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Photonics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

GlobalFoundries

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 ...

Globalfoundries

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 ...

Globalfoundries

Advanced Photonics Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · 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 ...

Globalfoundries

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 ...

Qunett

Quantum Photonics Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

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 ...

Qunett

Quantum Photonics Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

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 ...

Psionic

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Hampton, VA · On-site

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 ...

Psionic

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Hampton, VA · On-site

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 ...

Technergetics

Integrated Photonics Engineer I

Rome, NY · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Integrated Photonics Engineer I Position Details Salary Range: $75,000-$95,000 annually. Location (Non-Negotiable): This is an on-site, full-time exempt, entry-level role based in Rome, NY, with work ...

Technergetics

Integrated Photonics Engineer I

Rome, NY · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Integrated Photonics Engineer   I Position Details        Salary Range:  $75,000-$95,000 annually.      Location (Non-Negotiable): This is an on-site, full-time exempt ...

Technergetics

Integrated Photonics Engineer I

Rome, NY · On-site

$75K - $95K/yr

Integrated Photonics Engineer I Position Details Salary Range: $75,000-$95,000 annually. Location (Non-Negotiable): This is an on-site, full-time exempt, entry-level role based in Rome, NY, with work ...

Psionic, LLC

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Hampton, VA · On-site

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 ...

Ayo Semiconductor

Photonics Design Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

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 ...

Anello Photonics

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 ...

PsiQuantum

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

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 ...

PsiQuantum

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

Photonics offers natural advantages for scale: photonsdon'tfeel heat, are immune to electromagnetic interference, and integrate with existing cryogenic cooling and standard fiber-optic infrastructure.

QuEra Computing, Inc.

Photonics Engineer

Boston, MA

$128K - $208K/yr

Contribute across photonics workflow: device design, simulation, layout, test, and system-level experiments. * Work closely with a multidisciplinary team of engineers and quantum scientists to ...

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How much do photonics jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 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 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.

Is photonics a good career?

Photonics is a growing field that involves the study and application of light technologies, including lasers, optical fibers, and imaging systems. Careers in photonics often require a background in physics, engineering, or related fields, and can offer opportunities in industries such as telecommunications, healthcare, and defense. The field typically offers competitive salaries and demand for skilled professionals with specialized technical knowledge.

What can you do with photonics?

Photonics professionals work with the generation, manipulation, and detection of light using tools like lasers, optical fibers, and photonic devices. They develop technologies for telecommunications, medical imaging, laser manufacturing, and sensor systems, often requiring knowledge of optics, electronics, and materials science.
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Photonics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Photonics job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,723 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Advanced Photonics Engineer

GlobalFoundries

New York, NY • On-site

$166K - $319K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 22 days ago

GlobalFoundries rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

66th of 545 rated manufacturers

Job description

About GlobalFoundries:
GlobalFoundries is a leading full-service semiconductor foundry providing a unique combination of design, development, and fabrication services to some of the world's most inspired technology companies. With a global manufacturing footprint spanning three continents, GlobalFoundries makes possible the technologies and systems that transform industries and give customers the power to shape their markets. For more information, visit www.gf.com.
Summary of Role:
The inevitable transition from electrons to photons for high-speed communications and computing is transforming the semiconductor industry. 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 engineer for the Advanced Photonics team that is focused on driving the definition and realization of next-generation photonic devices and system architectures that are closely aligned with near-term customer and market needs. The Advanced Photonics team will translate industry trends and customer requirements into executable architectures, device concepts, and development programs with clear paths to productization.
Essential Responsibilities:
  • Technical & Strategic Leadership
    • Define and drive the next generation roadmap for advanced photonic devices, aligned to business and customer needs.
    • Define the architecture and design of advanced photonic building blocks and subsystems.
    • Translate system-level requirements into device-level and platform-level innovation that can be industrialized rapidly.
  • Customer Engagement & Co-Development
    • Collaborate closely with customer development teams on next-generation photonic systems and architectures.
    • Act as a technical counterpart to senior customer architects and technologists, influencing early system definitions and design choices.
    • Ensure customer learnings are rapidly incorporated into device concepts and platform enhancements.
  • Cross-Functional Collaboration
    • Partner closely with:
      • gfLabs photonics team to transition longer-term innovations into near-term product opportunities.
      • Silicon photonics development teams to ensure seamless integration into the product roadmap.
      • Fab and foundry teams to align designs with manufacturing realities, yield, reliability, and scalability.
    • Drive tight alignment across device design, process technology, packaging, and test.
  • Industry Awareness & Technology Insertion
    • Continuously track industry trends, standards, and competitive developments in photonics, AI interconnects, and advanced optical systems.
    • Evaluate and selectively incorporate external innovations, ensuring differentiation and time-to-market advantage.
  • Others
    • Mentor and support junior architects and engineers in the team

Other Responsibilities:
Perform all activities in a safe and responsible manner and support all Environmental, Health, Safety & Security requirements and programs.
Required Qualifications:
  • Advanced degree (PhD strongly preferred) in Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field.
  • Deep expertise in photonic devices and integrated photonics, with a strong understanding of system-level implications.
  • Experience working across device, system, and manufacturing domains in a product-driven environment.
  • Proven ability to engage credibly with customers, partners, and executive stakeholders.
  • Strong track record of translating advanced technology concepts into product-relevant outcomes on aggressive timelines.
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  • Ability to travel as needed.

Expected Salary Range
$166,500.00 - $319,000.00
The exact Salary will be determined based on qualifications, experience and location.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at usaccommodations@gf.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.
An offer with GlobalFoundries is conditioned upon the successful completion of pre-employment conditions, as applicable, and subject to applicable laws and regulations.
GlobalFoundries is fully committed to equal opportunity in the workplace and believes that cultural diversity within the company enhances its business potential. GlobalFoundries goal of excellence in business necessitates the attraction and retention of highly qualified people. Artificial barriers and stereotypic biases detract from this objective and may be illegally discriminatory.
All policies and processes which pertain to employees including recruitment, selection, training, utilization, promotion, compensation, benefits, extracurricular programs, and termination are created and implemented without regard to age, ethnicity, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other characteristic or category specified by local, state or federal law

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