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Photonic Reliability Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nokia

Senior Reliability Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$120K - $171K/yr

The ideal candidate would possess a deep understanding of the physics of photonic devices and have a strong desire to learn about the reliability challenges associated with new product development.

Nokia

Senior Reliability Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA

The ideal candidate would possess a deep understanding of the physics of photonic devices and have a strong desire to learn about the reliability challenges associated with new product development.

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Photonic Reliability information

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$62K

$117.5K

$168.5K

How much do photonic reliability jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for photonic reliability in the United States is $117,488.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $94,500.00 and $140,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is photonic reliability?

Photonic reliability refers to the ability of photonic devices and systems—such as lasers, optical fibers, and integrated photonic circuits—to perform consistently and without failure over their intended lifespan. Ensuring photonic reliability involves rigorous testing and analysis to identify potential failure modes caused by environmental factors, material degradation, or manufacturing defects. This field is crucial in industries like telecommunications, data centers, and medical devices, where reliable optical performance is essential for safety and efficiency. Professionals in photonic reliability work to improve designs, set testing standards, and develop maintenance protocols to maximize device longevity and minimize downtime.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in photonic reliability, and why are they important?

To thrive in Photonic Reliability, you need a solid background in optical engineering, materials science, and reliability testing methodologies, often supported by an advanced degree in physics or engineering. Familiarity with tools such as optical spectrum analyzers, environmental test chambers, and reliability modeling software, as well as certifications like Six Sigma or reliability engineering credentials, is highly beneficial. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective cross-functional communication distinguish top professionals in this field. These skills ensure the development and maintenance of robust photonic devices, supporting product longevity and customer satisfaction in high-tech industries.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in photonic reliability roles, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in photonic reliability often encounter challenges such as ensuring long-term stability of optical components under varying environmental conditions and accurately predicting failure modes. Addressing these issues typically involves rigorous testing protocols, close collaboration with design and manufacturing teams, and staying updated on the latest industry standards. Additionally, implementing robust data analysis techniques helps in identifying trends and preventing potential failures before deployment. Regular cross-functional meetings are also essential to align reliability goals with production and design requirements.

What is the difference between Photonic Reliability vs Optical Engineer?

AspectPhotonic ReliabilityOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsTypically requires a degree in physics, electrical engineering, or photonics; certifications in reliability testing are a plusRequires a degree in optical engineering, physics, or related field; may hold certifications in optical design or systems
Work EnvironmentFocuses on testing, analyzing, and ensuring the durability of photonic components in labs or manufacturing settingsDesigns, develops, and tests optical systems in R&D labs or production environments
Industry UsageCommonly used in industries emphasizing product reliability and longevity, such as telecommunications and aerospaceUsed across industries for designing optical devices like lasers, sensors, and communication systems

While both roles involve photonics, Photonic Reliability specialists focus on testing and ensuring the durability of photonic components, whereas Optical Engineers primarily design and develop optical systems. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right career path or job focus within the photonics industry.

What other helpful pages are available for Photonic Reliability?

Other pages related to Photonic Reliability:

Infographic showing various Photonic Reliability job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 91% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $117,488 per year, or $56.5 per hour.

Senior Photonic Device Reliability Engineer

Santa Barbara, CA • On-site

Aeluma
See more jobs at Aelumaexternal

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Posted 2 days ago

New

Job description

Open Position: Senior Photonic Device Reliability Engineer

Aeluma is seeking motivated individuals that thrive in a multidisciplinary team environment, so please contact us if this description resonates with you. We offer competitive salaries, full benefits, stock incentives, and an exciting career path that fosters growth. Please join us as we reimagine the future of semiconductor manufacturing.

Position Summary

The Senior Photonic Device Reliability Engineer will plan, implement, execute, analyze, and model reliability testing and associated results for cutting-edge semiconductor photonics devices, such as lasers and high-speed photodiodes. This role will serve as the core technical authority on product robustness, collaborating with cross-functional R&D and manufacturing teams to proactively mitigate failure risks and ensure uncompromising hardware quality.

Responsibilities
  • Own and execute comprehensive reliability test plans, test methodologies, and qualification processes for component devices and integrated systems.
  • Drive end-to-end reliability strategy throughout the technology and product lifecycle from concept to high-volume manufacturing.
  • Develop and implement targeted strategies for compliance with Telcordia GR-468, MIL-STD, and other applicable industry standards.
  • Participate actively in design reviews, partnering cross-functionally with R&D, process integration, and validation teams to improve product robustness and drive technical root-cause failure analysis to closure.
  • Coordinate accelerated reliability stress tests and design-of-experiments to characterize the over-life performance of photonic devices.
  • Build statistical lifetime models and reliability predictions using data extracted from accelerated-aging tests.
  • Manage qualification efforts with external vendors, ODM partners, and third-party labs to scale testing capabilities.
  • Deliver concise, data-driven reliability status reports and technical recommendations to senior management and project collaborators.
Qualifications
  • Master's or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, or a related technical field.
  • Minimum of 5+ years of dedicated engineering experience in semiconductor device reliability and hardware qualification.
  • Proven track record in the datacenter, computer, or telecom sectors working directly with integrated photonics or compound semiconductors.
  • Deep fundamental understanding of photonic device physics, laser chips, photodetectors, and wearout mechanisms.
  • Familiarity with failure analysis techniques such as SEM, TEM, FIB, EDX, or related characterization methods.
  • Expert knowledge of acceleration factors, Weibull analysis, the Arrhenius equation, and optical degradation rate modeling, including random/wearout failure modes, FIT calculations, and ALT/HALT statistical tools.
  • Familiarity with packaging-related failure mechanisms, thermal cycling, humidity, mechanical stress, and electrostatic discharge models.
  • Strong capability in statistical analysis packages (e.g., JMP) and large dataset management (e.g., Python, SQL).
  • Demonstrated ability to manage parallel engineering projects and drive technical execution under aggressive timelines.
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