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Photonics Engineer Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

Device Engineer

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$103K - $130K/yr

A solid understanding of semiconductor physics, semiconductor material properties and photonics ... D. in Engineering (Semiconductor Physics, Optoelectronics, Material Science) * Technical ...

Device Engineer

Vancouver, WA · On-site

$103K - $130K/yr

A solid understanding of semiconductor physics, semiconductor material properties and photonics ... D. in Engineering (Semiconductor Physics, Optoelectronics, Material Science) * Technical ...

Proven experience in systems engineering within semiconductor equipment, photonics, aerospace, or precision instrumentation industries. * Strong understanding of multidisciplinary systems (mechanics ...

A solid understanding of semiconductor physics, semiconductor material properties and photonics ... D. in Engineering (Semiconductor Physics, Optoelectronics, Material Science) * Technical ...

A solid understanding of semiconductor physics, semiconductor material properties and photonics ... D. in Engineering (Semiconductor Physics, Optoelectronics, Material Science) * Technical ...

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Photonics Engineer information

See Portland, OR salary details

$46.7K

$112.8K

$184K

How much do photonics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 2, 2026, the average yearly pay for photonics engineer in Portland, OR is $112,823.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,600.00 and $140,500.00 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.

What are popular job titles related to Photonics Engineer jobs in Portland, OR?

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

What job categories do people searching Photonics Engineer jobs in Portland, OR look for?

The top searched job categories for Photonics Engineer jobs in Portland, OR are:

Infographic showing various Photonics Engineer job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $112,823 per year, or $54.2 per hour.

Senior Silicon Photonics TD Reliability Engineer

Intel

Hillsboro, OR • Hybrid

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Intel rating

8.7

Company rating: 8.7 out of 10

Based on 147 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

18th of 159 rated electronics manufacturers


Job description

Job Details:Job Description: 

JoinIntel's Silicon Photonics Q&R(SiPh)teamthat is in transformation and in itsgrowingphasenow,workingto enableour internal leading edgeSiPhphotonicstechnologywith integrated hybrid lasers and SOAsto our Intel Foundry customers. This is a unique opportunity to be part of the team thathaspropelledIntelto become a widely recognized leaderin high-volume silicon photonics manufacturing and reliability!

As aSeniorSilicon Photonics (SiPh) Technology Development Quality and Reliability Engineer (Sr.SiPhTDQRE), you willbe part of the Photonic TD team. Workingbothon path-finding photonic technologiesand devicesfor the future andoncurrent nodes of our photonic processes.Your new team,(SiPhTD QnR),isat the forefront of silicon photonics technology development,workingcloselyand collaboratingwith theSiPhfab process integration,Integrated Photonics Solutions(IPS) R&D design team,Foundry Q&R teamsand otherorganizationstoensurereliability forinternal and externalSiPhdevice technologies, process certification, and product qualifications.

Responsibilities may include but not be limited to:

  • Assess intrinsic and extrinsic reliabilityof photonic devicesandphotonic ICspost fabrication andin integrated products form-factors.
  • Work on process changes to optimize reliability.
  • Conduct DOEsto develop reliability modelsofthe devices.
  • Develop new reliability characterization and acceleration techniques, analytical tools, and quality screens as required.
  • Determine requirements for both process certification and product qualification purposes.
  • Collaborate cross-functional teams to drivethequality and reliability aspects oftheSiPhtechnology developmentfollowing Intel's Development Life Cycle methodology.
  • Determine root causes/mechanismsof failureswhen encounteredfrom reliability testing activities or customer returns as needed.
  • Review white papersand provide appropriate actionsrelated to quality and reliability area.
  • Ensure smooth transitionfromdevelopmentphase to HVM phasewith proper quality systems,engineering shipment management, fab excursion support, and process change support.

The ideal candidate should exhibit the following behavioral traits:

  • Excellent communication skills (both verbal and written).
  • Strong networking, teamwork,and social skills.
  • Ability to work in a diverse and multi-cultural team environment.
  • Work under pressure, and in an ever-changing and dynamic environment.
  • Push forward multiple parallel efforts (multi-tasking) in a constrained environment.
  • Strong problem-solving skills.
  • Curious, eager,proactive,and quick to learn.
  • An independent thinker who can drive and develop solutions and implement them.

In addition to the qualificationsdescribed below,a successful candidate will demonstrate:

  • Usage of failure mode effects analyses and model-based problem-solving approaches.
  • Knowledge of statistics and data analysis, including theadvanceduse of tools such as Excel, SASand JMP.Specifically on advanced statistics and large data sets analysis tools and applications.
  • Skills to deliver concise key messages for senior management review.
  • Influencing cross-functional teams to achieve extraordinary results.
  • Strong execution experienceand commitment.
  • Passionate about quality and reliability as it relates to developing new technologies.
Qualifications:

Qualifications

Minimum qualifications are required to be initially considered for this position. Preferred qualifications are in addition to the minimum requirements and are considered a plus factor in identifying top candidates.

Education Requirement:

  • PhD graduates with outstanding work in Photonics are encouraged to apply! OR-master's in engineering or related fieldandwith4+ year experience inphotonic devices.

Minimum Qualifications:

  • 2+years ofprovenexperienceinPhotonics devices developmentata leading foundryOR4+ yearphotonicsexperience from anacademic institution.
  • OR4+ yearhands-on compound semiconductor processingexperiencewithdeepknowledge ofPhotonic device physics.
  • OR4+ years of relevant engineering experience inPhotonics withdevice characterization, yield, reliability, or test/validationexperience.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • PhD inPhysics,Materials Science,Electrical Engineering,or relatedengineeringfieldswith 2+yearsofexperience inphotonic devices.
  • 4+ years' experience in process certification/product qualification and reliability risk assessment, quality systems, and quality culture knowledge.
  • Semiconductor device physics and defect mechanism knowledge.
  • Knowledge ofsemiconductormanufacturing processes, manufacturing process development, material characterization and development,anddesign validation.
  • Hands-on semiconductor wafer fabrication process and process integration challenges.
  • Reliability failure statistics, physics, failure mechanisms, and failure analysis methodologies.
  • Experience inof SPC/DOE principles, DOEsexecution,andstatistical analysis.
  • Data extraction and analysis skills (JMP/Crystal Ball/ILM/REL/PCS/SQL Scripting).
  • Experienced in model-based problem solving and familiar with other industry standard problem-solving techniques (5 why's, 8D).
  • Knowledge of photonic datacom and telecom reliability qualification standards such as Telcordia GR-468, AEC-Q102.

Requirements listed would be obtained through a combination ofrelevant industryjob experience, internshipexperience,and/or schoolwork/classes/research.

Job Type:Experienced HireShift:Shift 1 (United States of America)Primary Location: US, New Mexico, AlbuquerqueAdditional Locations:US, California, Santa Clara, US, Oregon, HillsboroBusiness group:Intel Foundry strives to make every facet of semiconductor manufacturing state-of-the-art while delighting our customers -- from delivering cutting-edge silicon process and packaging technology leadership for the AI era, enabling our customers to design leadership products, global manufacturing scale and supply chain, through the continuous yield improvements to advanced packaging all the way to final test and assembly. We ensure our foundry customers' products receive our utmost focus in terms of service, technology enablement and capacity commitments. Employees in the Foundry Technology Manufacturing are part of a worldwide factory network that designs, develops, manufactures, and assembly/test packages the compute devices to improve the lives of every person on Earth.Posting Statement:All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, religious creed, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, military and veteran status, marital status, pregnancy, gender, gender expression, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other characteristic protected by local law, regulation, or ordinance.Position of TrustN/ABenefits

We offer a total compensation package that ranks among the best in the industry. It consists of competitive pay, stock bonuses, and benefit programs which include health, retirement, and vacation. Find out more about the benefits of working at Intel.

Annual Salary Range for jobs which could be performed in the US: $141,910.00-232,190.00 USDThe range displayed on this job posting reflects the minimum and maximum target compensation for the position across all US locations. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job-related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. Your recruiter can share more about the specific compensation range for your preferred location during the hiring process.

Work Model for this Role

This role will require an on-site presence. * Job posting details (such as work model, location or time type) are subject to change.

*

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Intel is committed to Responsible Business Alliance (RBA) compliance and ethical hiring practices. We do not charge any fees during our hiring process. Candidates should never be required to pay recruitment fees, medical examination fees, or any other charges as a condition of employment. If you are asked to pay any fees during our hiring process, please report this immediately to your recruiter.

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About Intel

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Intel strives to make every facet of semiconductor manufacturing state-of-the-art -- from semiconductor process development and manufacturing, through yield improvement to packaging, final test and optimization, and world class Supply Chain and facilities support. Employees in the Technology and Manufacturing Group are part of a worldwide network of design, development, manufacturing, and assembly/test facilities, all focused on utilizing the power of Moore's Law to bring smart, connected devices to every person on Earth

Industry

Manufacturing

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Santa Clara, CA, US

Year founded

1968