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Phd Photonics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Advanced Photonics Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$166K - $319K/yr

Advanced degree (PhD strongly preferred) in Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field. * Deep expertise in photonic devices and integrated photonics, with a strong ...

Quantum Photonics Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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)

Quantum Photonics Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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)

Advanced Photonics Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$166K - $319K/yr

Advanced degree (PhD strongly preferred) in Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field. * Deep expertise in photonic devices and integrated photonics, with a strong ...

Advanced degree (PhD strongly preferred) in Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field. * Deep expertise in photonic devices and integrated photonics, with a strong ...

Quantum Photonics Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$80 - $120/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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)

PhD in optics, electrical engineering, physics or related field with a focus on integrated photonics * Experience designing, simulating, and testing integrated photonic devices * Experience using ...

MS in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Applied Physics or related field, PhD preferred * Hands-on experience with silicon photonics design and layout. * Experience working with commercial ...

... or related field, PhD preferredHands-on experience with silicon photonics design and layout ... Experience working with commercial foundry Process Design Kits (PDKs).Experience with script-based ...

MS in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Applied Physics or related field, PhD preferred * Hands-on experience with silicon photonics design and layout. * Experience working with commercial ...

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$100 - $150/hr

PhD or equivalent in Electrical Engineering or Physics. * Experience: 5 years of relevant work or academic research experience in integrated photonics. * Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: * Strong ...

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 ... MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Optical Eng, Physics, or other engineering field * 2+ years of ...

Sr Photonics Engineer (PIC)

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

ANELLO Photonics a leading-edge technology company based in Santa Clara, CA. The company has ... MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Optical Eng, Physics, or other engineering field * 2+ years of ...

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

PhD or equivalent in Electrical Engineering or Physics. * Experience: * 5 years of relevant work or academic research experience in integrated photonics. * Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: * Strong ...

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Showing results 1-20

Phd Photonics information

See salary details

$44K

$106.4K

$173.5K

How much do phd photonics jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for phd photonics in the United States is $106,386.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,000.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Phd Photonics vs Optical Engineer?

AspectPhd PhotonicsOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsPhD in Photonics or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering or related field
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academia, industry R&DDesign, develop, and test optical systems in industry
Industry UsageResearch institutions, universities, high-tech companiesManufacturers, tech companies, telecommunications

While a Phd Photonics focuses on advanced research, development, and theoretical understanding of photonic systems, an Optical Engineer applies practical engineering skills to design and implement optical devices and systems. Both roles often overlap in industry, but the PhD typically emphasizes research and innovation, whereas the Optical Engineer concentrates on product development and application.

More about Phd Photonics jobs

What cities are hiring for Phd Photonics jobs?

Cities with the most Phd Photonics job openings:

What states have the most Phd Photonics jobs?

States with the most job openings for Phd Photonics jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Phd Photonics jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Phd Photonics jobs are:

Infographic showing various Phd Photonics job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 77% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 73% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 23% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,386 per year, or $51.1 per hour.

Integrated Photonics Summer PhD Intern

HyperLight

Cambridge, MA

$25 - $35/hr

Temporary

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

HyperLight is at the forefront of the commercialization of thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) integrated photonics - a material and process technology that is enabling high-performance, scalable optical components across AI/datacom infrastructure, hyperscale computing, quantum computing, sensing, and beyond. Founded in 2018 and backed by leading venture capital, we've built a team and a platform focused on real-world mass deployment of TFLN photonics technology.

At the core of our work is the TFLN Chiplet platform - a modular, integrated architecture designed for scalability, manufacturability, and seamless integration into complex systems. It offers a rare combination of extraordinary performance and industrial readiness, enabling system developers across applications to deploy the technology fast and ready. We partner with our customers and suppliers from conceptualization, design, and prototyping phases, all the way through mass production to ensure smooth and rapid deployment of TFLN photonic technology.

We believe our platform is the key, in the golden age of integrated photonics, to empower humanity to the next level. We assembled a world class team covering engineering, business and operations. We believe in the power of integrity, innovation, collaboration and pragmatic solutions. Our diverse team thrives on challenges and is united by a shared commitment to excellence. We take pride in tackling complex challenges with curiosity, humility, and a deep sense of care for one another.

As HyperLight continues to expand, we are looking for an Integrated Photonics Summer PhD Intern. This position offers a unique opportunity to participate in the technical parts of our integrated photonics product. This position will involve the measurement and testing of the product (at chip level, module level and system level), improvement of the test capabilities (building new test functionalities and test setups), and the development of the next-gen products.   This is an exceptional opportunity to immerse yourself in the forefront of photonics while gaining valuable experience in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.

The success of the HyperLight team originates in individuals who strive for excellence and continuous learning, and practice humility and care for their teammates. If this sounds like you, we encourage you to apply!

We provide:

       Hands-on experience in a cutting-edge photonics environment.

       Mentorship and collaboration with leading photonics experts.

       Opportunity to contribute to impactful projects shaping the future of photonics technologies.

       Market competitive compensation.

Role responsibilities include:

       Perform optical and electrical testing of integrated photonic devices and systems.

       Improvement of the test capabilities (building new test functionalities and test setups)

       Assist in optimizing test protocols and to enhance efficiency and accuracy

       Drive the R&D to improve product performance such as optical, RF, electro-optical performance

       Analyze and interpret experimental data to validate device performance and identify areas for improvement

       Collaborate with cross-functional teams, including design and fabrication, to address performance challenges

Requirements

This position requires:

       Current Ph.D. or Master student in a Photonics related field such as Physics, Optics, Engineering

       Strong understanding of integrated photonics, silicon photonics, or related technologies

       Experience with electro-optical modulator is a plus

       Familiarity with fiber alignment systems and free-space optics setups is a plus

       Proficiency in data analysis using tools such as Python, MATLAB, or equivalent

       Experience with photonic device simulation tools (e.g., Lumerical, COMSOL) is a plus

       Strong written & oral commination skills

       Ability to work under time constraints

       Ability to solve problems in new and/or ambiguous scenarios

Duration and Location:

  • This is a 12-week or more, full-time internship during the summer/Fall. (Year-round internship also available)
  • The position is based at Cambridge, MA and is in-person only.
  • Pay range of $25 - $35 per hour

Authorization to work in the US is required. This position is in-person.


HyperLight is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. HyperLight is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during our hiring process. If you need assistance or an accommodation, please contact us at HR@hyperlightcorp.com.