ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Photonics Engineer Contractual Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HRUCKUS

Operations and Program Manager

San Jose, CA · On-site

... photonics industries. If you're interested, I'll gladly provide more details about the role and ... Translate contractual milestones, customer demand, engineering needs, labor availability, material ...

New

Quantinuum

Sr. Advanced Physicist (AMO) - 901

Albuquerque, NM · On-site

$148K - $178K/yr

... photonics for light delivery * Design experiments, collect and analyze data, and present results to ... programming control systems for data collection and analysis (PhD inclusive) * Due to Contractual ...

Quantinuum

Advanced AMO Scientist - 733

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$148K - $185K/yr

... photonics technologies that enable trapped-ion quantum computers. You will work with a team on ... Due to Contractual requirements, must be a U.S. Person defined as, U.S. citizen permanent resident ...

GDIT

Submarine Imaging / RF Technician

Newport, RI · On-site

$38.82 - $52.52/hr

Yes ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN V GDIT is looking for highly motivated technicians able to perform ... Photonics based imaging systems. Scope of work will entail working in the areas of Electronics ...

GDIT

Submarine Imaging / RF Technician

Newport, RI · On-site

$38.82 - $52.52/hr

Yes ENGINEERING TECHNICIAN V GDIT is looking for highly motivated technicians able to perform ... Photonics based imaging systems. Scope of work will entail working in the areas of Electronics ...

previous page

Showing results 21-36

All Jobsfreelance JobsEngineering JobsEngineers JobsPhotonics Engineer Contractual Jobs

Photonics Engineer Contractual information

See salary details

$19

$59

$81

How much do photonics engineer contractual jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 23, 2026, the average hourly pay for photonics engineer contractual in the United States is $59.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51.92 and $66.35 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a photonics engineer contractual?

Photonics Engineer Contractual positions are temporary or project-based roles in which engineers work on the design, development, and application of photonics systems, such as lasers, fiber optics, and imaging systems. These engineers are typically hired for a specific duration to contribute their expertise to particular projects or to fulfill short-term needs within an organization. Their responsibilities can include research, prototyping, testing, and troubleshooting optical and photonic devices. Contractual roles can provide flexibility for both the employer and the engineer, often offering opportunities to work across various industries like telecommunications, healthcare, and manufacturing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a photonics engineer contractual?

To thrive as a Photonics Engineer on a contractual basis, you need a solid background in optics, photonics, and physics, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering, physics, or a related field. Familiarity with simulation and design software such as Zemax, COMSOL Multiphysics, MATLAB, and experience with optical testing equipment are commonly required, along with relevant certifications when appropriate. Strong problem-solving, collaboration, and communication skills are essential for effectively managing project-based work and integrating with diverse teams. These skills and qualifications ensure the successful design, development, and implementation of photonic systems within project deadlines and client specifications.

What are some typical challenges faced by a photonics engineer contractual, and how can they be addressed?

Photonics Engineers working on a contractual basis often encounter challenges such as quickly adapting to new project requirements, integrating with established teams, and managing tight project deadlines. It’s important to rapidly familiarize yourself with the company’s tools and workflows, maintain clear communication with project leads, and remain flexible to shifting priorities. Building strong relationships with permanent staff and proactively seeking feedback can help you deliver high-quality results and potentially open doors for future contracts or permanent roles.

What is the difference between Photonics Engineer Contractual vs Photonics Engineer Full-Time?

AspectPhotonics Engineer ContractualPhotonics Engineer Full-Time
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fieldBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field
Work EnvironmentProject-based, temporary assignments, often on-site or remotePermanent employment, stable work environment, on-site or hybrid
Employer UsageUsed by companies for specific projects or peak workloadsLong-term employment, career development opportunities
Search & Comparison IntentHigh overlap in skills and certifications, often compared for job stability and benefits

Photonics Engineer Contractual roles typically involve temporary, project-specific work with flexible arrangements, while Photonics Engineer Full-Time positions offer long-term stability and career growth. Both roles require similar qualifications but differ in employment terms and work environment.

More about Photonics Engineer Contractual jobs

What cities are hiring for Photonics Engineer Contractual jobs?

Cities with the most Photonics Engineer Contractual job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Photonics Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Photonics Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Photonics Engineer Contractual jobs?

States with the most job openings for Photonics Engineer Contractual jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Photonics Engineer Contractual jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Photonics Engineer Contractual jobs are:

Photonics Engineer Contractual jobs near you
Infographic showing various Photonics Engineer Contractual job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $123,952 per year, or $59.6 per hour.

Lead Semiconductor Fabrication Scientist - 854

Quantinuum

Brooklyn Park, MN • On-site

$164K - $205K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 21 days ago

Job description

We are seeking a Lead Semiconductor Fabrication Scientist in our Brooklyn Park, MN Location.
All applicants for placement in safety-sensitive positions will be required to submit to a pre-employment drug test.
Key Responsibilities:
  • Participate in all stages of development and manufacturing of microfabricated ion traps, including new concept creation, design, layout, fabrication, packaging and characterization
  • Assess requirements of current and future ion traps, and specify or develop designs and processes meeting those requirements
  • Generate new ideas and IP for ion trap features and components
  • Work closely with an integrated team of scientists, engineers and technicians to translate system requirements and designs into functional hardware
  • Proactively anticipate fabrication risks and implement mitigation strategies
  • Lead engagements with 3rd parties to cultivate possible key partnerships, supplier relationships, and co-development opportunities
  • Lead strategic, long-range planning for future trap designs and processes

YOU MUST HAVE:
  • Minimum Bachelor's degree with 10+ years' experience OR Master's degree with 8+ years' experience OR PhD with 6+ years' experience in one or more of the following areas: MEMS fabrication, IC fabrication, integrated optics of waveguides, ion trap fabrication, and chip-scale photonics
  • Due to Contractual requirements, must be a U.S. Person defined as, U.S. citizen permanent resident or green card holder, workers granted asylum or refugee status
  • Due to national security requirements imposed by the U.S. Government, candidates for this position must not be a People's Republic of China national or Russian national unless the candidate is also a U.S. citizen.

WE VALUE:
  • PhD in Physics, Materials Science or Engineering
  • Demonstrated leadership in micro-fabricated device design, process and characterization
  • Experience developing ion traps, integrated photonics, and related devices
  • Experiencing interfacing with a semiconductor foundry
  • Relevant experience with process integration and development in a micro-fabrication manufacturing environment
  • Experience with a wide range of semiconductor/MEMS processes and processing tools including layout, thin film deposition, additive and subtractive patterning, photolithography, deep reactive ion etching, and process integration, and 2.5D/3D packaging
  • Published results within their field of research
  • Experience leading cross-functional teams
  • Individuals who are results-oriented and able to work with little supervision, who consistently take the initiative to get things done despite competing priorities
  • Good interpersonal skills, verbal and written

$164,000 - $205,000 a year
Compensation & Benefits:
Incentive Eligible - Range posted is inclusive of bonus target.
The pay range for this role is $164,000 - $205,000 annually. Actual compensation within this range may vary based on the candidate's skills, educational background, professional experience, and unique qualifications for the role.
Quantinuum is the world leader in quantum computing. The company's quantum systems deliver the highest performance across all industry benchmarks. Quantinuum's over 650 employees, including 400+ scientists and engineers, across the US, UK, Germany, and Japan, are driving the quantum computing revolution.
By uniting best-in-class software with high-fidelity hardware, our integrated full-stack approach is accelerating the path to practical quantum computing and scaling its impact across multiple industries.
By joining Quantinuum, you'll be at the forefront of this transformative revolution, shaping the future of quantum computing, pushing the limits of technology, and making the impossible possible.
What's in it for you?
A competitive salary and innovative, game-changing work
Flexible work schedule
Employer subsidized health, dental, and vision insurance
401(k) match for student loan repayment benefit
Equity, 401k retirement savings plan + 12 Paid holidays and generous vacation + sick time
Paid parental leave
Employee discounts
Quantinuum is an equal opportunity employer. You will be considered without regard to age, race, creed, color, national origin, ancestry, marital status, affectional or sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, nationality, sex, or veteran status. Know Your Rights: Workplace discrimination is illegal
Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis, there is no application deadline for this position.
We may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools to support parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications, analyzing resumes, or assessing responses and identifying potential inconsistencies or verification signals in application materials based on available information. These tools assist our recruitment team but do not replace human judgment. Final hiring decisions are ultimately made by humans. If you would like more information about how your data is processed, please contact us. We are committed to making our recruitment process accessible to all. If you require any reasonable adjustments at any stage of the application or interview process, please let us know use the Lets talk contact form.

Apply