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Photonics Engineer Remote Jobs (NOW HIRING)

HyperLight

Product Engineer, Custom

Cambridge, MA · On-site +1

$90K - $180K/yr

We believe our platform is the key, in the golden age of integrated photonics, to empower humanity ... Flexible hybrid or remote work and vacation policies. * Commuter Benefits and Subsidy.

QCi

$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 ...

QCi

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

QCi

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

QCi

PIC Test Engineer- Tempe

Arizona, LA · On-site +1

... 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 ...

QCi

$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 ...

SAIC

Systems Engineer Sr Principal

Chantilly, VA · On-site +1

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

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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 Jul 21, 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:
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Photonics Engineer Remote jobs near you
Infographic showing various Photonics Engineer Remote job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,386 per year, or $51.1 per hour.

Senior Laser Optical Communications Engineer (Remote)

Ravee Optics Inc

Dayton, OH • Remote

$175K - $250K/yr

Full-time

Posted 25 days ago

Job description

Position Overview:

We are seeking a highly motivated Senior Laser Optical Communications Engineer/Architect to lead the design, development, and testing of advanced free-space optical (FSO) communication systems. You will work at the intersection of photonics, laser systems, and space/airborne communications to build next-generation terminals for terrestrial, airborne, and space-based platforms.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Lead architecture and design of laser communication terminals and subsystems, including optical benches, beam steering modules, and acquisition/tracking mechanisms.
  • Develop link budgets, simulate end-to-end optical communication performance, and optimize for SWaP-C constraints.
  • Drive component selection, integration, and system-level validation (e.g., lasers, modulators, beam expanders, fiber optics).
  • Collaborate with electrical, RF, mechanical, and software teams to integrate optical comm systems into airborne or space-qualified platforms.
  • Support optical alignment, calibration, and test (including pointing, tracking, and acquisition) in lab and field settings.
  • Engage in customer briefings, system requirement definition, and roadmap planning for optical comm architectures.
  • Author technical documents, system specs, and support IP and proposal development.

Required Qualifications:

  • M.S. or Ph.D. in Optical Engineering, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • 7+ years of experience in free-space optical communication or directed energy systems.
  • Hands-on expertise in laser systems, optical alignment, and fiber-coupled systems.
  • Familiarity with optical simulation tools (e.g., Zemax, Code V, FRED) and MATLAB/Python.
  • Experience with optical communication protocols and pointing/tracking systems for free space optical communication or other applications.
  • Understanding optical link impairments, turbulence effects, and acquisition/tracking strategies.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Experience with space-qualified optical systems or flight hardware.
  • Knowledge of standards like CCSDS or optical inter-satellite link (OISL) protocols.
  • Familiarity with SWIR/MWIR optics, MEMS beam steering, or Risley prisms.
  • Background in secure communications, encryption, or waveform design.
  • Active security clearance or ability to obtain one.

What We Offer:

  • Competitive compensation and equity packages
  • Technical leadership in a rapidly advancing application space
  • A collaborative, multidisciplinary team working on next-gen optical communications
  • Opportunities for technical growth, system-level ownership, and leadership
  • Flexible work environment with strong emphasis on innovation and impact

Join Us

If you're excited about building the future of connectivity in space, we'd love to talk.

About Ravee Optics:

The next space race is not about rockets. It's about data in orbit. Thousands of satellites, on-orbit compute nodes, and autonomous space systems will soon require high-speed, secure, and scalable connectivity in space. RF links cannot keep up with the data demands of this new orbital infrastructure. Ravee Optics is building next-generation optical communications terminals to power the future of inter-satellite connectivity and on-orbit data transport.