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Photonics Engineer Remote Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Sales Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site +1

$160K - $190K/yr

Sales Engineer - Remote (San Jose, CA) Hamamatsu, one of the world's largest suppliers of advanced ... Hamamatsu's mission is to improve the welfare of society through the advancement of photonics ...

S. in Computer Science, Electrical Engineering or related discipline; additional MBA preferred ... Photonics is a big plus. - Familiarity with high-performance data center technologies including ...

Photonics Engineer Remote information

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 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.
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:
Infographic showing various Photonics Engineer Remote job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Part Time. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution.

Sales Engineer

Hamamatsu Corporation

San Jose, CA • On-site, Remote

$160K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Sales Engineer - Remote (San Jose, CA)
Hamamatsu, one of the world's largest suppliers of advanced light detectors and detector systems for industrial, scientific, and commercial applications, has an immediate opening for a Sales Engineer. Our customer base is remarkably diverse; we serve Fortune 100 firms, top research labs, and innovative startups as well. Hamamatsu's mission is to improve the welfare of society through the advancement of photonics technology.
Job Responsibilities:
  • The Sales Engineer is responsible for following up on leads contact, supporting ongoing projects, and looking for new opportunities within the semiconductor industry. The process involves understanding customer's technical and business needs, communicating them internally to find solutions, while qualifying the business opportunity.
  • Proactively pursue new business with new or existing customers by identifying potential customers and promising opportunities and driving them toward a successful design win and close.
  • Focus is on semiconductor industry technical sales support. This is a fast growing market and position involves contributing toward existing and new projects to deliver growth.
  • Develop quarterly plans to drive sales activities; Proactively determine how to get to the next step in the sales process of needs discovery, qualification, proposal, handling objections and closing the sale
  • Become proficient with photonics technology and their applications
  • Territory and Account Management; Manage existing opportunities of over $1m per year.

Required Qualifications:
  • BS Degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering or related discipline
  • Three years' experience functioning in an engineering role with significant customer interface and with a proven track record of solving customers complex problems.
  • Intermediate level skills with Microsoft Office
  • Ability to transport yourself to and from appointments

Preferred Qualifications:
  • 4 years' experience in photonics industry
  • 2 years inside sales experience
  • 1 year application support for technical OEM sales
  • Experience with Customer Resource Management Software
  • Experience with international business development
  • Experience with Lotus Notes

Pay Range
The target base salary for this role at commencement of employment is expected to be between $160,000 - $190,000 (including commission). Final pay determinations will depend on various factors, including, but not limited to geographical location, experience level, knowledge, skills and qualifications.
Benefits
Hamamatsu offers a competitive salary and excellent benefit package for full-time employees which includes: Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription, Life Insurance, Vacation/Sick/Personal Time, and Retirement Plans.
Referral Tier: 2
This position may require working with, or exposure to goods and information that may be subject to the jurisdiction of the US State Department ITAR regulations (https://www.pmddtc.state.gov/index.html) and the Commerce Departments CCL (https://www.bis.doc.gov/index.php).
Hamamatsu is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, religion, color, gender, age, national origin, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other status protected by applicable law.
If you are a qualified individual with a disability or a disabled veteran, you may request a reasonable accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to access job openings or apply for a job on this site as a result of your disability. You can request reasonable accommodations by contacting Human Resources at 908-231-0960 or by email at hc_hr_inquiries@hamamatsu.com . Please include your contact information and specific details about your required accommodation to support you during the job application process. Messages left for other purposes, such as not being able to get into the careers website, following up on an application, or other non-disability related technical issues will not receive a response.
It is the policy of Hamamatsu Corporation not to sponsor immigration visas for employment applicants.