Photonic Engineer Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Date Posted:

2026-06-26

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-MD-COLUMBIA-7100 ~ 7100 Columbia Gateway Dr ~ COLUMBIA GATEWAY, Ste 160

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required.​ U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Security Clearance Type:

DoD Clearance: Top Secret

Security Clearance Status:

Active and existing security clearance required after day 1

At RTX, the world's largest aerospace and defense company, 185,000 great minds are united by purpose and inspired to make a difference solving the world’s most complex problems. With our three market leading businesses, world-class operations and investments in research and development, we offer capabilities and opportunity no one else can. Together, we push the boundaries of known science and find new ways to connect and protect our world. 

Raytheon brings the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today’s mission and stay ahead of tomorrow’s threat. We deliver solutions that help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression, creating a safer, more secure world. Join us and help shape the future of aerospace and defense.

The Raytheon Subsystem Engineering and Photonics group is actively seeking a Senior Photonic Integrated Circuit Design Engineer to join our group in Columbia, MD. The Subsystem Engineering and Photonics Group is a hands-on, multi-disciplinary engineering team that works to design, develop, and fabricate the next generation of RF and photonic systems.  In this role, you will be responsible for the design, simulation, layout, and benchtop testing of PIC chips to support programs across the enterprise.

What You Will Do:

• Contribute to design, simulation and layout of PICs in support of internal and external R&D contracts.

• Perform hands-on testing and troubleshooting of PIC chips and components.

• Collaborate in a multi-discipline team setting to solve complex engineering problems.

• Perform and participate in internal and external technical reviews.

• Independently drive projects and execute to program schedules and budget.

• Travel up to 10%, with some overnight travel.

Qualifications You Must Have:

• Typically requires a degree in a Science, Technology, Engineering, or Mathematics (STEM) and a minimum of 5 years of prior relevant experience.

• Experience designing integrated photonic circuits.

• The ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret U.S. government issued security clearance is required. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.​

Qualifications We Prefer:

• Master of Science or PhD in Physics, Optics, Photonics, or related engineering field.

• Experience in Silicon Nitride material platform.

• Experience in III/V semiconductors or Thin Film Lithium Niobate.

• Proficiency in PIC design and simulation software (Lumerical, Optocompiler, COMSOL, KLayout, or similar).

• Proficiency in RF design software (HFSS or similar).

• Experience fabricating PIC devices in a cleanroom environment.

• In-depth understanding of PIC fabrication at commercial foundries.

• Experience developing and executing testing plans.

• Self-motivated problem solver with a positive attitude and willingness to learn.

• Self-directed – Able to complete tasks with minimum oversight.

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team environment.

• Strong written and oral communication skills.

What We Offer:

• Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Safety, Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.

• This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

Learn More & Apply Now!

• Please consider the following role type definition as you apply for this role. Onsite: Employees who are working in Onsite roles will work primarily onsite.

• Clearance Information: This position requires a security clearance. DCSA Consolidated Adjudication Services (DCSA CAS), an agency of the Department of Defense, handles and adjudicates the security clearance process. More information about Security Clearances can be found on the US Department of State government website here: https://www.state.gov/m/ds/clearances/c10978.htm 

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

The salary range for this role is 95,500 USD - 181,700 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills. Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance. This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply. RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

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