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Photonic Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Monarch Quantum

Project Engineer Photonic Modules

San Diego, CA · On-site

$85K - $165K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Monarch Quantum is seeking a skilled and driven Project Engineer specializing in Photonic Modules to join our innovative team. In this role, you will manage and drive photonic module development ...

Monarch Quantum

Project Engineer Photonic Modules

San Diego, CA · On-site

$85K - $165K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Monarch Quantum is seeking a skilled and driven Project Engineer specializing in Photonic Modules to join our innovative team. In this role, you will manage and drive photonic module development ...

Monarch Quantum

Project Engineer Photonic Modules

San Diego, CA · On-site

$85K - $165K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Monarch Quantum is seeking a skilled and driven Project Engineer specializing in Photonic Modules to join our innovative team. In this role, you will manage and drive photonic module development ...

PsiQuantum

Photonic Design Automation Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking a Photonic Netlist & Design Automation Engineer to own and scale the layout-to-netlist and multi-physics integration flow for our silicon photonics platform. This role sits at the ...

Cisco

Photonic Test Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$128K - $162K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Meet the Team As a Photonic Test Engineer, you will play a critical role in developing/supporting the next generation component and packaging platform for Cisco's Silicon Photonics Integrated ...

Cisco

Photonic Test Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$128K - $162K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Meet the Team As a Photonic Test Engineer, you will play a critical role in developing/supporting the next generation component and packaging platform for Cisco's Silicon Photonics Integrated ...

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Photonic Engineer information

See California salary details

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How much do photonic engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 16, 2026, the average hourly pay for photonic engineer in California is $55.26, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $39.62 and $73.56 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Are photonic engineers in demand?

Photonic engineers are in demand due to the growing use of optical communication, laser systems, and photonic integrated circuits in industries such as telecommunications, defense, and healthcare. The field requires expertise in optics, photonics, and related tools, and job opportunities are expected to grow as technology advances. Strong skills in design, fabrication, and testing are valuable for employment in this area.

What is the difference between Photonic Engineer vs Optical Engineer?

AspectPhotonic EngineerOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing, telecommunications, defenseTelecommunications, imaging systems, laser systems, manufacturing
Industry UsageDesign and develop photonic devices, integrated photonics, laser systemsDesign optical components, systems, and instrumentation
Common Search/ComparisonPhotonic Engineer vs Optical EngineerOptical Engineer vs Photonic Engineer

Both roles often require similar educational backgrounds and work in overlapping industries. Photonic Engineers focus more on the development of photonic devices and integrated photonics, while Optical Engineers typically work on optical systems and components. The choice depends on specific project focus and industry applications.

How much do photonic engineers make?

Photonic engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills in optics and photonics can earn higher salaries, especially in research or industry roles requiring advanced certifications or technical expertise.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a photonic engineer?

To thrive as a Photonic Engineer, you need a solid background in physics, optics, and engineering—typically with a degree in electrical engineering, physics, or a related field. Proficiency with optical simulation software (such as Lumerical or COMSOL), CAD tools, and experience with photonic device fabrication methods are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork and communication skills set candidates apart. These skills ensure the design, analysis, and implementation of innovative photonic systems that meet both technical specifications and collaborative project goals.

What are typical collaboration opportunities for a photonic engineer within multidisciplinary teams?

Photonic Engineers often work closely with electrical engineers, mechanical engineers, software developers, and research scientists to develop and integrate photonic devices into larger systems. Collaboration can range from early-stage prototyping with design teams to troubleshooting and testing with manufacturing specialists. This multidisciplinary environment not only enhances problem-solving abilities but also provides valuable insight into adjacent fields, fostering professional growth and innovation. Being proactive in cross-functional communication is key to ensuring that photonic solutions meet project requirements and deadlines.

What is a photonic engineer?

Photonic engineers are professionals who design, develop, and test systems and devices that use light (photons) for a variety of applications. This can include fiber optic communication, lasers, imaging systems, and optical sensors used in industries like telecommunications, healthcare, and manufacturing. They apply principles of physics, optics, and engineering to innovate and improve technologies that manipulate light. Photonic engineers often work in research and development, collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to create cutting-edge optical solutions.

What are popular job titles related to Photonic Engineer jobs in California?

For Photonic Engineer jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Photonic Engineer jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Photonic Engineer jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Photonic Engineer jobs?

Cities in California with the most Photonic Engineer job openings:

Photonic Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Photonic Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 75% In-person, and 25% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,938 per year, or $55.3 per hour.

Photonic Engineer, Machine Learning

Google Inc.

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

$188 - $275/hr

Other

Re-posted 27 days ago

Google rating

8.8

Company rating: 8.8 out of 10

Based on 103 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

49th of 244 rated software companies

Job description

corporate_fare Google place Sunnyvale, CA, USA

  • Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
  • 6 years of experience working in a high-speed datacom technical environment.
  • 5 years of experience in digital coherent optical transmissions.
Preferred qualifications
  • PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Physics, a related field, or equivalent practical experience.
  • Experience with script writing and test and measurement system automation.
  • Proficiency in digital signal processing, high-speed optoelectronic circuit simulation or system modeling.
  • Knowledge of large volume high-speed optical transceiver designs and manufacturing.
  • Knowledge of data center network and machine learning system architectures.
About the job

Be part of a team that pushes boundaries, developing custom silicon solutions that power the future of Google's direct-to-consumer products. You'll contribute to the innovation behind products loved by millions worldwide. Your expertise will shape the next generation of hardware experiences, delivering unparalleled performance, efficiency, and integration.

Our Platforms Infrastructure Engineering team designs and builds the hardware and software technologies that power all of Google's services. Our computational challenges are complex and unique, enabled by cutting-edge custom hardware designed and made in-house. As a hardware engineer, you will design and build the systems that are the heart of the world's largest and most powerful computing infrastructure. You will see those systems from concept all the way through to high-volume manufacturing. Your work has the potential to shape the machinery that goes into our cutting‑edge data centers, affecting millions of Google users.

Pay range: US: $188,000 - $275,000 (USD) + 20% bonus target + equity + benefits.

Learn more about benefits at Google.

Responsibilities
  • Design low-cost and high-speed optical transceivers for data center applications.
  • Develop optical systems and architectures to scale TPU and GPU superpods.
  • Identify, research, evaluate emerging photonic networking technologies.
  • Explore optical technologies to disaggregate and improve the efficiencies of future computing systems.
EEO Statement

Google is proud to be an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. We are committed to building a workforce that is representative of the users we serve, creating a culture of belonging, and providing an equal employment opportunity regardless of race, creed, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, national origin, disability, age, genetic information, veteran status, marital status, pregnancy or related condition (including breastfeeding), expecting or parents-to-be, criminal histories consistent with legal requirements, or any other basis protected by law. See also Google's EEO Policy, Know your rights: workplace discrimination is illegal, Belonging at Google, and How we hire.

Google is a global company and, in order to facilitate efficient collaboration and communication globally, English proficiency is a requirement for all roles unless stated otherwise in the job posting.

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