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Photonics Chip Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Psionic, LLC

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Hampton, VA · On-site

Silicon Photonics Engineer Psionic, Inc is a startup focused on lidar sensors and navigation ... design, chip assembly, component packaging, etc. Our designs must perform under stringent ...

Psionic

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Hampton, VA · On-site

We are adding a motivated Silicon Photonics Engineer to join our small, fast-moving team and help ... design, chip assembly, component packaging, etc.Our designs must perform under stringent ...

Psionic

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Hampton, VA · On-site

Silicon Photonics Engineer Psionic, Inc is a startup focused on lidar sensors and navigation ... design, chip assembly, component packaging, etc. Our designs must perform under stringent ...

Psionic

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Hampton, VA · On-site

We are adding a motivated Silicon Photonics Engineer to join our small, fast-moving team and help ... design, chip assembly, component packaging, etc.Our designs must perform under stringent ...

PLP Group

Integrated Photonics Engineer

Phoenix, AZ · On-site

$125K - $185K/yr

Develop test plans and carry out wafer- and chip-level characterization: insertion loss ... Required QualificationsMS/PhD in Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related ...

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Photonics Chip Engineer information

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$44K

$106.4K

$173.5K

How much do photonics chip engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for photonics chip engineer in the United States is $106,386.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,000.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Photonics Chip Engineer vs Optical Engineer?

AspectPhotonics Chip EngineerOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related fields; knowledge of photonics and semiconductor fabricationBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields; expertise in optics and laser systems
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, semiconductor fabrication facilities, R&D departmentsOptical labs, telecommunications companies, R&D departments
Industry UsageDeveloping integrated photonic circuits, optical communication devicesDesigning optical systems, laser applications, fiber optics

Photonics Chip Engineers focus on designing and developing integrated photonic chips used in optical communication and computing, often working in semiconductor environments. Optical Engineers work on broader optical systems, including lasers and fiber optics, across various industries. While both roles require knowledge of optics, Photonics Chip Engineers specialize in chip-level integration, whereas Optical Engineers focus on system-level design.

What are popular job titles related to Photonics Chip Engineer jobs?

For Photonics Chip Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Photonics Chip Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 87% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,386 per year, or $51.1 per hour.

Silicon Photonics Device Design Engineer

Temecula, CA • On-site

Skorpios Technologies
Telecommunications • 11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Skorpios Technologiesexternal

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 22 days ago

Job description

Skorpios Technologies, Inc., an innovator in heterogeneous integration of silicon photonic technology and semiconductor development, is rapidly expanding. We are in search of a top-level Si Photonics Device Design Engineer for developing next-generation Si Photonics chip and module products. This is an opportunity to work with a highly motivated, high performance technical team on highly differentiated, disruptive technology.
The Silicon Photonics Device Design Engineer role is responsible for supporting the development of next generation Si-Photonic Data Communications solutions in Skorpios' Integration and Process Development Engineering team. The Si Photonics Device Design Engineer will develop high performance Si Photonics devices, including optical couplers, WDM devices, polarization splitter and combiner, polarization rotator, and 90-degree hybrid, to be integrated in a Si Photonics system chip. The design must be tailored for our unique technology platform and optimized for meeting challenging specs. The tasks include optical simulations, design for fabrication and testing, design review, working with layout engineers, characterization of devices, data analysis, and performance report.
Responsibilities
  • Design, Model and Simulate high performance Si Photonics devices, including optical couplers, WDM devices, polarization splitter and combiner, polarization rotator, and 90-degree hybrid, to be integrated in a Si Photonics system chip.
  • Model and simulate thermal response for optical device performance.
  • Perform Optical mode matching over large wavelength range
  • Establish tolerance and process design rules to enable DRC for Designs and Layouts
  • Direct HPIC Layout of designed components
  • DOE Design and Design Validation Testing
  • Design Review Support and Presentation
  • Design for Manufacturability (DFM).
  • Establish schematics Designs for Layout
  • Using computer software to design Optical components

Requirements
  • 10+ years experience
  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Material Science or a related field. Photonics or a related discipline with emphasis in optical communications and high-speed optical components.
  • Deep understanding of optical devices and polarization components is a must.
  • Extensive industrial experience in photonics (Si or III-V) device design and characterization is preferred, with a proven track record of success, from concept to manufacturing. Alternatively, PhD graduate who has done outstanding research work on directly related devices may be accepted for the position.
  • Solid understanding of optical waveguides, polarization, optical modes, and fiber optical communications.
  • Understand how to design various photonic devices, including optical couplers, WDM devices, polarization splitter/combiner, polarization rotator, and 90-degree hybrid.
  • Proficient in design and simulations for optical waveguides and other active and passive photonic devices.
  • Familiar with optical waveguide device characterization and analysis.
  • Able to work with processing engineers to define fabrication methods.
  • Strong problem-solving skills with demonstrated track of record.
  • Able to work hard in a dynamic start-up environment.
  • Thrives in fast-paced environment.
  • Excellent verbal and writing communication skills.

Preferred Education and Experience
  • Desired are candidates with significant industrial experience in the optical components industry.
  • Ansys Lumerical, Zemax and Speos, JMP or Mini-Tab Experience preferred.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance Requirements
Authorization may be required to release covered technology to employees who are not U.S. citizens, U.S. nationals, lawful permanent residents, asylees, or refugees.
Why Skorpios?
At Skorpios, you will be at the forefront of the silicon photonics revolution. We offer the chance to work on truly disruptive technology that is changing how the world connects. You will be part of a team where technical excellence is celebrated and where your contributions have a direct impact on the success of our next-generation product lines. Skorpios offers an excellent benefits package which includes:
  • Competitive salary
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • 401(k)
  • Company paid life insurance
  • Company paid disability
  • Paid holidays
  • Gym Membership Discounts

Export Control / ITAR Statement: "This position is located at a facility that operates under International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be 'U.S. persons' within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a 'U.S. person' as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e., 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee."
Skorpios Technologies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age (40 and over), physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, protected leave status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
As a federal contractor, Skorpios Technologies, Inc. takes affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.
Skorpios Technologies, Inc. is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at or AskHR@Skorpiosinc.com.

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