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Photonics Engineer Entry Level Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Photonics Support Engineer I is responsible for providing entry level technical support by solving problems, troubleshooting, and working with customers to guide them to the best possible product ...

The Photonics Support Engineer I is responsible for providing entry level technical support by solving problems, troubleshooting, and working with customers to guide them to the best possible product ...

Assembler I

Marlborough, MA

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

IPG Photonics is revolutionizing the laser industry as the pioneering developer and leading ... competitive benefits. Entry level position preparing fibers for medical surgical products.

Assembler I

Marlborough, MA · On-site

$16.50 - $20.50/hr

IPG Photonics is revolutionizing the laser industry as the pioneering developer and leading ... competitive benefits. Entry level position preparing fibers for medical surgical products.

Seasonal Help

Goleta, CA · On-site

$24 - $25/hr

Requirements Qualifications Experience: Entry level position in photonics engineering R&D. Education: * Bachelor's degree in progress or higher in Engineering, Physics, or related field. Specialized ...

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Photonics Engineer Entry Level information

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$30K

$69.4K

$118K

How much do photonics engineer entry level jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for photonics engineer entry level in the United States is $69,362.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $51,500.00 and $78,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What types of projects do entry-level photonics engineers typically work on, and how much collaboration is involved?

As an entry-level photonics engineer, you can expect to work on projects such as developing optical components, assisting in laser system design, or testing fiber optic devices. These projects usually involve close collaboration with senior engineers, research scientists, and sometimes manufacturing teams to ensure that designs meet performance and quality standards. You'll likely participate in team meetings, contribute to problem-solving discussions, and share updates on your progress. This collaborative environment is great for learning and professional growth, as you'll receive guidance and feedback from more experienced colleagues.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Entry Level Photonics Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Entry Level Photonics Engineer, you need a solid background in physics, optics, and engineering principles, typically demonstrated by a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering, physics, or a related field. Familiarity with simulation software (such as COMSOL or Lumerical), optical design tools, and laboratory equipment is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective teamwork skills help you excel in collaborative and research-driven environments. These competencies enable you to design, test, and improve photonic devices and systems, which are critical for innovation and reliability in the field.

What does a Photonics Engineer Entry Level do?

An entry-level photonics engineer works with technologies involving the generation, manipulation, and detection of light. They assist in designing and testing optical systems such as lasers, fiber optics, and imaging devices under the supervision of senior engineers. Typical tasks include conducting experiments, analyzing data, and helping to develop prototypes for applications in telecommunications, medical devices, and manufacturing. This role often requires collaboration with multidisciplinary teams to solve engineering challenges and improve photonics-based products.
More about Photonics Engineer Entry Level jobs
What cities are hiring for Photonics Engineer Entry Level jobs? Cities with the most Photonics Engineer Entry Level 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 Entry Level jobs? States with the most job openings for Photonics Engineer Entry Level jobs include:
Infographic showing various Photonics Engineer Entry Level job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 95% Full Time, and 4% Part Time. Highlights an 93% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $69,362 per year, or $33.3 per hour.
Photonics Support Engineer I

Photonics Support Engineer I

Thorlabs

Newton, NJ • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 5 days ago


Thorlabs rating

7.8

Company rating: 7.8 out of 10

Based on 22 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

54th of 139 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Thorlabs is pleased to play a role in advancing science through the components, instruments, and systems we design and manufacture. We believe that science and innovation have great potential to improve the world around us and are committed to advancing photonics (i.e., light-based) technologies that positively impact our customers, employees, and communities. Via educational outreach and more sustainable business practices, we continuously invest in a brighter future. We recognize that each of our employees is a unique individual with the ability to contribute to our success and seek to find great people who will thrive in our fun, fast-paced culture.
The Photonics Support Engineer I is responsible for providing entry level technical support by solving problems, troubleshooting, and working with customers to guide them to the best possible product solutions for their applications and experiments. The position works with several other Photonics Support and Design Engineers to support optics, lasers and light sources, fiber, opto-mechanics, motion control, microscope and other imaging systems, telecom instruments and more. Between onsite lab opportunities, customer interactions, tradeshows and Thorlabs manufacturing entities visits, the position can be exposed to every facet of the photonics industry.
Although the location of the position is in Newton, NJ, from time to time it may be required to undertake duties at other Thorlabs locations.
• Provide technical support via phone, web chat & e-mail to customers worldwide.
• Interface with multiple support teams around the world to implement best practices globally.
• Reproduce setups and create technical solutions in the lab.
• Demonstrate knowledge and problem-solving abilities in providing technical support to customers who purchase from our extensive product portfolio.
• Develop and provide customized solutions, assist in the design of custom products.
• Support Marketing and Sales activities by attending Tradeshows and Customer visits.
• Participate in managing the development of Thorlabs products by being part of an interactive development forum.
• Develop Marketing Materials like test data, white papers, or video for use on our website or through another distribution channel
• Develop skill in the use of test equipment to help influence the design of next generation photonics products.
• Contribute to training of new team members by sharing your unique skills.
Requirements
Experience:
• Entry level to 3 years of Photonics product and applications support experience. Will accept recent college graduate with bachelor's degree. Lab experience with optics, mechanics, lasers, and electrical components a plus.
Education:
• BSc, MSc or PhD degree in Optics, Physics or a related Engineering field or equivalent work experience.
Specialized Knowledge and Skills:
• Knowledge of Photonics and Laser Technology via work or laboratory experience.
• Strong communication proficiency and presentation skills.
• Ability to multitask, show attention to details, and to solve multidisciplinary problems under time constraints.
• Ability to develop and communicate dept. goals in support of Thorlabs' mission and responds to all interactions in a positive manner.
• Eagerness to learn about new technologies, process, and business models.
• Work schedule may be staggered times to cover our 8am-8pm hours of operation.
• Opportunities to travel to tradeshows, other Thorlabs manufacturing facilities (foreign and domestic), and training events on and off site.
The estimated pay range for this role is $ 62,000 - $ 70,000 annually
Thorlabs values its diverse environment and is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified individuals will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identify or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age or veteran status. Job descriptions are not intended as and do not create employment contracts. The organization maintains its status as an at-will employer. Employees can be terminated for any reason not prohibited by law.
Benefits
Thorlabs offers a complete benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision insurance, company paid life insurance, a generous PTO package, a 401(k) plan, and tuition reimbursement just to name a few.

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