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Photonic Reliability Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Principal Engineer, Reliability Location: San Jose (on-site) Ayar Labs is shattering AI data ... photonic devices. * Standards Expertise: Familiarity with JEDEC, Telcordia (GR-468), and MIL-STD ...

Principal Engineer, Reliability

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120K - $151K/yr

Principal Engineer, Reliability Location: San Jose, CA Job Id: 695 # of Openings: 0 Principal ... and photonic devices. * Standards Expertise: Familiarity with JEDEC, Telcordia (GR-468), and ...

Principal Engineer, Reliability

San Jose, CA · On-site

$120K - $151K/yr

Principal Engineer, Reliability Location: San Jose (on-site) Ayar Labs is shattering AI data ... photonic devices. * Standards Expertise: Familiarity with JEDEC, Telcordia (GR-468), and MIL-STD ...

Silicon Photonic Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$151K - $195K/yr

From chip-to-chip optical interconnects to scalable photonic engines, Lumilens is unlocking a new ... reliability, and scale‑up readiness. * Validate: Define the complete testing strategy, from ...

... photonic platforms (Si photonics, InP, heterogeneous integration). * Proficiency in programming for data analysis and automation (Python, Matlab, SQL, VBA). * Experience with reliability testing ...

Showing results 41-60

Photonic Reliability information

See salary details

$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.

Photonic Product Engineer - AI & Automation

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

Nokia
Media and Telecom • 10K+ employees

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Nokia rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Product Engineering develops and establishes many of the processes used throughout product development, qualification, and manufacturing. As product complexity, engineering data, and production volumes continue to grow, these processes must evolve into connected, traceable, and AI-ready systems.

The Photonic Product Engineer for AI & Automation is responsible for executing Product Engineering's AI and automation initiatives and driving adoption across the organization. The role works closely with Development, Product Engineering, Test, Reliability, Quality, Operations, Manufacturing, and IT teams to establish common methods, reusable tools, and scalable practices that improve engineering effectiveness and support future growth.

Success in this role is measured not only by technical solutions delivered, but by the extent to which AI, automation, and data-driven methods become embedded within everyday engineering practice.

The position is based in Sunnyvale, Ca.

  • PhD in Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, Data Science, Physics, Photonics, Applied Mathematics, or related field.
  • Experience applying AI, machine learning, analytics, software, or automation to engineering, product development, test, or manufacturing challenges.
  • Strong programming, data analysis, and tool development skills using Python or similar technologies.
  • Experience with AI technologies, engineering data systems, knowledge management, traceability, or decision-support tools.
  • Experience with optical transceiver products, photonics, DSP, semiconductor technologies, Product Engineering processes, or manufacturing and test systems is highly desirable.
  • Execute Product Engineering AI and automation initiatives across PIC, ASIC, TROSA, and Plug.
  • Drive adoption of AI, ML, automation, and data-driven engineering practices within Prod Eng and partner organizations.
  • Establish common methods, frameworks, and knowledge systems that enable scalable use of AI across the product lifecycle.
  • Transform engineering data, workflows, and traceability into AI-ready systems spanning development, qualification, manufacturing, reliability, and field performance.
  • Build, validate, and deploy reusable tools, agents, analytics, and automation solutions that improve engineering effectiveness.
  • Partner with Development, Test, Reliability, Quality, Manufacturing, Operations, and IT teams to align data, tools, and practices and deliver measurable business impact. 

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