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Photonics Engineer Entry Level Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Thorlabs

Project Management Coordinator

Newton, NJ · On-site

$66K/yr

... advancing photonics (i.e., light-based) technologies that positively impact our customers ... Bachelor's Degree in business, industrial engineering, or related field of study or equivalent work ...

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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 29, 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:
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What job categories do people searching Photonics Engineer Entry Level jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Photonics Engineer Entry Level jobs are:
Photonics Engineer Entry Level jobs near you
Infographic showing various Photonics Engineer Entry Level job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $69,362 per year, or $33.3 per hour.
Intern, Optical Packaging Process

Intern, Optical Packaging Process

PsiQuantum

Milpitas, CA • On-site

$27.50/hr

Internship

Posted 12 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Assist in drafting, editing, and formatting standard operating procedures and work instructions.

  • Organize and maintain process documentation and version control.

  • Support engineers in summarizing design of experiments results and preparing basic data visualizations.

Job description

PsiQuantum's mission is to build the first useful quantum computers-machines capable of delivering the breakthroughs the field has long promised. Since our founding in 2016, our singular focus has been to build and deploy million-qubit, fault-tolerant quantum systems.
Quantum computers harness the laws of quantum mechanics to solve problems that even the most advanced supercomputers or AI systems will never reach. Their impact will span energy, pharmaceuticals, finance, agriculture, transportation, materials, and other foundational industries.
Our architecture and approach is based on silicon photonics. By leveraging the advanced semiconductor manufacturing industry-including partners like GlobalFoundries-we use the same high-volume processes that already produce billions of chips for telecom and consumer electronics. Photonics offers natural advantages for scale: photons don't feel heat, are immune to electromagnetic interference, and integrate with existing cryogenic cooling and standard fiber-optic infrastructure.
In 2024, PsiQuantum announced government-funded projects to support the build-out of our first utility-scale quantum computers in Brisbane, Australia, and Chicago, Illinois. These initiatives reflect a growing recognition that quantum computing will be strategically and economically defining-and that now is the time to scale.
PsiQuantum also develops the algorithms and software needed to make these systems commercially valuable. Our application, software, and industry teams work directly with leading Fortune 500 companies-including Lockheed Martin, Mercedes-Benz, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Mitsubishi Chemical-to prepare quantum solutions for real-world impact.
Quantum computing is not an extension of classical computing. It represents a fundamental shift-and a path to mastering challenges that cannot be solved any other way. The potential is enormous, and we have a clear path to make it real.
Come join us.
Job Summary:
We are seeking a motivated and detail-oriented intern to support the Optical Packaging Process team. This is an entry-level role ideal for students interested in semiconductor, photonics, or manufacturing processes. The intern will assist with documenting processes, organizing experimental data, and supporting simple laboratory experiments under supervision.
Responsibilities:
  • Assist in drafting, editing, and formatting SOPs and work instructions.
  • Organize and maintain process documentation and version control.
  • Support engineers in summarizing design of experiments (DOE) results.
  • Help prepare clear data summaries, tables, and basic visualizations.
  • Assist in executing simple, well-defined experiments under guidance.
  • Record experimental results accurately and maintain lab notes.
  • Contribute to continuous improvement of documentation and workflows.

Experience/Qualifications:
  • Currently pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or a related field.
  • Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.
  • Ability to follow instructions and work collaboratively in a team environment.
  • Prior internship or lab experience is a plus but not required.

U.S. Intern Hourly Pay Rate Chart
Education level COMPLETED
Hourly Rate
Housing/Commuter Stipend
Bachelors: In Process
$27.50
Variable based on permanent residency location
Bachelor's Degree
$31.00
Variable based on permanent residency location
Master's: 1st Year
$36.00
Variable based on permanent residency location
Master's Degree
$40.00
Variable based on permanent residency location
PhD: In Process
$44.00
Variable based on permanent residency location
PhD: Near Completion
$47.00
Variable based on permanent residency location
PsiQuantum provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. PsiQuantum does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable laws.
Note: PsiQuantum will only reach out to you using an official PsiQuantum email address and will never ask you for bank account information as part of the interview process. Please report any suspicious activity to recruiting@psiquantum.com
We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies.

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