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Photonics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Lead Photonics Integrated Circuit Engineer

$104K - $138K/yr

As a senior photonics engineer you will take ownership of the physical design and verification of cutting-edge photonic integrated circuits (PICs), guiding designs from initial proof-of-concept ...

Senior Photonics Packaging Engineer

Bozeman, MT · On-site

$106K - $146K/yr

As a Senior Photonics Engineer specializing in Photonic IC Packaging, you are a technical leader responsible for designing, developing, and scaling advanced photonic packaging solutions. You drive ...

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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 Jul 22, 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, software, and certain electrical or systems engineering roles can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership responsibilities. High-level positions often require advanced degrees, certifications, and a track record of significant project management or innovation.

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 advanced 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.

What engineers make $200,000 a year?

Photonics engineers can earn $200,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills in optical systems, and working in high-demand industries such as defense, telecommunications, or aerospace. Senior roles often require specialized knowledge, certifications, and a strong background in optics, laser technology, 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 electrical engineering. Their work supports telecommunications, medical devices, and imaging systems.
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 July 2026, with employment types broken down into 96% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 87% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,386 per year, or $51.1 per hour.
Integrated Photonics Design Engineer, Device Components

Integrated Photonics Design Engineer, Device Components

HyperLight

Cambridge, MA

$120K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 19 days ago


Job description

HyperLight is at the forefront of the commercialization of thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) integrated photonics - a material and process technology that is enabling high-performance, scalable optical components across AI/datacom infrastructure, hyperscale computing, quantum computing, sensing, and beyond. Founded in 2018 and backed by leading venture capital, we've built a team and a platform focused on real-world mass deployment of TFLN photonics technology.

At the core of our work is the TFLN Chiplet platform - a modular, integrated architecture designed for scalability, manufacturability, and seamless integration into complex systems. It offers a rare combination of extraordinary performance and industrial readiness, enabling system developers across applications to deploy the technology fast and ready. We partner with our customers and suppliers from conceptualization, design, and prototyping phases, all the way through mass production to ensure smooth and rapid deployment of TFLN photonic technology.

We believe our platform is the key, in the golden age of integrated photonics, to empower humanity to the next level. We assembled a world class team covering engineering, business, and operations. We believe in the power of integrity, innovation, collaboration, and pragmatic solutions. Our diverse team thrives on challenges and is united by a shared commitment to excellence. We take pride in tackling complex challenges with curiosity, humility, and a deep sense of care for one another.

Our growing team is looking for an Integrated Photonics Design Engineer. We have several open positions with different seniority levels and focus, including passive optical component design, active component and modulator design, and product design. As part of your responsibilities, you will:

       Collaborate with product teams and customers to define requirements for device components.

       Own the end-to-end design and delivery of high-performance, robust device components such as fiber couplers, optical taps, optical crossings, thermo-optic phase shifters, photodiodes, and high speed electro-optic modulators.

       Simulate component designs using FEA tools like Lumerical, Tidy3D, HFSS, CST, and COMSOL.

       Develop and perform rigorous measurement techniques to assess component performance.

       Analyze measurement and simulation data for performance and robustness.

       Collaborate to improve our fabrication processes for optimal device performance.

       Serve as a technical expert within HyperLight to guide our engineering decisions and technical roadmap.

Requirements

  • Either 5+ years of relevant work experience or equivalent experience through an advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
  • Strong expertise with passive and/or active photonic device component design, including hands-on development of multiple successful designs.
  • Strong expertise in finite element analysis of PIC components using tools like Lumerical, Tidy3D, COMSOL, Synopsys OptoDesigner, etc.
  • Extensive hands-on experience performing measurements to characterize photonic integrated circuits using instruments like swept lasers, fiber alignment stages, VNAs, BERTs, oscilloscopes, etc.
  • Extensive experience with data analysis and statistical methods such as design of experiments using tools like JMP or Python.
  • Demonstrated record of innovation and achievement, e.g. product designs, publications, or patents.
  • Familiarity with the entire photonic integrated circuit engineering process, including simulation, layout, fabrication, test, and device operation.
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills
  • Comfortable working with cross-disciplinary teams

Benefits

  • Competitive market-based compensation (Salary range $120,000 - $225,000)
  • Comprehensive health coverage, including medical, vision, and dental plans for individuals and families
  • 401(k) retirement plans with employee matching
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Commuter benefits and subsidies
  • Professional growth and mentorship opportunities

This role is in-person at HyperLight's office in Cambridge, MA. Authorization to work in the US is required.

HyperLight is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. HyperLight is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during our hiring process. If you need assistance or an accommodation, please contact us at HR@hyperlightcorp.com.