ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

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 ...

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 ...

New

PsiQuantum

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Palo Alto, CA

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 ...

New

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

S2 Corp

Microwave Photonics Engineer

Bozeman, MT · On-site

Microwave Photonics Engineer S2 Corporation is seeking to fill the position of Microwave Photonics Engineer who is meticulous and detail-oriented personality and enjoys solving problems, possesses ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

People also search for

All JobsPhotonics Engineer Jobs

Photonics Engineer information

See salary details

$44K

$106.4K

$173.5K

How much do photonics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 6, 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 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.

More about Photonics Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Photonics Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Photonics Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Photonics Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Photonics Engineer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Photonics Engineer jobs? The top employers for Photonics Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Photonics Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Photonics Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Photonics Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Photonics Engineer jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Photonics Engineer jobs? For Photonics Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Photonics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Photonics Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 23% Full Time, 59% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 9% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,386 per year, or $51.1 per hour.

Quantum Photonics Engineer

Qunett

Boston, MA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 10 days ago

Job description

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-state quantum memory and networking technologies designed to operate beyond the laboratory and integrate directly with real-world infrastructure. At Qunett, physicists and engineers work hands-on with diamond-based quantum devices, photonics, cryogenic systems, and control electronics to translate fundamental quantum capabilities into practical networked hardware. This is a ground-floor opportunity to help shape how quantum systems communicate, scale, and drive the next generation of secure communication, distributed sensing, and quantum computing. As an early-stage company actively building out its quantum memory and photonics teams, Qunett seeks physicists and engineers who bring technical range, adaptability, and readiness to contribute across disciplines as the technology and team evolve.

Work Location

This is a full-time, onsite position based in Boston, MA.

About the role

Qunett is seeking a Photonics Engineer to contribute to the photonics team building entangled photon sources and quantum frequency conversion systems. This role is highly hands-on, focused on designing, assembling, and characterizing laser-driven nonlinear/quantum optical experiments that generate and measure biphotons (SPDC) and support system integration (filtering, stabilization, coupling, and detection). The role will own well-scoped experimental modules and deliver measurable improvements in coupling efficiency, stability, and performance.

Required qualifications

  • PhD in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, or related field (or MS with equivalent experience)
  • Hands-on experience with nonlinear optics and/or quantum optics in laboratory settings
  • Extensive experience working with spectroscopic-grade laser systems (alignment, safety, modulation, stabilization fundamentals)
  • Experience building and troubleshooting optical setups: free-space and fiber coupling, ABCD matrix analysis and implementation, beam shaping, polarization management, interferometers, and low-noise detection
  • Exposure to single-photon sources and/or single-photon detectors (e.g., SNSPDs/APDs), timing electronics, and basic coincidence measurements
  • Experience using optical design / engineering tools (e.g., Zemax/OpticStudio or equivalent) to design, tolerance, and iterate optical layouts
  • Familiarity with modern software/AI-assisted tools for coding, optimization, and experiment control (e.g., Python-based analysis and automation)

Preferred qualifications

  • Experience with SPDC-based entangled photon sources (Sagnac or interferometric geometries), biphoton characterization, and/or HOM-type interference measurements
  • Experience with wavelength-division multiplexing concepts (filters, DWDM components), insertion-loss management, and polarization gates
  • Experience with laser spectroscopy in solid-state, atomic, or ion systems
  • Exposure to micro/nanofabrication or photonic device integration
  • Familiarity with quantum networking requirements (entanglement distribution, link budgets, interface constraints)

Benefits

  • Comprehensive health coverage including medical, dental, vision, and prescription plans
  • 401(k) retirement plan
  • Equity participation through stock options for all new hires
  • Flexible time off: unlimited PTO, sick leave, and 11 paid holidays
  • Employee support benefits including EAP, caregiver support, healthcare advocacy, and more