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Photonics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aeva, Inc.

Photonics Module Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$164K - $222K/yr

As a Photonics Module Engineer you will be partnering with cross functional teams to deliver photonics based modules and FMCW lidar systems to the market. You will engage with the internal teams to ...

Aeva, Inc.

Photonics Module Engineer

Mountain View, CA

$164K - $222K/yr

As a Photonics Module Engineer you will be partnering with cross functional teams to deliver photonics based modules and FMCW lidar systems to the market. You will engage with the internal teams to ...

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

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 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 ...

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$27.5K

$56.7K

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How much do photonics jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 30, 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.

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 offers opportunities in industries such as telecommunications, healthcare, and defense.

What are photonics?

Photonics is the science and technology of generating, controlling, and detecting photons, which are particles of light. It involves the use of light for various applications such as fiber-optic communications, lasers, medical diagnostics, and imaging systems. Professionals in photonics work on developing devices and systems that use light to transmit information, process data, or perform precise measurements. The field combines elements of physics, engineering, and material science to create innovative solutions for industries such as telecommunications, healthcare, manufacturing, and defense.

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 jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In the field of photonics, high-paying roles such as senior optical engineers, research directors, or executive positions in technology companies can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership responsibilities. These roles often require specialized skills in laser systems, optical design, or photonics manufacturing, along with strong industry networks and sometimes stock options or bonuses.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

In the field of photonics, senior roles such as photonics engineers, optical systems architects, and research scientists with extensive experience and advanced degrees can reach or exceed a $300,000 annual salary. These positions often require specialized skills in laser technology, optical design, and project management, and may involve leadership responsibilities or working in high-demand industries like defense, telecommunications, or aerospace.

What jobs can you get with a photonics degree?

A photonics degree can lead to careers such as optical engineer, laser technician, photonics researcher, or systems engineer. These roles often involve designing, testing, and maintaining optical and laser systems, and may require knowledge of optics, electronics, and programming. Employment can be found in industries like telecommunications, healthcare, defense, and manufacturing.
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:
What job categories do people searching Photonics jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Photonics jobs are:
Photonics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Photonics job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,723 per year, or $27.3 per hour.
Photonics Engineer

Photonics Engineer

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Adelphi, MD • On-site

$104K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Research adversary warfare systems technology trends and techniques.

  • Participate in defining requirements for electronic warfare compact payloads using mixed analog, digital, and photonics systems.

  • Develop physical bench-level and lab demonstrations of photonics electronic warfare applications with ARL photonics experts.

Huntington Ingalls Industries rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 142 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

190th of 527 rated manufacturers

Job description

Requisition Number: 28880
Required Travel: 0 - 10%
Employment Type: Full Time/Salaried/Exempt
Anticipated Salary Range: $104,336.00 - $175,000.00
Security Clearance: Ability to Obtain
Level of Experience: Mid
This opportunity resides with Warfare Systems (WS), a business group within HII's Mission Technologies division. Warfare Systems comprises cyber and mission IT; electronic warfare; and C5ISR systems.
HII works within our nation's intelligence and cyber operations communities to defend our interests in cyberspace and anticipate emerging threats. Our capabilities in cybersecurity, network architecture, reverse engineering, software and hardware development uniquely enable us to support sensitive missions for the U.S. military and federal agency partners.
Leadership at HII - Mission Technologies
HII's Leadership Capability Framework outlines the core capabilities expected of all leaders across Mission Technologies. Leaders are accountable for demonstrating strength in:
  • Know & Grow Your People - Develop talent, empower teams, and build an inclusive environment.
  • Build Relationships - Strengthen trust, collaboration, and cross-functional partnerships.
  • Take Ownership - Drive accountability, execution excellence, and results.
  • Customer First - Anticipate mission needs and deliver value to our partners.
  • Shape the Future - Inspire innovation and align work with strategic priorities.
  • Act with Urgency - Make informed decisions and move with purpose.

These capabilities define how leaders inspire teams, deliver results, and shape the future of Mission
Job Description
We are seeking a Photonics/Electrical Engineer to support our work with the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) in Adelphi, MD. The Photonics Engineer will work on-site in an integrated, results-oriented, research and development team environment with the Electronic Warfare (EW) Branch. We are seeking candidates with PhD degree in physics or electrical engineering who are eager to learn and grow in this role. You will research adversary warfare technology trends and apply that knowledge to define, design, and demonstrate advanced EW compact payloads using mixed analog, digital, and photonics systems. You will be deriving Radio Frequency (RF) and photonics requirements and integrating photonics-based EW capabilities into heterogeneous, next-generation structures. You will work directly with senior technical personnel, program managers, and external organizations to help transition prototype systems to the U.S. Army development and acquisition enterprise.
HII has been providing engineering and management support to the U.S. Army Research Laboratory for over 20 years, conducting innovative research to provide the Army with affordable enabling technologies in sensors, EW, quantum information sciences, and photonics. We are seeking a candidate ready to explore these diverse technical areas within a state-of-the-art electronics research and development facility. Come be a part of this challenging and exciting opportunity!
Come support our work with the U.S. Army Research Laboratory and join a world class team of groundbreaking scientists and engineers!
Details below!
You will be part of a team that includes experts in photonics and EW systems, with direct support from HII engineers and industry recognized subject matter experts. Our team members are expected to have a basic understanding of RF and photonics technologies and be able to collaborate with various engineering and non-technical staff.
Essential Job 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.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Recent graduate of PhD program from 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

Preferred Requirements
  • Completion of Post Doc.
  • Experience with EW applications.
  • Working knowledge of MATLAB or Python.
  • Interest in advancing and prioritizing national security technologies.

The listed salary range for this role is intended as a good faith estimate based on the role's location, expectations, and responsibilities. When extending an offer, HII's Mission Technologies division takes a variety of factors into consideration which include, but are not limited to, the role's function and a candidate's education or training, work experience, and key skills.
Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.
Do You Need Assistance?
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to buildyourcareer@hii-co.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #3 for HII Mission Technologies.

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