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Photonics Engineer Entry Level Jobs in California

Photonics Engineer Entry Level information

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?

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 an entry level photonics engineer 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.
What are the most commonly searched types of Photonics Engineer jobs in California? The most popular types of Photonics Engineer jobs in California are:
What job categories do people searching Photonics Engineer Entry Level jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Photonics Engineer Entry Level jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Photonics Engineer Entry Level jobs? Cities in California with the most Photonics Engineer Entry Level job openings:
Infographic showing various Photonics Engineer Entry Level job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Internship. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution.

Guidance Navigation & Control Engineer (Entry-Level) - Navigation Sys/Inertial Sensor)

Boeing

El Segundo, CA • On-site

$80K - $109K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement

Posted 10 days ago


Boeing rating

8.5

Company rating: 8.5 out of 10

Based on 612 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

32nd of 537 rated manufacturers


Job description

Guidance Navigation & Control Engineer (Entry-Level) - Navigation Sys/Inertial Sensor)

Company:

The Boeing Company

This is Boeing: Each of us is an innovator on a mission to connect, protect, explore, and inspire. From seabed to outer space, you'll learn and grow, contributing to work that shapes the world. Find your future with us.

Boeing Defense, Space & Security (BDS) seeks an experienced Entry-Level Flight Systems Engineer to join our team in El Segundo, California to develop and execute requirements definition, flow down, systems design, analysis, design verification and validation, and systems integration and test. You will also ensure flight sensors and actuators hardware meet requirements and are flight ready.

Position Responsibilities:

  • Develop system architecture solutions.
  • Plan and lead high NRE projects (Non-Recurring Engineering).
  • Resolve technical issues and ensure the spacecraft and system are flight worthy prior to delivery.
  • Develop solutions to assure customer satisfaction.
  • Perform trade studies to meet program requirements.
  • Assist with analyses to evaluate and optimize total system performance to meet customer and operational needs.

This position is expected to be 100% onsite.The selected candidate will be required to work onsite in El Segundo, CA.

Basic Qualifications (Required Skills/Experience):

  • This position requires the ability to obtain a US Security Clearance for which the US Government requires US Citizenship as a condition of employment. A final U.S. Top Secret/SCI Clearance Post-Start is required
  • Bachelor of Science degree from an accredited course of study in engineering, engineering technology (includes manufacturing engineering technology), chemistry, physics, mathematics, data science, or computer science.
  • Experience working with customer program office personnel.
  • Experience in performing trade studies.

Preferred Qualifications (Desired Skills/Experience):

  • Project lead experience.
  • Systems Engineering experience.
  • Experience with C or C++.
  • MATLAB, VBA tool development experience.

Conflict of Interest:
Successful candidates for this job must satisfy the Company's Conflict of Interest (COI) assessment process.

Drug Free Workplace:

Boeing is a Drug Free Workplace where post offer applicants and employees are subject to testing for marijuana, cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, PCP, and alcohol when criteriaismet as outlined in our policies.

Relocation: This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.Note:Basic relocation will be offeredfor eligible internal candidates.

Pay & Benefits:

At Boeing, we strive to deliver a Total Rewards package that will attract, engage and retain the top talent. Elements of the Total Rewards package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities.

The Boeing Company also provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, anda number ofprograms that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, and the applicability of collective bargaining agreements.

Pay is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

Summary Pay Range (Entry-Level - Level 1): $80,750 - $109,250

Language Requirements:

Not Applicable

Education:

Bachelor's Degree or Equivalent

Relocation:

This position offers relocation based on candidate eligibility.

Export Control Requirement:

This is not an Export Control position.

Safety Sensitive:

This is not a Safety Sensitive Position.

Security Clearance:

This position requires the ability to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance for which the U.S. Government requires U.S. Citizenship. An interim and/or final U.S. Top Secret/SCI Clearance Post-Start is required.

Visa Sponsorship:

Employer will not sponsor applicants for employment visa status.

Contingent Upon Award Program

This position is not contingent upon program award

Shift:

Shift 1 (United States of America)

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Boeing is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status or other characteristics protected by law.

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