with instrument repair and installation.
  • Programming experience for analysis, simulation, and instrumentation, e.g. with MATLAB, C++, Python, LabVIEW.
  • Active Security Clearance

The salary range is: $104,139-$154,903. Salary ranges will vary and are based on several factors, including geographic location, market competitiveness and equity amongst internal employees in similar roles. Positions may also qualify for SRI's Pay for Outstanding Performance program or the annual Performance Based Compensation program. SRI also has a competitive benefits package, to view details please go to https://www.sri.com/resources/benefits/. SRI will accept applications until the position is filled.
SRI is an independent nonprofit research institute headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., with a rich history of supporting government and industry. We create and deliver world-changing solutions for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future. For almost 80 years, we have collaborated across technical and scientific disciplines to discover and develop groundbreaking products and technologies and bring innovations and ideas to the marketplace.

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