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How much do optoelectronics jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for optoelectronics in the United States is $86,149.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,000.00 and $100,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Optoelectronics vs Photonics Engineer?

AspectOptoelectronicsPhotonics Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related fieldsBachelor's or higher in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing, telecommunicationsResearch and development, fiber optics, laser systems
Industry UsageOptical communication, display technology, sensorsLaser systems, optical sensors, imaging systems

Optoelectronics focuses on devices that convert electrical signals into optical signals and vice versa, such as LEDs and photodetectors. Photonics engineers work on the broader science of light manipulation, including laser systems and optical communications. While overlapping in optical technologies, optoelectronics emphasizes device development, whereas photonics covers the science and engineering of light-based systems.

What are optoelectronics?

Optoelectronics is a branch of electronics that involves devices and systems that source, detect, and control light. This includes technologies such as LEDs, laser diodes, photodetectors, and solar cells, which are used in applications like fiber optic communications, lighting, medical equipment, and imaging systems. Professionals in optoelectronics design, develop, and test these light-based components and systems. The field combines principles from physics, electronics, and materials science to innovate and improve light-based technologies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Optoelectronics Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Optoelectronics Engineer, a strong background in physics, electrical engineering, and optics, often supported by a degree in a related field, is essential. Familiarity with simulation software, optical design tools (such as Zemax or COMSOL), and relevant industry certifications is typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork help professionals excel in this highly technical field. These skills are crucial for developing innovative optoelectronic devices and ensuring their reliability and performance in practical applications.

What are some typical challenges faced by professionals working in optoelectronics, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in optoelectronics often encounter challenges such as rapid technological advancements, the need for precise alignment and calibration of optical components, and stringent quality standards. Keeping up with new materials and fabrication techniques can require continuous learning. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams—including engineers, physicists, and manufacturing specialists—is vital to address these issues efficiently. Engaging in ongoing training, attending industry conferences, and leveraging simulation tools can help professionals stay ahead and maintain high-quality results in their projects.
More about Optoelectronics jobs
What states have the most Optoelectronics jobs? States with the most job openings for Optoelectronics jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Optoelectronics jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Optoelectronics jobs are:
Optoelectronics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Optoelectronics job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 7% Internship, and 93% Full Time. Highlights an 93% In-person, and 7% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $86,149 per year, or $41.4 per hour.
Technical Executive for Optoelectronics

Technical Executive for Optoelectronics

samtec

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 29 days ago

Samtec rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 8 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

24th of 139 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

Description
Position at Samtec, Inc
Founded in 1976, Samtec is a privately held, $950 million global manufacturer of a broad line of electronic interconnect solutions, including High-Speed Board-to-Board, High-Speed Cables, Mid-Board and Panel Optics, Precision RF, Flexible Stacking, and Micro/Rugged components and cables. Samtec Technology Centers are dedicated to developing and advancing technologies, strategies and products to optimize both the performance and cost of a system from the bare die to an interface 100 meters away, and all interconnect points in between. With 40+ international locations and products sold in more than 125 different countries, Samtec's global presence enables its unmatched customer service.
Samtec is seeking a Technical Executive for Optoelectronics to join our team. The preferred location is in the Silicon Valley Design Center located in Santa Clara, CA. The secondary location would be the Samtec Vista design center in San Diego/Vista, CA.
The salary range for this position would be in the range of $300 - $400K per year inclusive of Samtec bonuses paid three times per year in February, August and late fall and is commensurate with experience.
Our Technical Executive for Optoelectronics is responsible for all engineering in our optoelectronics product group, from research through manufacturing support and across semiconductor devices to firmware. Such product are primarily mid-board optical transceivers - or - Near Packaged Optics.
Managing the "Optics" CTO, this person will assess the technology ecosystem for such projects, determine and set up key collaborations, and manage a roadmap of technologies to support future, product development. The design group is responsible for early product architecture, product concepts, and pre-alpha design, also reporting to this position. The biggest responsibility is new product development, with a staff consisting of NPD managers and functional managers over the various engineering disciplines required for optical transceiver product development. Materials science, semiconductor physics, EE, RF-optics, SI, ME, optics, thermal, reliability, FW; validation, and qualification. The last group comprises manufacturing process development, new product introduction, failure analysis, manufacturing support, product sustaining, and post-release process optimization.
Please contact us if you have what it takes and are interested to join Samtec's vaunted culture, with competitive salaries and world-class benefits.
Essential Functions and Responsibilities
  1. Collaborate with company owner and heads of engineering, operations, sales, and product line management
  2. Own Engineering on product group leadership team, with business, sales, product line management, and operations
  3. Strong leader of people, technology and product development
  4. With staff and with Optics business leadership, implement technology roadmap and product roadmap
  5. Assign people to functional roles and project roles
  6. Continuously grow scalable leadership across product group
  7. Constantly improve product development and introduction life cycle methods
  8. Hire, train, and coach engineering leadership staff
  9. Set priorities and accomplish Objectives and Key Results across all Optics engineering organization
  10. Continuously improve performance across research, design, development, and support

Qualifications
  1. Optical communications product technology expert
    1. Expert in at least one core competence
    2. Adjacent in all others
  2. Product development master
    1. Several cycles from concept to revenue

3. System engineering expert
    1. Integrate competencies across electrical, RF-optics, optical, mechanical, thermal, firmware, validation, reliability qualification, manufacturing processes
  1. Top-notch critical thinker and problem solver
  2. Excellent people manager
  3. Team builder for high degree of collaboration
  4. PhD + 7y, MS + 9y, BS + 10y
    1. Electrical Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, Mechanical Engineering, Chemical Engineering

  1. Success managing medium to large team comprising half-dozen engineering disciplines, including EE, ME, materials science
  2. Numerous cycles through product development process, from concept to revenue
  3. Technology expert for optoelectronic products, preferably high-speed optical communication transceivers, LIDAR modules, and similar
  4. Experience on cross-functional leadership team for a division or product group, such as R&D, engineering, manufacturing, product line management, sales
  5. Experience collaborating with corporate executive team on technology, strategy, roadmaps, and management reviews

SAMTEC, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and committed to creating a diverse environment. All employment decisions at Samtec are based in business needs, job requirements and individual qualifications, without regard to race, color, religion or belief, national, social or ethnic origin, pregnancy or parental status, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender and/or gender identity/expression, marital status, past or present military service, family medical history or genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable laws.Privacy Policy: https://www.samtec.com/about/legal/#privacyrightspage
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About SAMTEC

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Electrical equipment, appliance, and component manufacturing

Company size

1,001 - 5,000 Employees

Headquarters location

New Albany, IN, US

Year founded

1976

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