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Photonics Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Qunett

Quantum Photonics Engineer

Boston, MA

Quantum Photonics Engineer About Qunett Qunett is developing the foundational hardware layer for ... PhD in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, or related field (or MS with equivalent experience)

Qunett

Quantum Photonics Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

Quantum Photonics Engineer About Qunett Qunett is developing the foundational hardware layer for ... PhD in Physics, Optics, Electrical Engineering, or related field (or MS with equivalent experience)

Psionic, LLC

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Hampton, VA · On-site

Silicon Photonics Engineer Psionic, Inc is a startup focused on lidar sensors and navigation ... A breadth of engineering expertise building real world high-speed, electro-optical systems is ...

Psionic

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Hampton, VA · On-site

Silicon Photonics Engineer Psionic, Inc is a startup focused on lidar sensors and navigation ... A breadth of engineering expertise building real world high-speed, electro-optical systems is ...

Psionic

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Hampton, VA · On-site

Silicon Photonics Engineer Psionic, Inc is a startup focused on lidar sensors and navigation ... A breadth of engineering expertise building real world high-speed, electro-optical systems is ...

Aeva, Inc.

Photonics Module Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

MS or PhD in electrical engineering, physics, or other photonics related field * Experience with lidar systems or optical transceivers, preferably chip scale implementations * Background in system ...

Aeva, Inc.

Photonics Module Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$164K - $222K/yr

MS or PhD in electrical engineering, physics, or other photonics related field * Experience with lidar systems or optical transceivers, preferably chip scale implementations * Background in system ...

Aeva, Inc.

Photonics Module Engineer

Mountain View, CA

$164K - $222K/yr

MS or PhD in electrical engineering, physics, or other photonics related field * Experience with lidar systems or optical transceivers, preferably chip scale implementations * Background in system ...

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Photonics Engineering information

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How much do photonics engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for photonics engineering in the United States is $92,956.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $65,500.00 and $114,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Photonics Engineering vs Optical Engineering?

AspectPhotonics EngineeringOptical Engineering
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Photonics, Optical, or Electrical EngineeringBachelor's or Master's in Optical, Electrical, or Physics Engineering
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing, telecommunications, defenseResearch labs, manufacturing, imaging, laser systems
Industry UsageDeveloping photonic devices, lasers, fiber opticsDesigning optical systems, lenses, imaging devices

Photonics Engineering focuses on the development of photonic devices and systems, including lasers and fiber optics, often requiring specialized knowledge in light manipulation. Optical Engineering emphasizes designing and improving optical systems like lenses and imaging devices. While overlapping, Photonics Engineering is more hardware and device-oriented, whereas Optical Engineering centers on system design and application.

What is photonics engineering?

Photonics engineering is a branch of engineering focused on the study and application of light (photons). It involves designing and developing systems and devices that use light, such as lasers, fiber optics, and imaging systems. Photonics engineers work in various industries, including telecommunications, healthcare, manufacturing, and defense, to create technologies for communication, sensing, and information processing. The field combines principles from physics, electrical engineering, and materials science to solve complex problems involving light.

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 solid background in optics, physics, and electrical engineering, typically supported by a bachelor's or master's degree in a related field. Experience with simulation software (such as Zemax or COMSOL), proficiency in optical design, and familiarity with laboratory equipment are highly valuable, along with relevant certifications. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective teamwork and communication skills help individuals excel in complex, collaborative environments. These competencies ensure the successful design, development, and integration of photonic systems in industries like telecommunications, healthcare, and manufacturing.

What are some common challenges faced by Photonics Engineers when integrating new technologies into existing systems?

Photonics Engineers often encounter challenges when integrating cutting-edge optical components into established systems, such as ensuring compatibility with legacy hardware and maintaining signal integrity. Addressing issues like minimizing optical losses, managing thermal effects, and aligning precise optical pathways requires careful planning and collaboration with interdisciplinary teams. Additionally, staying current with rapid advancements in materials and fabrication techniques is essential to ensure the best solutions are implemented. These challenges foster a dynamic work environment that encourages continuous learning and innovation.
More about Photonics Engineering jobs
What cities are hiring for Photonics Engineering jobs? Cities with the most Photonics Engineering job openings:
What states have the most Photonics Engineering jobs? States with the most job openings for Photonics Engineering jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Photonics Engineering jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Photonics Engineering jobs are:
Photonics Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Photonics Engineering job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,956 per year, or $44.7 per hour.
Photonics Engineer

Photonics Engineer

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Adelphi, MD • On-site

$104K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Posted 26 days ago

Huntington Ingalls Industries rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 142 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

190th of 527 rated manufacturers

Job description

Requisition Number: 28880
Required Travel: 0 - 10%
Employment Type: Full Time/Salaried/Exempt
Anticipated Salary Range: $104,336.00 - $175,000.00
Security Clearance: Ability to Obtain
Level of Experience: Mid
This opportunity resides with Warfare Systems (WS), a business group within HII's Mission Technologies division. Warfare Systems comprises cyber and mission IT; electronic warfare; and C5ISR systems.
HII works within our nation's intelligence and cyber operations communities to defend our interests in cyberspace and anticipate emerging threats. Our capabilities in cybersecurity, network architecture, reverse engineering, software and hardware development uniquely enable us to support sensitive missions for the U.S. military and federal agency partners.
Leadership at HII - Mission Technologies
HII's Leadership Capability Framework outlines the core capabilities expected of all leaders across Mission Technologies. Leaders are accountable for demonstrating strength in:
  • Know & Grow Your People - Develop talent, empower teams, and build an inclusive environment.
  • Build Relationships - Strengthen trust, collaboration, and cross-functional partnerships.
  • Take Ownership - Drive accountability, execution excellence, and results.
  • Customer First - Anticipate mission needs and deliver value to our partners.
  • Shape the Future - Inspire innovation and align work with strategic priorities.
  • Act with Urgency - Make informed decisions and move with purpose.

These capabilities define how leaders inspire teams, deliver results, and shape the future of Mission
Job Description
We are seeking a Photonics/Electrical Engineer to support our work with the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) in Adelphi, MD. The Photonics Engineer will work on-site in an integrated, results-oriented, research and development team environment with the Electronic Warfare (EW) Branch. We are seeking candidates with PhD degree in physics or electrical engineering who are eager to learn and grow in this role. You will research adversary warfare technology trends and apply that knowledge to define, design, and demonstrate advanced EW compact payloads using mixed analog, digital, and photonics systems. You will be deriving Radio Frequency (RF) and photonics requirements and integrating photonics-based EW capabilities into heterogeneous, next-generation structures. You will work directly with senior technical personnel, program managers, and external organizations to help transition prototype systems to the U.S. Army development and acquisition enterprise.
HII has been providing engineering and management support to the U.S. Army Research Laboratory for over 20 years, conducting innovative research to provide the Army with affordable enabling technologies in sensors, EW, quantum information sciences, and photonics. We are seeking a candidate ready to explore these diverse technical areas within a state-of-the-art electronics research and development facility. Come be a part of this challenging and exciting opportunity!
Come support our work with the U.S. Army Research Laboratory and join a world class team of groundbreaking scientists and engineers!
Details below!
You will be part of a team that includes experts in photonics and EW systems, with direct support from HII engineers and industry recognized subject matter experts. Our team members are expected to have a basic understanding of RF and photonics technologies and be able to collaborate with various engineering and non-technical staff.
Essential Job Responsibilities
  • Research adversary warfare systems technology trends and techniques
  • Participate in defining requirements for EW compact payloads.
  • Apply knowledge of adversary technologies and notional blue force concepts of operations to define requirements for EW compact payloads.
  • Derive RF requirements for mixed analog, digital and photonics design and translate into photonics specifications.
  • Apply novel trends in photonics RF such as wideband receivers and transmitters, oscillators, low-noise amplifiers, high-power amplifiers, filters, and photonics computation to EW applications including receive, process, and transmit.
  • Work with multi-mode (mixed analog/digital/photonics) integrated circuit designers to develop requirements and specifications for fabricated and heterogeneously integrated electronics such as photonics integrated circuits.
  • Work with ARL photonics experts and utilize lab equipment to develop physical bench-level and lab demonstrations of photonics EW applications.
  • Work with ARL manufacturing experts to integrate photonics RF into heterogeneous structures consisting of conformal antennas, photonics, analog and digital electronics, bio-inspired computing and emerging energy storage layers.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Recent graduate of PhD program from R1 university with specialization in Photonics RF to include receivers, transmitters, mixers, filters, oscillators, and photonics computation.
  • Strong communication (both written and verbal) skills.
  • Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
  • US Citizen with ability to obtain a Secret Clearance

Preferred Requirements
  • Completion of Post Doc.
  • Experience with EW applications.
  • Working knowledge of MATLAB or Python.
  • Interest in advancing and prioritizing national security technologies.

The listed salary range for this role is intended as a good faith estimate based on the role's location, expectations, and responsibilities. When extending an offer, HII's Mission Technologies division takes a variety of factors into consideration which include, but are not limited to, the role's function and a candidate's education or training, work experience, and key skills.
Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.
Do You Need Assistance?
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to buildyourcareer@hii-co.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #3 for HII Mission Technologies.

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