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Photonics Engineer Jobs in Alabama (NOW HIRING)

X-Bow Systems

Trajectory Engineer

Huntsville, AL · On-site

Trajectory Engineer Location: Huntsville, AL About the Role: In this role you will support programs by developing and refining trajectories used for characterizing vehicle performance. You will ...

X-Bow Systems

Trajectory Engineer

Athens, AL · On-site

Trajectory Engineer Location: Huntsville, AL About the Role: In this role you will support programs by developing and refining trajectories used for characterizing vehicle performance. You will ...

X-Bow Systems

Trajectory Engineer

Athens, AL · On-site

You will utilize your knowledge, skills, and experience with trajectories and engineering to support vehicle design, requirement compliance, Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) development, vehicle ...

IPG Photonics

Systems Administrator

Huntsville, AL · On-site

IPG Photonics is revolutionizing the laser industry as the pioneering developer and leading producer of fiber lasers and amplifiers. Headquartered in Marlborough, MA, IPG has over 4,800 employees in ...

IPG Photonics Corp

Systems Administrator

Huntsville, AL · On-site

IPG Photonics is revolutionizing the laser industry as the pioneering developer and leading producer of fiber lasers and amplifiers. Headquartered in Marlborough, MA, IPG has over 4,800 employees in ...

Troy University

Postdoctoral Associate

Troy, AL · On-site

... Engineering. We are seeking a highly motivated and skilled researcher with a strong background in semiconductor plasmonics, energy harvesting devices, photonics and computational electromagnetics.

Jenoptik

Fab Technician I

Huntsville, AL · On-site

About Jenoptik With its Strategic Business Unit (SBU) Semiconductor & Advanced Manufacturing, Jenoptik is a global OEM and machine supplier of solutions powered by photonics. Our engineering ...

Jenoptik

Fab Technician I

Huntsville, AL · On-site

About Jenoptik With its Strategic Business Unit (SBU) Semiconductor & Advanced Manufacturing, Jenoptik is a global OEM and machine supplier of solutions powered by photonics. Our engineering ...

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All JobsPhotonics Engineer JobsPhotonics Engineer Jobs in Alabama

Photonics Engineer information

See Alabama salary details

$39.9K

$96.4K

$157.3K

How much do photonics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for photonics engineer in Alabama is $96,427.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $68,900.00 and $120,100.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a photonics engineer?

As a photonics engineer, you work with photo energy and technology to create new products and improve existing goods, such as barcode scanners, lasers, and fiber optics. Research and development are your primary responsibilities, but your other job duties include creating design plans for product innovations, testing and revising prototypes, determining solutions for existing issues, and seeking cost-effective alternatives for current technology. You need strong scientific and mathematical reasoning along with computer skills to perform well as a photonics engineer.

What does a photonics engineer do?

A Photonics Engineer designs, develops, and tests devices and systems that use light (photons), such as lasers, fiber optics, and imaging systems. They work on applications in telecommunications, medical devices, manufacturing, and defense. Their responsibilities may include researching new photonic materials, improving optical communication systems, and creating innovative technologies that use light for sensing or processing information. Photonics engineers often collaborate with other engineers and scientists to bring advanced optical solutions to a wide range of industries.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a photonics engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Photonics Engineer, you need a strong background in physics, optics, and mathematics, often supported by a degree in photonics, electrical engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with optical design software (such as Zemax or COMSOL), laser systems, and laboratory instrumentation, as well as relevant certifications, is typically required. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving, and effective teamwork are standout soft skills in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for developing innovative photonic devices and systems that meet complex technical requirements in industries like telecommunications, healthcare, and manufacturing.

What are some typical collaborative projects a photonics engineer might work on within a multidisciplinary team?

Photonics Engineers often collaborate closely with electrical engineers, software developers, and materials scientists on projects such as designing optical communication systems, developing laser-based medical devices, or optimizing imaging technologies. These projects require integrating photonic components with electronic circuitry and software algorithms, making teamwork and cross-disciplinary communication essential. Regular meetings, prototype testing, and troubleshooting sessions are common, providing opportunities to learn from experts in related fields while ensuring that photonic solutions meet broader system requirements.

What is the difference between Photonics Engineer vs Optical Engineer?

AspectPhotonics EngineerOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields; certifications in photonics are a plusBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related fields; similar certifications
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing facilities, tech companies focusing on laser, fiber optics, and photonic devicesResearch labs, manufacturing, telecommunications, and defense sectors working with optical systems
Employer & Industry UsageCompanies developing laser systems, fiber optics, photonic sensors, and integrated photonic circuitsOrganizations involved in optical communication, imaging systems, and optical component design

Photonics Engineers and Optical Engineers share similar educational backgrounds and work environments, often collaborating on optical systems. However, Photonics Engineers typically focus more on the development and application of photonic devices and systems, while Optical Engineers may concentrate more on optical system design and integration. Both roles are vital in industries like telecommunications, defense, and research.

Are photonics engineers in demand?

Photonics engineers are in high demand due to the growth of optical communication, laser technology, and imaging systems. They often work in industries such as telecommunications, defense, and healthcare, with strong job prospects for those skilled in optical design, fiber optics, and related tools.
More about Photonics Engineer jobs

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The most popular types of Photonics Engineer jobs in Alabama are:

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

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

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

What are popular job titles related to Photonics Engineer jobs in AL?

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

Photonics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Photonics Engineer job openings in Alabama as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 91% Full Time, 5% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $96,427 per year, or $46.4 per hour.

Trajectory Engineer

X-Bow Systems

Huntsville, AL • On-site

Other

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Job: Trajectory Engineer
Location: Huntsville, AL
About the Role:
In this role you will support programs by developing and refining trajectories used for characterizing vehicle performance.
You will utilize your knowledge, skills, and experience with trajectories and engineering to support vehicle design, requirement compliance, Guidance Navigation and Control (GNC) development, vehicle performance assessments, and flight test analysis. Your flight test support will include analyzing vehicle onboard instrumentation data and generating trajectory reconstruction.
You will generate and analyze vehicle 6-DoF and 3-DoF trajectory data using industry standard (TAOS, POST2/POST3D) and in-house developed (MATLAB, Python) tools.
You will know you are successful in this role when you've leveraged your technical expertise to characterize and document solutions quickly and accurately.
You will join a small team of experts collectively supporting these programs and directly interact with the engineers and subject matter experts who will provide the inputs to your analysis.
To thrive in this role, you will have at least 5 years of directly related industry or academic experience. This role will require a fundamental understanding of physics, missile characteristics and kinematics, statistical analysis, and computational methods.
Desired Skills & Qualifications:
5 years related industry experience.
Trajectory Analysis: Develop and analyze tactical, ballistic, suborbital and orbital launch vehicle trajectories for rail launch and TVC guided systems. Dispersions and fault analysis capability/understanding required.
Trajectory Simulations: 3DoF and 6DoF analysis with TAOS and/or POST2/POST3D
Weights & Sizing: Develop and analyze launch vehicle sizing and mass properties estimates to support both conceptual and detailed design
Systems Analysis: Multidisciplinary skillset as applied to launch vehicle performance & operations, in-space systems, propulsion, aerodynamics, technology assessments, value stream mapping, etc.
Programming: Matlab and Python
Communication: Effective communication across range of stakeholders.
Testing: Experience with simulation, software testing, HWIL, sensor-based trajectory reconstruction etc.

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