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Photonics Engineer Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

black.ai

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$100 - $150/hr

Job Summary We are seeking a creative and hands‑on Silicon Photonics Engineer to drive the design and implementation of next‑generation photonic integrated circuits. This role spans the full ...

Anello Photonics

Sr Photonics Engineer (PIC)

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

The Sr Photonics Engineer will be responsible for conceiving and implementing experimental testing plans and identifying photonic design changes to continue to push the performance of Anello ...

PsiQuantum

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking a creative and hands-on Silicon Photonics Engineer to drive the design and implementation of next-generation photonic integrated circuits. This role spans the full development cycle of ...

Coherent Corp.

Photonics Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Materials Science, or related field. * 3+ years of experience in VCSEL, photonics, or optoelectronic device R&D. * Hands-on experience with ...

PsiQuantum

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking a creative and hands-on Silicon Photonics Engineer to drive the design and implementation of next-generation photonic integrated circuits. This role spans the full development cycle of ...

Coherent

Photonics Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · Hybrid

D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Materials Science, or related field. * 3+ years of experience in VCSEL, photonics, or optoelectronic device R&D. * Hands-on experience with ...

PLP Group

Integrated Photonics Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$125 - $185/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Required QualificationsMS/PhD in Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field (or equivalent industry experience).3+ years of hands-on PIC design and characterization ...

Amat

Photonics Engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$138K - $190K/yr

Who We Are Applied Materials is a global leader in materials engineering solutions used to produce virtually every new chip and advanced display in the world. We design, build and service cutting ...

Neurophos Inc

Lead Silicon Photonics Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$270K - $325K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Instead of traditional electronic circuits, we use silicon photonics and an active, programmable metasurface to perform matrix multiplications at the speed of light. Our optical cells are 10,000x ...

Neurophos

Lead Silicon Photonics Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$170 - $230/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Instead of traditional electronic circuits, we use silicon photonics and an active, programmable metasurface to perform matrix multiplications at the speed of light. Our optical cells are 10,000x ...

Coherent

Sr. Principal Photonics engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$148K - $204K/yr

Advanced degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Photonics, or related field; Ph.D. preferred. * 15+ years of experience in photonics, optical communications, semiconductor ...

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All JobsPhotonics Engineer JobsPhotonics Engineer Jobs in California

Photonics Engineer information

See California salary details

$43.4K

$105K

$171.2K

How much do photonics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for photonics engineer in California is $104,993.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $75,000.00 and $130,800.00 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 growing use of optical communication, laser systems, and photonic devices in industries such as telecommunications, healthcare, and defense. The field offers strong job prospects, especially for those with skills in optical design, fiber optics, and relevant certifications, as employment opportunities continue to expand with technological advancements.

How much does a photonics engineer make?

Photonics engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills or certifications can earn higher salaries, especially in high-tech industries or research environments.
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Photonics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Photonics Engineer job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $104,993 per year, or $50.5 per hour.

Advanced Photonics Engineer

Globalfoundries

Santa Clara, CA

$166K - $319K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

GlobalFoundries rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 35 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

67th of 542 rated manufacturers

Job description

About GlobalFoundries:

GlobalFoundries is a leading full-service semiconductor foundry providing a unique combination of design, development, and fabrication services to some of the world's most inspired technology companies. With a global manufacturing footprint spanning three continents, GlobalFoundries makes possible the technologies and systems that transform industries and give customers the power to shape their markets. For more information, visit www.gf.com.

Summary of Role:

The inevitable transition from electrons to photons for high-speed communications and computing is transforming the semiconductor industry. Silicon Photonics is a dynamic and rapidly growing market that GlobalFoundries has committed to invest in.

The Silicon Photonics Product Line is seeking a highly motivated and experienced photonics engineer for the Advanced Photonics team that is focused on driving the definition and realization of next-generation photonic devices and system architectures that are closely aligned with near-term customer and market needs. The Advanced Photonics team will translate industry trends and customer requirements into executable architectures, device concepts, and development programs with clear paths to productization.

Essential Responsibilities:

  • Technical & Strategic Leadership
    • Define and drive the next generation roadmap for advanced photonic devices, aligned to business and customer needs.
    • Define the architecture and design of advanced photonic building blocks and subsystems.
    • Translate systemlevel requirements into devicelevel and platformlevel innovation that can be industrialized rapidly.
  • Customer Engagement & CoDevelopment
    • Collaborate closely with customer development teams on nextgeneration photonic systems and architectures.
    • Act as a technical counterpart to senior customer architects and technologists, influencing early system definitions and design choices.
    • Ensure customer learnings are rapidly incorporated into device concepts and platform enhancements.
  • CrossFunctional Collaboration
    • Partner closely with:
      • gfLabs photonics team to transition longerterm innovations into nearterm product opportunities.
      • Silicon photonics development teams to ensure seamless integration into the product roadmap.
      • Fab and foundry teams to align designs with manufacturing realities, yield, reliability, and scalability.
    • Drive tight alignment across device design, process technology, packaging, and test.
  • Industry Awareness & Technology Insertion
    • Continuously track industry trends, standards, and competitive developments in photonics, AI interconnects, and advanced optical systems.
    • Evaluate and selectively incorporate external innovations, ensuring differentiation and timetomarket advantage.
  • Others
    • Mentor and support junior architects and engineers in the team

Other Responsibilities:

Perform all activities in a safe and responsible manner and support all Environmental, Health, Safety & Security requirements and programs.

Required Qualifications:

  • Advanced degree (PhD strongly preferred) in Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or a related field.
  • Deep expertise in photonic devices and integrated photonics, with a strong understanding of systemlevel implications.
  • Experience working across device, system, and manufacturing domains in a productdriven environment.
  • Proven ability to engage credibly with customers, partners, and executive stakeholders.
  • Strong track record of translating advanced technology concepts into productrelevant outcomes on aggressive timelines.
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  • Ability to travel as needed.

Expected Salary Range

$166,500.00 - $319,000.00

The exact Salary will be determined based on qualifications, experience and location.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at usaccommodations@gf.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

An offer with GlobalFoundries is conditioned upon the successful completion of pre-employment conditions, as applicable, and subject to applicable laws and regulations.

GlobalFoundries is fully committed to equal opportunity in the workplace and believes that cultural diversity within the company enhances its business potential. GlobalFoundries goal of excellence in business necessitates the attraction and retention of highly qualified people. Artificial barriers and stereotypic biases detract from this objective and may be illegally discriminatory.

All policies and processes which pertain to employees including recruitment, selection, training, utilization, promotion, compensation, benefits, extracurricular programs, and termination are created and implemented without regard to age, ethnicity, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other characteristic or category specified by local, state or federal law

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