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Photonics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Anello Photonics

Sr Photonics Engineer (PIC)

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

The Sr Photonics Engineer will be responsible for conceiving and implementing experimental testing plans and identifying photonic design changes to continue to push the performance of Anello ...

Thorlabs

Photonics Engineer I

Jessup, MD

$80K/yr

... precision photonics measurements and instrumentation Experience building optical assemblies Education: BS, MS, or PhD in an optics or physics-related engineering field Knowledge and Skills:

Anello Photonics

Sr Photonics Engineer (PIC)

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

The Sr Photonics Engineer will be responsible for conceiving and implementing experimental testing plans and identifying photonic design changes to continue to push the performance of Anello ...

PsiQuantum

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

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 development cycle of ...

Thorlabs

Photonics Engineer I

Jessup, MD · On-site

$80K/yr

... photonics measurements and instrumentation • Experience building optical assemblies Education: • BS, MS, or PhD in an optics or physics-related engineering field Knowledge and Skills: • ...

Coherent Corp.

Photonics Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Materials Science, or related field. * 3+ years of experience in VCSEL, photonics, or optoelectronic device R&D. * Hands-on experience with ...

Coherent

Photonics Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · Hybrid

D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Materials Science, or related field. * 3+ years of experience in VCSEL, photonics, or optoelectronic device R&D. * Hands-on experience with ...

Rydberg Technologies

Senior Photonics Engineer

Ann Arbor, MI · On-site

$102K - $140K/yr

This hands-on engineering role is ideal for a candidate passionate about photonics innovation and ready to work at the intersection of physics, optics, and system integration. You will collaborate ...

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Photonics Engineer information

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$44K

$106.4K

$173.5K

How much do photonics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for photonics 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 a Photonics Engineer?

As a photonics engineer, you work with photo energy and technology to create new products and improve existing goods, such as barcode scanners, lasers, and fiber optics. Research and development are your primary responsibilities, but your other job duties include creating design plans for product innovations, testing and revising prototypes, determining solutions for existing issues, and seeking cost-effective alternatives for current technology. You need strong scientific and mathematical reasoning along with computer skills to perform well as a photonics engineer.

What does a Photonics Engineer do?

A Photonics Engineer designs, develops, and tests devices and systems that use light (photons), such as lasers, fiber optics, and imaging systems. They work on applications in telecommunications, medical devices, manufacturing, and defense. Their responsibilities may include researching new photonic materials, improving optical communication systems, and creating innovative technologies that use light for sensing or processing information. Photonics engineers often collaborate with other engineers and scientists to bring advanced optical solutions to a wide range of industries.

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 physics, optics, and mathematics, often supported by a degree in photonics, electrical engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or COMSOL), laser systems, and laboratory instrumentation, as well as relevant certifications, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for developing innovative photonic devices and systems that meet complex technical requirements in industries like telecommunications, healthcare, and manufacturing.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. Certain roles in high-demand industries or with executive responsibilities may also reach this compensation level.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. High-level roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes leadership responsibilities or certifications.

What are some typical collaborative projects a Photonics Engineer might work on within a multidisciplinary team?

Photonics Engineers often collaborate closely with electrical engineers, software developers, and materials scientists on projects such as designing optical communication systems, developing laser-based medical devices, or optimizing imaging technologies. These projects require integrating photonic components with electronic circuitry and software algorithms, making teamwork and cross-disciplinary communication essential. Regular meetings, prototype testing, and troubleshooting sessions are common, providing opportunities to learn from experts in related fields while ensuring that photonic solutions meet broader system requirements.

What is the difference between Photonics Engineer vs Optical Engineer?

AspectPhotonics EngineerOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields; certifications in photonics are a plusBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, tech companies focusing on laser, fiber optics, and photonic devicesResearch labs, manufacturing, telecommunications, and defense sectors working with optical systems
Employer & Industry UsageCompanies developing laser systems, fiber optics, photonic sensors, and integrated photonic circuitsOrganizations involved in optical communication, imaging systems, and optical component design

Photonics Engineers and Optical Engineers share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, often collaborating on optical systems. However, Photonics Engineers typically focus more on the development and application of photonic devices and systems, while Optical Engineers may concentrate more on optical system design and integration. Both roles are vital in industries like telecommunications, defense, and research.

Are photonics engineers in demand?

Photonics engineers are in high demand due to the growth of optical communication, laser technology, and imaging systems. They often work in industries such as telecommunications, defense, and healthcare, with strong job prospects for those skilled in optical design, fiber optics, and related tools.

What does a photonic engineer do?

A photonic engineer designs, develops, and tests devices and systems that use light, such as lasers, optical fibers, and sensors. They work with optics, photonics components, and related technologies, often utilizing tools like CAD software and laboratory equipment, and may require knowledge of physics and engineering principles. Their work supports telecommunications, medical devices, and imaging systems.
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Photonics Engineer jobs near you
Photonics Engineer

Photonics Engineer

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Adelphi, MD • On-site

$104K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Posted 21 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

188th of 521 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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