ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Photonics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Aeva, Inc.

Photonics Module Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$164K - $222K/yr

As a Photonics Module Engineer you will be partnering with cross functional teams to deliver photonics based modules and FMCW lidar systems to the market. You will engage with the internal teams to ...

Aeva, Inc.

Photonics Module Engineer

Mountain View, CA

$164K - $222K/yr

As a Photonics Module Engineer you will be partnering with cross functional teams to deliver photonics based modules and FMCW lidar systems to the market. You will engage with the internal teams to ...

Amat

Photonics Engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$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 ...

PsiQuantum

Senior High-Speed Photonics Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

The Senior Active Photonics Engineer will collaborate closely with teams across PsiQuantum-including electronics, manufacturing, test, packaging, and system validation-to achieve these goals. A ...

Neurophos Inc

Lead Silicon Photonics Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$270K - $325K/yr

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 ...

Ayo Semiconductor

Photonics Design Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

We are seeking a photonics design engineer to serve as a core team member who will be among the first employees of the company. The engineer will expand Ayo's component library in Ayo's custom InP ...

Aetherflux

Laser and Photonics Engineer

San Carlos, CA · On-site

$110K - $150K/yr

Laser and Photonics Engineer About Cowboy Space Corp. Cowboy Space Corp. is building the infrastructure to power and connect the orbital economy. Our satellites operate in Low Earth Orbit to collect ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsPhotonics Engineer Jobs

Photonics Engineer information

See salary details

$44K

$106.4K

$173.5K

How much do photonics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for photonics engineer 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.

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. Certain roles in high-demand industries or with executive responsibilities may also reach this compensation level.

What engineers make $500,000?

Senior engineers in specialized fields such as petroleum, aerospace, or software engineering can earn $500,000 or more annually, often through a combination of base salary, bonuses, and stock options. High-level roles typically require extensive experience, advanced skills, and sometimes leadership responsibilities or certifications.

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.

What does a photonic engineer do?

A photonic engineer designs, develops, and tests devices and systems that use light, such as lasers, optical fibers, and sensors. They work with optics, photonics components, and related technologies, often utilizing tools like CAD software and laboratory equipment, and may require knowledge of physics and engineering principles. Their work supports telecommunications, medical devices, and imaging systems.
More about Photonics Engineer jobs
What cities are hiring for Photonics Engineer jobs? Cities with the most Photonics Engineer job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Photonics Engineer jobs? The most popular types of Photonics Engineer jobs are:
Who are the top companies hiring for Photonics Engineer jobs? The top employers for Photonics Engineer jobs are:
What states have the most Photonics Engineer jobs? States with the most job openings for Photonics Engineer jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Photonics Engineer jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Photonics Engineer jobs are:
What are popular job titles related to Photonics Engineer jobs? For Photonics Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Photonics Engineer jobs near you
Advanced Photonics Engineer, SiPh Platform Engineering

Advanced Photonics Engineer, SiPh Platform Engineering

Globalfoundries

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$166K - $319K/yr

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

GlobalFoundries rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

77th of 521 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

What GlobalFoundries employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom

Apply