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Photonic Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nokia

Photonic Test Engineer

Murray Hill, NJ

As a Photonic Test Engineer, you will develop automated manufacturing test solutions and provide technical support to our manufacturing partners. You will be a part of an international test ...

PsiQuantum

Senior Photonic Designer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$119.90K - $128.10K/yr

Proven proficiency in Python programming for numerical analysis, data manipulation, automation and photonic circuit layout. * Experience with silicon photonic manufacturing processes and foundry ...

Cisco Systems, Inc.

Photonic Test Engineer

Carlsbad, CA

$128.20K - $162.30K/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 ...

Cisco

Photonic Test Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$128.20K - $162.30K/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 ...

Nokia

Senior Photonic Yield Engineer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$114.30K - $157K/yr

... Photonic transceivers. You will review in-line metrology and electrical test data from the Fab and ... You will oversee a fleet of test equipment and work with engineers and operators at our Fab and ...

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How much do photonic engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of May 31, 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.

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

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 are photonic engineers?

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 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.

More about Photonic Engineer jobs
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:
Photonic Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Photonic Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 100% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $116,463 per year, or $56 per hour.
Senior/Staff Photonic Test Development Engineer

Senior/Staff Photonic Test Development Engineer

HyperLight

Cambridge, MA • On-site

$120K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 7 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 Chipletâ„¢ 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 industry, 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.
Our growing team is looking for a Senior / Staff Photonic Test Development Engineer. This person will develop and drive execution of cutting-edge wafer-level measurements on our photonic integrated circuits. In close collaboration with our external test partners, this hire will build scalable, automated, and precise test systems that allow us to characterize every chip we make. The person in this role will be a key member of our small team, responsible for building new systems and delivering mission-critical feedback about the performance of our products.
Join us to make a real-world impact in a fast-paced, collaborative and high-growth environment.
Responsibilities:
  • Own and advance chip-level test and characterization for photonic integrated circuits used in datacenter transceivers.
  • Become the technical owner of internally developed photonic test stations, responsible for their operation, calibration, qualification, and continuous improvement.
  • Develop, maintain, and extend automated test infrastructure for optical and electrical device characterization.
  • Design and implement improvements to test hardware and software, including opto-mechanical fixtures and test automation.
  • Qualify test systems for DVT and reliability testing, and ensure robust, repeatable measurement performance using statistical methods.
  • Analyze test data and generate clear reports for product, design, and fabrication teams.
  • Proactively identify opportunities to improve device performance, test capability, and measurement quality, and close the loop with cross-functional partners.

Requirements
  • PhD or MS in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Photonics, or a related field, or equivalent industry experience.
  • Senior-level hands-on experience testing and characterizing photonic or optoelectronic devices.
  • Strong background in optical and electrical probing, photonic measurement techniques, and test automation.
  • Proficiency in Python for test control, automation, and data analysis; ability to work within large existing codebases and develop new functionality.
  • Experience with common photonics and electrical test equipment (e.g., lasers, source measurement units, power supplies).
  • Working knowledge of statistical data analysis and test qualification methods, including Gage R&R and statistical process control.
  • Strong communication skills and the ability to work cross-functionally with device, design, and manufacturing teams.

Nice to have
  • Experience with datacenter transceivers, PAM-4 signaling, or IMDD systems.
  • Mechanical design experience using SolidWorks or similar CAD tools.
  • Experience with C or other lower-level programming languages.

Benefits
  • Competitive market-based compensation (Salary range $120,000 - $225,000 per year)
  • Comprehensive health coverage, including medical, vision, and dental plans for individuals and families
  • 401(k) retirement plans with employee matching
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Commuter benefits and subsidies
  • Professional growth and mentorship opportunities

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.

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