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Photonics Engineer Remote Jobs (NOW HIRING)

$141K - $182K/yr

QUBT) is an innovative, integrated photonics company that provides accessible and affordable ... well as remote sensing applications. Position Description The Quantum Optical Engineer will ...

Job Title: Software Engineer, Full Stack Location: Remote Division: Technology Department ... QUBT) is an innovative, integrated photonics company that provides accessible and affordable ...

Job Title: Software Engineer, Full Stack Location: Remote Division: Technology Department ... QUBT) is an innovative, integrated photonics company that provides accessible and affordable ...

... remote instrument control, and data-driven test workflows. Required Skills and Experience * Master's degree or Ph.D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Photonics, or a related field. * At ...

$134K - $185K/yr

QUBT) is an innovative, integrated photonics company that provides accessible and affordable ... remote sensing applications. Position Description: We are seeking a new FPGA Design Engineer to ...

None Potential for Remote Work: ORA_ON_SITE Description Position Description The successful ... Industry experience building electronic/photonics hardware for space/terrestrial environments

Senior Software Platform Engineer

$125K - $165K/yr

Remote PsiQuantum's mission is to build the first useful quantum computers--machines capable of ... Photonics offers natural advantages for scale: photons don't feel heat, are immune to ...

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Photonics Engineer Remote information

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$44K

$106.4K

$173.5K

How much do photonics engineer remote jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for photonics engineer remote in the United States is $106,386.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,000.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 remote 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 are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Photonics Engineer in a remote role, and why are they important?

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.
More about Photonics Engineer Remote jobs
What cities are hiring for Photonics Engineer Remote jobs? Cities with the most Photonics Engineer Remote 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 Remote jobs? States with the most job openings for Photonics Engineer Remote jobs include:
Infographic showing various Photonics Engineer Remote job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 37% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 60% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,386 per year, or $51.1 per hour.
Integrated Photonics Technical Leader - Acacia (remote)

Integrated Photonics Technical Leader - Acacia (remote)

Cisco

Holmdel, NJ • On-site, Remote

$191K - $281K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 28 days ago


Cisco Systems rating

8.0

Company rating: 8.0 out of 10

Based on 42 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

47th of 139 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

The application window is expected to close on: 06/16/2026

Job posting may be removed earlier if the position is filled or if a sufficient number of applications are received.

Preferred candidates will be located in Maynard, MA, Holmdel, NJ or San Jose, CA.

Meet the Team

Acacia (part of Cisco) is a market leader in high-speed coherent optical transceivers, pioneering the development of coherent pluggable transceivers. Acacia's coherent products are deployed by all hyperscalers to connect their Data Centers over distances from a few kilometers to thousands of kilometers and even in submarine networks. The emergence of AI has drastically increased the demand for Acacia's coherent transceivers. Acacia's coherent transceivers are also being used in space applications and are expected to be used inside data centers as interconnect speeds continue to increase. Acacia is also entering the PAM4 Client market and is expected to be a key provider of PAM4 solutions, including a 1.6T PAM4 DSP. The Photonic Integrated Circuits (PIC) team is a dynamic group that develops advanced photonics chips for optical communications products.

Your Impact

In this role, you will work very closely with the entire PIC team covering a wide variety of directions, including silicon photonics and III-V device designs, simulation, foundry process development, production tapeout, PIC testing, and production support. You will be responsible for the design, simulation, layout and testing of photonic components and circuits. You will also work closely with millimeter wave design team, packaging team, and module hardware / software / optics testing team in building complete products.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Bachelor's degree with 12+ years or Master's degree with 8+ years or PhD + 5 years of industry experience in optical engineering, electrical engineering, material science, physics or related fields.
  • Experience with solid-state physics, integrated photonics, and opto-electronics
  • Experience with photonics numerical simulation principle and tools, such as FDTD, HFSS, COMSOL and etc.
  • Experience in photonic device process and fabrication
  • Experience with photonic device layout and tapeout

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with photonic device layout and tapeout
  • Experience in hybrid integration of different material systems
  • Experience in photonic devices based on thin-film lithium niobate
  • Experience with designing, simulating and testing of high speed electronic or optical devices
  • Experience with photonic component testing
  • Experience with large-scale photonic circuit tape-outs in commercial
Why Cisco?

At Cisco, we're revolutionizing how data and infrastructure connect and protect organizations in the AI era - and beyond. We've been innovating fearlessly for 40 years to create solutions that power how humans and technology work together across the physical and digital worlds. These solutions provide customers with unparalleled security, visibility, and insights across the entire digital footprint.

Fueled by the depth and breadth of our technology, we experiment and create meaningful solutions. Add to that our worldwide network of doers and experts, and you'll see that the opportunities to grow and build are limitless. We work as a team, collaborating with empathy to make really big things happen on a global scale. Because our solutions are everywhere, our impact is everywhere.

We are Cisco, and our power starts with you.

Message to applicants applying to work in the U.S. and/or Canada:The starting salary range posted for this position is $191,400.00 to $281,400.00 and reflects the projected salary range for new hires in this position in U.S. and/or Canada locations, not including incentive compensation*, equity, or benefits.

Individual pay is determined by the candidate's hiring location, market conditions, job-related skillset, experience, qualifications, education, certifications, and/or training. The full salary range for certain locations is listed below. For locations not listed below, the recruiter can share more details about compensation for the role in your location during the hiring process.

U.S. employees are offered benefits, subject to Cisco's plan eligibility rules, which include medical, dental and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with a Cisco matching contribution, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability coverage, and basic life insurance. Please see the Cisco careers site to discover more benefits and perks. Employees may be eligible to receive grants of Cisco restricted stock units, which vest following continued employment with Cisco for defined periods of time.

U.S. employees are eligible for paid time away as described below, subject to Cisco's policies:

  • 10 paid holidays per full calendar year, plus 1 floating holiday for non-exempt employees

  • 1 paid day off for employee's birthday, paid year-end holiday shutdown, and 4 paid days off for personal wellness determined by Cisco

  • Non-exempt employees** receive 16 days of paid vacation time per full calendar year, accrued at rate of 4.92 hours per pay period for full-time employees

  • Exempt employees participate in Cisco's flexible vacation time off program, which has no defined limit on how much vacation time eligible employees may use (subject to availability and some business limitations)

  • 80 hours of sick time off provided on hire date and each January 1st thereafter, and up to 80 hours ofunused sick timecarried forwardfrom one calendar yearto the next

  • Additional paid time away may be requested to deal with critical or emergency issues for family members

  • Optional 10 paid days per full calendar year to volunteer

For non-sales roles, employees are also eligible to earn annual bonuses subject to Cisco's policies.

Employees on sales plans earn performance-based incentive pay on top of their base salary, which is split between quota and non-quota components, subject to the applicable Cisco plan. For quota-based incentive pay, Cisco typically pays as follows:

  • .75% of incentive target for each 1% of revenue attainment up to 50% of quota;

  • 1.5% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 50% and 75%;

  • 1% of incentive target for each 1% of attainment between 75% and 100%; and

  • Once performance exceeds 100% attainment, incentive rates are at or above 1% for each 1% of attainment with no cap on incentive compensation.

For non-quota-based sales performance elements such as strategic sales objectives, Cisco may pay 0% up to 125% of target. Cisco sales plans do not have a minimum threshold of performance for sales incentive compensation to be paid.

The applicable full salary ranges for this position, by specific state, are listed below:

New York City Metro Area:

$191,400.00 - $323,600.00

Non-Metro New York state & Washington state:

$176,100.00 - $287,900.00

* For quota-based sales roles on Cisco's sales plan, the ranges provided in this posting include base pay and sales target incentive compensation combined.

** Employees in Illinois, whether exempt or non-exempt, will participate in a unique time off program to meet local requirements.


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About Cisco Systems

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Cisco Systems, a global tech titan based in San Jose, CA, US, operates in the information technology and services industry. Founded in 1984, the company was derived from a project between two computer scientists from Stanford University. They aimed to connect different networks of computer systems at the university, resulting in the first multi-protocol router, and subsequently, the birth of Cisco. As an industry-leading manufacturer of networking hardware and telecommunications equipment, Cisco's product and services range includes routers, switches, firewall devices, and telecommunication technology. The company's mission, "to shape the future of the Internet by creating unprecedented value and opportunity for our customers, employees, investors, and ecosystem partners," is a testament to its pursuit of technology-forward innovation and customer satisfaction.

Industry

Computer and computer peripheral equipment and software wholesalers

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

San Jose, CA, US

Year founded

1984

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