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Photonics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Photonics Engineer information

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$44K

$106.4K

$173.5K

How much do photonics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 86% In-person, and 14% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $106,386 per year, or $51.1 per hour.
On-Site Integrated Photonics Engineer

On-Site Integrated Photonics Engineer

Technergetics

Rome, NY

$85K - $115K/yr

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Job description

Position: On-Site Integrated Photonics Engineer 

Position Details 

Salary Range:$85,000-$115,000 annually. This is a full-time exempt position. 

Location (Non-Negotiable):This is an on-site, full-time position in Rome, NY, with work performed at AFRL ( Air Force research Lab) and the Innovare Advancement Center at the Rome Griffiss Institute campus. Candidates must belocated, or re-locate, within a commutable distance to Rome, NY by their agreed upon start date.

Due to theclearancerequiredfor this position, only U.S. citizens are eligible to apply; as outlined in Executive Order 12968: Access to Classified Information, eligibility for access to classified information may only be granted to employees who are United States citizens.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. 

Responsibilities and Duties 

This position supports research conducted by the Technergetics Quantum Team. The research includes developing heterogeneous quantum networks with different quantum technologies, utilizing quantum technologies for practical applications such as signal processing and detection, improving quantum systems with novel technologies such as integrated photonics, and utilizing quantum algorithms for improved information analysis and planning. The ideal candidate will: 

  • Conduct independent and team-based research to develop and advance key components of a wide-area, heterogeneous quantum network
  • Lead the design, simulation, and optimization of integrated photonic devices and circuits tailored for quantum information processing, sensing, and communication applications
  • Design photonic circuits that support quantum algorithms and protocols, ensuring high fidelity and scalability of quantum systems
  • Interface integrated photonics with light sources, detectors, and control systems, contributing to the development of robust, scalable quantum devices
  • Contribute to system-level design and optimization for efficient data transfer, processing, and quantum entanglement in integrated photonics setups
  • Lead the tape-out process for integrated photonic circuits, coordinating with fabrication teams to ensure that designs meet specifications and are optimized for fabrication at leading-edge photonic foundries
  • Directly participate in the design and testing of integrated photonic devices, including working with photonic simulation software (e.g. Ansys Lumerical, COMSOL, or similar) performance optimization
  • Use layout software (e.g. GDSFactory, KLayout, or similar) to design integrated photonic circuits 
  • Contribute to the intellectual environment of the team by mentoring junior engineers, sharing technical knowledge, and staying abreast of the latest advancements in integrated photonics, quantum technologies, and relevant fields
  • Design integrated photonic devices and systems with an emphasis on scalability, reliability, and manufacturability, ensuring compatibility with large-scale quantum systems

Education and Certifications: 

This project requires at minimum a Master's degree from an accredited college or university in physics, applied physics, or closely related technical field.  A Post-Doctoral or PhD in physics, applied physics, or closely related field is strongly preferred.

Required Qualifications: 

  • Expertise in the design and simulation of integrated photonic devices and circuits, with a focus on applications for quantum technologies
  • Proven experience with photonic device design software (e.g., Lumerical, COMSOL, ADS, or equivalent)
  • Hands-on experience with integrated photonics tape-outs and fabrication processes, including working with photonic foundries
  • Strong understanding of quantum optics, quantum information science, and how integrated photonics supports quantum computing, communication, and sensing
  • Experience with optical testing and characterization of photonic devices, including techniques such as spectroscopy, microscopy, and interferometry

Desired Qualifications: 

  • Postdoctoral experience in integrated photonics or quantum technologies
  • Familiarity with advanced photonic integration platforms (e.g., silicon photonics, heterogeneous integration, and/or nonlinear materials)
  • Knowledge of quantum algorithms and protocols relevant to photonic quantum computing and quantum communication
  • Experience with machine learning techniques for optimizing photonic designs or quantum systems
  • Experience using characterization equipment such as wafer probers and electron scanning microscopes.

Clearance: 

Applicants selected will be subject to a background check and security investigation and must meet andmaintaineligibility requirements for, at minimum, Secret access to classified information. 

Travel: 

This position is expected to require 10% travel. 

Benefits: 

Our benefits package includes health, life, disability, dental, and vision insurance coverage and a 401(k) policy with a 3% company contribution & 3% company match. 

Otherperksinclude generous Paid Time Off (including a PTO "gift day" for your birthday), 11 Federal Holidays per year, three weekspaid maternity/paternity leave, and annual technology "allowances". 

Wait! Even moreperksinclude referral bonuses, professional recognition awards, healthcare stipends, tuition/education reimbursement (once specific requirements are met), and flexible daily start and stop times for most projects and positions.  

Company Description 

Technergeticsis a US-based company headquartered in Utica, NY, with employees and clientslocated throughoutthe country. The Utica/Rome area is ahub ofcutting-edgecyber technology research, bolstered by theGriffissBusiness & Technology Park's tenants and facilities, including the Air Force Research Lab (AFRL). AtTechnergetics, we work with a wide variety of technologies, including mobile and web apps, Quantum computing, machine learning and artificial intelligence, AI-enabled edge devices, and many more. 

Beware of fraudulent job offers and postings! 
Technergetics will never extend an offer of employment without a thorough interview process involving face to face interviews either in-person or a virtual Teams meeting from an official Technergetics email address (@techngs.com). If you receive any correspondence from an email other thantechngs.com, it is a scam. Pre-interview code testing is only administered through theCodilityplatform. We will not send out questionnaires or testing through any other platform/site prior to a first interview. 

We do not discriminateon the basisofrace, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.Â