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Photonics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Photonics Engineer

Adelphi, MD · On-site

$100 - $160/hr

Apply novel trends in photonics RF such as wideband receivers and transmitters, oscillators, low‑noise amplifiers, high‑power amplifiers, filters, and photonics computation to EW applications ...

Advanced Photonics Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$166K - $319K/yr

Silicon Photonics is a dynamic and rapidly growing market that GlobalFoundries has committed to invest in. The Silicon Photonics Product Line is seeking a highly motivated and experienced photonics ...

Silicon Photonics is a dynamic and rapidly growing market that GlobalFoundries has committed to invest in. The Silicon Photonics Product Line is seeking a highly motivated and experienced photonics ...

Advanced Photonics Engineer

Austin, TX · On-site

$166K - $319K/yr

Silicon Photonics is a dynamic and rapidly growing market that GlobalFoundries has committed to invest in. The Silicon Photonics Product Line is seeking a highly motivated and experienced photonics ...

Advanced Photonics Engineer

Malta, NY · On-site

$166K - $319K/yr

Silicon Photonics is a dynamic and rapidly growing market that GlobalFoundries has committed to invest in. The Silicon Photonics Product Line is seeking a highly motivated and experienced photonics ...

Quantum Photonics Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Quantum Photonics Engineer About Qunett Qunett is developing the foundational hardware layer for quantum networking. Our mission is to build scalable, field-deployable quantum networks through solid ...

Quantum Photonics Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Quantum Photonics Engineer About Qunett Qunett is developing the foundational hardware layer for quantum networking. Our mission is to build scalable, field-deployable quantum networks through solid ...

Silicon Photonics Engineer Psionic, Inc is a startup focused on lidar sensors and navigation systems for autonomous vehicles. We value our customer relationships, our diverse and dynamic work ...

Silicon Photonics EngineerPsionic, Inc is a startup focused on lidar sensors and navigation systems for autonomous vehicles. We value our customer relationships, our diverse and dynamic work ...

Silicon Photonics Design & Test Engineer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$105K - $195K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Are you a passionate Silicon Photonics Design Engineer eager to contribute to groundbreaking research and development? Join our team and play a key role in designing and developing cutting-edge ...

We are seeking a photonics design engineer to serve as a core team member who will be among the first employees of the company. The engineer will expand Ayo's component library in Ayo's custom InP ...

Sr Photonics Engineer (PIC)

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

ANELLO Photonics is a leading-edge technology company based in Santa Clara, CA. The company has developed integrated photonic system-on-chip technology for next generation navigation. ANELLO ...

Sr Photonics Engineer (PIC)

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

About ANELLO Photonics: ANELLO Photonics a leading-edge technology company based in Santa Clara, CA. The company has developed integrated photonic system-on-chip technology for next generation ...

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Photonics offers natural advantages for scale: photons don't feel heat, are immune to electromagnetic interference, and integrate with existing cryogenic cooling and standard fiber-optic ...

Job Summary We are seeking a creative and hands‑on Silicon Photonics Engineer to drive the design and implementation of next‑generation photonic integrated circuits. This role spans the full ...

Photonics offers natural advantages for scale: photons don't feel heat, are immune to electromagnetic interference, and integrate with existing cryogenic cooling and standard fiber-optic ...

Photonics Engineer II

Lafayette, CO · On-site

$110 - $125/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Photonics Engineer II is responsible for driving innovation in applications and systems development for photonics products, with a focus on high‑performance optical cavities and locking ...

Photonics Engineer II

Lafayette, LA · On-site

$110 - $125/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Photonics Engineer II is responsible for driving innovation in applications and systems development for photonics products, with a focus on high‑performance optical cavities and locking ...

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Photonics information

See salary details

$27.5K

$56.7K

$60.5K

How much do photonics jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for photonics in the United States is $56,723.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $59,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs are in photonics?

Photonics jobs include roles such as optical engineer, laser technician, photonics researcher, optical systems designer, and photonics technician. These positions often require knowledge of optics, laser systems, and related tools, and may involve working in research labs, manufacturing, or development environments.

Is photonics a good career?

Photonics is a growing field that involves the study and application of light and optical systems, with careers in research, engineering, and manufacturing. It often requires a strong background in physics, engineering, or related sciences, and skills in optics, laser technology, and instrumentation are valuable. The industry offers opportunities in sectors such as telecommunications, healthcare, and defense, with competitive salaries and demand for specialized knowledge.

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

To thrive as a Photonics Engineer, you need a strong background in optics, physics, and engineering principles, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering, physics, or a related field. Familiarity with simulation software (like COMSOL or Zemax), laser systems, and fiber optics, as well as relevant certifications, are commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set top professionals apart in this role. These skills ensure the successful design, testing, and implementation of photonic devices and systems critical to industries like telecommunications and healthcare.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in photonics, and how can they be addressed?

Photonics professionals often encounter challenges such as staying up-to-date with rapidly evolving technologies, managing complex interdisciplinary projects, and working with precise, sensitive equipment. Collaboration with experts in electronics, software, and materials science is typically essential to solve technical problems and innovate effectively. Developing strong communication skills and keeping abreast of industry trends through continuous learning can help individuals navigate these challenges and advance their careers.

What can you do with a photonics degree?

A photonics degree prepares individuals for careers in designing, developing, and testing optical and laser systems used in telecommunications, medical devices, manufacturing, and defense. Graduates often work as optical engineers, laser technicians, or research scientists, utilizing skills in optics, photonics, and related tools like CAD software. Certification and hands-on experience can enhance job prospects in this field.
More about Photonics jobs

What cities are hiring for Photonics jobs?

Cities with the most Photonics job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Photonics jobs?

The most popular types of Photonics jobs are:

What states have the most Photonics jobs?

States with the most job openings for Photonics jobs include:

Infographic showing various Photonics job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,723 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Photonics Engineer

Jobtailor

Adelphi, MD • On-site

$100 - $160/hr

Other

Posted 8 days ago


Job description

Responsibilities
  • Research adversary warfare systems technology trends and techniques
  • Participate in defining requirements for EW compact payloads
  • Apply knowledge of adversary technologies and notional blue‑force concepts of operations to define requirements for EW compact payloads
  • Derive RF requirements for mixed analog, digital and photonics design and translate into photonics specifications
  • Apply novel trends in photonics RF such as wideband receivers and transmitters, oscillators, low‑noise amplifiers, high‑power amplifiers, filters, and photonics computation to EW applications including receive, process, and transmit
  • Work with multi‑mode (mixed analog/digital/photonics) integrated circuit designers to develop requirements and specifications for fabricated and heterogeneously integrated electronics such as photonics integrated circuits
  • Work with ARL photonics experts and utilize lab equipment to develop physical bench‑level and lab demonstrations of photonics EW applications
  • Work with ARL manufacturing experts to integrate photonics RF into heterogeneous structures consisting of conformal antennas, photonics, analog and digital electronics, bio‑inspired computing and emerging energy storage layers
Requirements
  • Recent graduate of PhD program from an R1 university with specialization in Photonics RF to include receivers, transmitters, mixers, filters, oscillators, and photonics computation
  • Strong communication (both written and verbal) skills
  • Ability to work independently and in a team environment
  • US Citizen with ability to obtain a Secret Clearance
  • Completion of Post‑Doc
  • Experience with EW applications
  • Working knowledge of MATLAB or Python
  • Interest in advancing and prioritizing national security technologies
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