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Photonics Engineer Remote Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

PsiQuantum

Intern, Quantum Architecture

Brisbane, CA · On-site +1

$27.50/hr

Photonics offers natural advantages for scale: photons don't feel heat, are immune to ... Experience programming in Python, C++ or similar languages. * Competent use of collaborative ...

Aeva, Inc.

Senior Customer Program Manager

Mountain View, CA · On-site +1

$136K - $137K/yr

Develop and assemble customer facing technical / engineering content including: presentations, RFI ... remote teams and resources * Analytical and process-oriented mindset * Three to five years of ...

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Photonics Engineer Remote information

What does a photonics engineer do?

A remote photonics engineer designs, develops, and tests systems and devices that use light (photons), such as lasers, fiber optics, and imaging systems, while working from a location outside of a traditional office. Their work typically involves tasks like simulations, designing optical components, analyzing data, and collaborating with colleagues virtually. Remote photonics engineers use specialized software to model and optimize optical systems and may also participate in virtual meetings to discuss project progress or troubleshoot issues. Communication and self-management skills are important for success in this role.

What skills and qualifications are needed to thrive as a photonics engineer in a remote role?

To thrive as a Photonics Engineer, you need a solid background in optics, laser systems, and electromagnetic theory, usually backed by a degree in physics, electrical engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with simulation software (e.g., Zemax, COMSOL), programming languages (such as Python or MATLAB), and possibly certifications in optics or photonics are typically required. Strong problem-solving skills, self-motivation, and effective remote communication are crucial soft skills for success in a distributed work environment. These abilities ensure the engineer can design innovative solutions, collaborate efficiently across distances, and deliver high-quality results in a specialized technical field.

How do photonics engineers working remotely typically collaborate with hardware teams and manage hands-on tasks?

Photonics Engineers in remote roles often use virtual collaboration tools to communicate with hardware teams, share design files, and review test data. While some hands-on prototyping or testing may require occasional on-site visits or coordination with local lab technicians, much of the design, simulation, and analysis work can be done remotely. Effective communication, clear documentation, and scheduled video meetings are key to ensuring remote engineers stay aligned with physical development processes. Many organizations also provide remote access to lab equipment or partner with local facilities to facilitate testing when necessary.

What is the difference between Photonics Engineer Remote vs Optical Engineer?

AspectPhotonics Engineer RemoteOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Photonics, or related fields; certifications like SPIE or OSA are commonBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related disciplines; similar certifications often preferred
Work EnvironmentPrimarily remote, collaborating via digital tools; some on-site labs or officesTypically on-site in labs or manufacturing facilities; some remote roles available
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in telecommunications, defense, and research companies; common in tech startups and R&DCommon in manufacturing, research institutions, and tech companies focusing on optics and photonics

Photonics Engineer Remote and Optical Engineer roles share similar educational backgrounds and certifications. The main difference lies in the work environment, with Photonics Engineer Remote primarily working remotely, while Optical Engineers often work on-site. Both roles are vital in industries like telecommunications and defense, but the remote aspect offers greater flexibility for Photonics Engineers.

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 are popular job titles related to Photonics Engineer Remote jobs in California?

For Photonics Engineer Remote jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Photonics Engineer Remote jobs in California look for?

The top searched job categories for Photonics Engineer Remote jobs in California are:

What cities in California are hiring for Photonics Engineer Remote jobs?

Cities in California with the most Photonics Engineer Remote job openings:

Photonics Engineer Remote jobs near you
Infographic showing various Photonics Engineer Remote job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 87% Full Time, 8% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution.

Senior Solution Engineer - AI/ML, Digital Photonics & Aerospace/Defense Technologies

Santa Rosa, CA • On-site, Remote

Keysight Technologies, Inc.
Electrical Equipment, Appliance, and Component Manufacturing • 10K+ employees

8.1

Company rating: 8.1 out of 10

Based on 20 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

50th of 159 rated electronics manufacturers

People enjoy working here

Good employer

Recommended by parents

Learn more about Keysight Technologies, Inc.external

$143K - $238K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 27 days ago

Job description

Overview

Keysight is on the forefront of technology innovation, delivering breakthroughs and trusted insights in electronic design, simulation, prototyping, test, manufacturing, and optimization. Our ~15,000 employees create world-class solutions in communications, 5G, automotive, energy, quantum, aerospace, defense, and semiconductor markets for customers in over 100 countries. Learn more about what we do.

Our award-winning culture embraces a bold vision of where technology can take us and a passion for tackling challenging problems with industry-first solutions. We believe that when people feel a sense of belonging, they can be more creative, innovative, and thrive at all points in their careers.

Position Summary: 

Keysight Technologies is seeking an experienced and highly skilled Solution Engineer to join its AI team within Software & AI Labs. This expert-level role combines deep domain knowledge in Digital Photonics (real-time and sampling oscilloscopes, BERTs, arbitrary waveform generators) and Aerospace/Defense (signal sources, radar and EW test) with hands-on AI/ML engineering. The successful candidate will drive data and test-case generation for AI model training on real bench hardware, develop and deploy ML models against that data, and coordinate with internal business units and Machine Learning Engineers (MLEs).


Responsibilities
  • Develop and maintain custom scripts and automation solutions for instrument control and customer testing requirements across scopes, BERTs, AWGs, signal sources, and radar test setups (SCPI, PyVISA, instrument APIs).
  • Lead data-generation campaigns in the Data Generation Lab on our AI Platform — designing measurement plans and producing high-quality datasets for AI model training.
  • Develop, train, and validate ML models for measurement science problems: waveform and eye-diagram analysis, EVM/BER/jitter inference, signal classification, and radar/EW scenario characterization.
  • Convert measurement and optimization workflows into agentic AI skills (LLM-based tooling) so instruments can be operated and results interpreted through AI-driven pipelines.
  • Coordinate with Keysight business units and MLEs to facilitate high-quality data generation for AI model development.
  • Act as a primary customer interface for the AI Development Platform in photonics and A&D engagements, ensuring alignment with user needs and technical requirements.
  • Serve as a technical advisor on high-speed digital, photonics, and radar/EW test technologies across global engagements.
  • Lead technical discussions, demonstrations, and proof-of-concept initiatives with customers and R&D teams; collaborate with account managers to communicate the value of Keysight's AI solutions.
  • Deliver training and ongoing technical support to ensure customer success; build and maintain strategic customer relationships.
  • Represent Keysight at industry events and technical forums.

Qualifications
  • Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Electronics and Communication Engineering, or a related field.
  • 5–10 years of relevant experience, including customer-facing technical roles.
  • Hands-on expertise with T&M equipment — oscilloscopes, BERTs, AWGs, and/or signal generators/analyzers — including remote programming and test automation (Python, SCPI, PyVISA, IVI; C# and OpenTAP a plus).
  • Strong ML engineering skills: Python, PyTorch or TensorFlow, and classical signal processing applied to time-series, RF, or optical waveform data.
  • Solid RF and/or high-speed digital fundamentals: modulation, EVM, BER, jitter etc.
  • Domain depth in at least one of: optical/photonics test (coherent optics, PAM4, TDECQ) or radar/EW (pulse compression, chirps, PRI/PDW analysis, threat simulation).
  • Independent professional who works best under broad and general direction.
  • Due to this role's exposure to export-controlled defense technology, candidates must qualify as U.S. Persons as defined by ITAR (22 CFR § 120.62).
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience building LLM-based agents, tools, or skills (Claude, MCP, or similar) for engineering automation is a strong plus.

The level of role will be based on applicable experience, education and skills; Most offers will be between the minimum and the midpoint of the Salary Range listed below.

California pay range: MIN $143,050- MAX $238,420

Colorado pay range: MIN $132,450- MAX $220,750

Note: For other locations, pay ranges will vary by region

US Employees may be eligible for the following benefits:

  • Medical, dental and vision
  • Health Savings Account
  • Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Life, Accident, Disability insurance
  • Business Travel Accident and Business Travel Health
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Flexible Time Off, Paid Holidays
  • Paid Family Leave
  • Discounts, Perks
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Adoption Assistance
  • ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Plan)

Careers Privacy Statement

Keysight is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Keysight Technologies Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other protected categories under all applicable laws.

Qualifications:
  • Bachelor's, Master's, or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Electronics and Communication Engineering, or a related field.
  • 5–10 years of relevant experience, including customer-facing technical roles.
  • Hands-on expertise with T&M equipment — oscilloscopes, BERTs, AWGs, and/or signal generators/analyzers — including remote programming and test automation (Python, SCPI, PyVISA, IVI; C# and OpenTAP a plus).
  • Strong ML engineering skills: Python, PyTorch or TensorFlow, and classical signal processing applied to time-series, RF, or optical waveform data.
  • Solid RF and/or high-speed digital fundamentals: modulation, EVM, BER, jitter etc.
  • Domain depth in at least one of: optical/photonics test (coherent optics, PAM4, TDECQ) or radar/EW (pulse compression, chirps, PRI/PDW analysis, threat simulation).
  • Independent professional who works best under broad and general direction.
  • Due to this role's exposure to export-controlled defense technology, candidates must qualify as U.S. Persons as defined by ITAR (22 CFR § 120.62).
Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience building LLM-based agents, tools, or skills (Claude, MCP, or similar) for engineering automation is a strong plus.

The level of role will be based on applicable experience, education and skills; Most offers will be between the minimum and the midpoint of the Salary Range listed below.

California pay range: MIN $143,050- MAX $238,420

Colorado pay range: MIN $132,450- MAX $220,750

Note: For other locations, pay ranges will vary by region

US Employees may be eligible for the following benefits:

  • Medical, dental and vision
  • Health Savings Account
  • Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Life, Accident, Disability insurance
  • Business Travel Accident and Business Travel Health
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Flexible Time Off, Paid Holidays
  • Paid Family Leave
  • Discounts, Perks
  • Tuition Reimbursement
  • Adoption Assistance
  • ESPP (Employee Stock Purchase Plan)

Careers Privacy Statement

Keysight is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Keysight Technologies Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability or any other protected categories under all applicable laws.

Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: UNAVAILABLE

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