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Photonic Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

This position is for a Photonic Design Engineer within the Circuit Team. This role is intended to expand the team's design, validation, and data analysis capabilities in support of the growing demand ...

... Engineering or related field with hand-on experience and demonstrated practice in utilizing ceramic or garnet thin films to fabricate integrated optoelectronics components, design photonic integrated ...

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 ...

Photonic Test Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$128K - $162K/yr

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

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$12

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How much do photonic engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average hourly pay for photonic engineer in the United States is $55.99, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $40.14 and $74.52 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.
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What cities are hiring for Photonic Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Photonic Engineer job openings:
What states have the most Photonic Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Photonic Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Photonic Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Photonic Engineer jobs are:
Infographic showing various Photonic Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $116,463 per year, or $56 per hour.

Photonic Material Engineer

II-VI Incorporated

Budd Lake, NJ • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted yesterday


Job description

Coherent is seeking a PhD-level integrated photonics ceramic staff to implement integrated ceramic photonic integrated circuits, based on 2D/3D heterogeneous integration process to fabricate advance ceramic and garnet photonic components on silicon and compound semiconductor platform. 

Responsibilities:

  • Carry out groundbreaking R&D in high performance ceramic and garnet optical waveguide components and 2D/3D heterogeneous integration processes with advance silicon and InP platform
  • Initiate and execute research projects of utilizing thin film ceramic and garnet optoelectronics 
  • Work with business groups and external partners to ensure the successful exploitation and transition of R&D outputs to product deployment.
  • Contribute to the definition of technical foundation, development goals, project objectives and work plans.
  • Create and maintain strong collaborative associations with colleagues, product business units, fabrication foundries, external partners and government agencies.

Qualifications:

  • Ability to conduct independent research and developmental designs while also contributing to team-oriented projects. 
  • A successful candidate will be versatile, flexible, hands-on, and a self-starter.
  • Strong analytic, written and verbal communication skills.
  • Ability to work in a collaborative environment with other team members and business units
  • PhD in Material Science Engineering or related field with hand-on experience and demonstrated practice in utilizing ceramic or garnet thin films to fabricate integrated optoelectronics components, design photonic integrated circuits, perform 2D/3D heterogeneous integration processes, and establish precision magneto-optical metrology systems, with expertise in: 

         -  design of planar magneto-optical waveguide optical isolators using thin-film ceramic and garnet materials on silicon or InP substrates

    -  prepare and delineate integrated optical waveguides with thin film ceramic or garnet materails 

         -  designs, modeling, integration and testing magneto-optical thin film and waveguide devices

         -  hands-on experience of photonic, electromagnetic and 3D integration CAD tools

         -  hands-on fabrication experience of depositing and delineating ceramic and garnet waveguides

    -  hands-on experience of operating semiconudtcor fabrication tools: sputter system, ion-beam etcher, photo-lithography, metalization system, SEM, etc.

- hands-on fabrication of 2D/3D heterogeneous integration of ceramic/garnet devices on silicon  

-  hands-on modeling and analysis of optical and magneto-optical properties of silicon, SiO2, SiN ceramic and garnet materials  

-  hands-on knowledging of using optical modeling tools: ANSYS Lumerical, FDTD, COMSOL 

-  knowledge of advanced optical signal modulation formats and signal processing techniques

     -  working knowledge and experience of semiconductor lasers, optic fibers, optical transceivers

     -  working knowledge of high speed optical fiber links, AI processing and data center networks      

Physical Requirements

  • xxxx

Safety Requirements

All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.

Quality and Environmental Responsibilities

Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.

Culture Commitment

Ensure adherence to company's values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:

Integrity - Create an Environment of Trust

Collaboration - Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas

Accountability - Own the Process and the Outcome

Respect - Recognize the Value in Everyone

Enthusiasm - Find a Sense of Purpose in Work


 

Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.


 

If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.


 

Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.