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Photonics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

As a Silicon Photonics Design Engineer, you will be part of a team pushing the boundaries of optical technologies, developing innovative solutions for next-generation high-speed optical networks. You ...

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Photonics Engineer information

See salary details

$44K

$106.4K

$173.5K

How much do photonics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 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 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.

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 are popular job titles related to Photonics Engineer jobs? For Photonics Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Photonics Engineer job openings in the United States as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 23% Full Time, 59% Part Time, 7% Temporary, and 9% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,386 per year, or $51.1 per hour.

Photonics Engineer

Amat

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$138K - $190K/yr

Full-time

Posted 3 days ago


Job description

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-edge equipment that helps our customers manufacture display and semiconductor chips - the brains of devices we use every day. As the foundation of the global electronics industry, Applied enables the exciting technologies that literally connect our world - like AI and IoT. If you want to push the boundaries of materials science and engineering to create next generation technology, join us to deliver material innovation that changes the world.

What We Offer

Salary:

$138,000.00 - $190,000.00

Location:

Santa Clara,CA

You'll benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages you to learn, develop, and grow your career as you take on challenges and drive innovative solutions for our customers. We empower our team to push the boundaries of what is possible-while learning every day in a supportive leading global company. Visit our Careers website to learn more.

At Applied Materials, we care about the health and wellbeing of our employees. We're committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth and care for you at work, at home, or wherever you may go. Learn more about our benefits.

Key Responsibilities

Define novel inspection systems concepts and configurations. Collects, analyzes data and designs statistically valid experiments.

Designs and engineers modules. Qualifies modules / sub-modules. Design, perform, collect and analyze data on advanced substrate, technologies and concepts for a range of new products.

Develop new or modified inspection and metrology systems. Performs research and analysis in physics or related subjects. Supports physics related application and system issues in the lab and in the field when required.

Define system requirements and specifications. Troubleshoot system problems. Respond to field physics related issues, function as advisor for solving physics related application issues.

Plan projects involving definitions and selection of new concepts and approaches in the physics of development of new or improved tool. Supplies data to support product risk management decision making process.

Participates in the vendor selection process. Participates in technological customer engagements and contributes in his / her specific field of expertise

Guide less experienced physicists/scientists.

Evaluate new technologies, pursue innovative solutions, evaluate competitors and define new market needs. Plan and conduct test of new technologies under evaluation in the team. Execute feasibility studies of new technologies and provide results / analysis supporting the decision making process. Executes feasibility studies of complete systems / sub-systems, leveraging new technologies and design concepts. Prepares the demonstration of new capabilities and conducts performance analysis

Functional Knowledge

  • Demonstrates conceptual and practical expertise in own discipline and basic knowledge of related disciplines

Business Expertise

  • Has knowledge of best practices and how own area integrates with others; is aware of the competition and the factors that differentiate them in the market

Leadership

  • Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience; may lead small projects with manageable risks and resource requirements

Problem Solving

  • Solves complex problems; takes a new perspective on existing solutions; exercises judgment based on the analysis of multiple sources of information

Impact

  • Impacts a range of customer, operational, project or service activities within own team and other related teams; works within broad guidelines and policies

Interpersonal Skills

  • Explains difficult or sensitive information; works to build consensus

Additional Information

Time Type:

Full time

Employee Type:

Assignee / Regular

Travel:

Yes, 10% of the Time

Relocation Eligible:

Yes

The salary offered to a selected candidate will be based on multiple factors including location, hire grade, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and with consideration of internal equity of our current team members. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, candidates may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and a stock award program, as applicable.

For all sales roles, the posted salary range is the Target Total Cash (TTC) range for the role, which is the sum of base salary and target bonus amount at 100% goal achievement.

Applied Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.

In addition, Applied endeavors to make our careers site accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us via e-mail at Accommodations_Program@amat.com, or by calling our HR Direct Help Line at 877-612-7547, option 1, and following the prompts to speak to an HR Advisor. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.