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Photonics Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Clutch Canada

Director, Silicon Photonics Design

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$227.20 - $307.40/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

We are looking for an expert in photonics engineering to join our core engineering team! * Lead design team to deliver silicon photonics across multiple verticals including AI data centers ...

Qunett

Quantum Photonics Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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)

NY Creates

AIM Photonics Co-op

Albany, NY · On-site

$25/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Key Responsibilities Supporting AIM Photonics engineering and technical activities including numerical modeling of integrated photonic test structures. Measurement and testing of integrated photonic ...

Aeva, Inc.

Director, Silicon Photonics Design

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$227K - $307K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

We are looking for an expert in photonics engineering to join our core engineering team! * Lead design team to deliver silicon photonics across multiple verticals including AI data centers ...

Qunett

Quantum Photonics Engineer

Boston, MA

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

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 ...

Globalfoundries

Advanced Photonics Engineer

Austin, TX

$166K - $319K/yr

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 ...

GlobalFoundries

Advanced Photonics Engineer

New York, NY · On-site

$166K - $319K/yr

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 ...

Globalfoundries

Advanced Photonics Engineer

Malta, NY

$166K - $319K/yr

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 ...

Jobtailor

Photonics Engineer

Adelphi, MD · On-site

$100 - $160/hr

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 ...

Psionic

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Hampton, VA · On-site

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

Anello Photonics

Sr Photonics Engineer (PIC)

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

ANELLO Photonics is a leading-edge technology company based in Santa Clara, CA. The company has ... Work closely with software and hardware engineering to provide tighter integration of Anello's core ...

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Photonics Engineering information

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How much do photonics engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 15, 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.

Are photonics engineers in demand?

Photonics engineers are in demand due to the growing use of optical communication, laser systems, and photonic devices in industries such as telecommunications, healthcare, and defense. The field offers opportunities for specialization in areas like optical design and manufacturing, with employment prospects expected to remain strong as technology advances. Skills in optics, laser technology, and related tools enhance job prospects in this field.

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.

How much do photonics engineers make?

Photonics engineers typically earn a median annual salary of around $80,000 to $120,000, depending on experience, education, and location. Entry-level positions may start lower, while experienced engineers with specialized skills in optical systems or laser technology can earn higher salaries, often supplemented by benefits and bonuses.

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?

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 do photonics engineers do?

Photonics engineers design, develop, and test optical systems and devices that use light, such as lasers, fiber optics, and imaging systems. They work with principles of optics, electronics, and materials science, often using simulation tools and requiring knowledge of manufacturing processes. Their work supports telecommunications, medical equipment, and defense technologies.

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.
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Photonics Engineering jobs near you
Infographic showing various Photonics Engineering job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 86% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,956 per year, or $44.7 per hour.

Photonics Engineering Technician Level 3

Monarch Quantum

San Diego, CA

$30 - $45/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Job description

As a Photonics Engineering Technician 3, you will work in a high-tech photonics laboratory environment, supporting development of complex optical modules for Monarch Quantum's photonic "engines". You will collaborate closely with engineers to assemble, align, test, and prototype optical systems using both manual and automated methods.

This is a hands-on, highly collaborative role focused on ensuring products meet internal specifications, quality standards, and performance requirements.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Align, collimate, and fiber couple a variety of optical components.
  • Assemble compound optical and opto-mechanical subassemblies according to engineering direction.
  • Inspect and monitor material and build quality throughout the assembly process.
  • Collaborate with engineers to troubleshoot technical and build-related issues.
  • Support problem analysis and contribute to process improvements.
  • Work in both laboratory and cleanroom environments to ensure compliance with cleanliness standards.
  • Train and mentor junior technicians as needed.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Experience:

  • Associates degree in relevant technical field
  • 10+ years of relevant experience, preferably in startup, R&D, prototype manufacturing, or technology-focused environment.
  • Strong ability to interpret technical requirements, specifications, and documentation.
  • Experience working in laboratory, prototype, or low-volume manufacturing environments.

Preferred Skills:

  • Demonstrated experience aligning, collimating, and fiber-coupling optical components.
  • Experience assembling compound optical and opto-mechanical assemblies
  • Proficiency with common measurement and inspection tools (calipers, multimeters, microscopes, tape measures, hot plates, bake ovens).
  • Experience soldering small, ESD-sensitive electronic components.
  • Experience cleaning free-space and fiber-optic components.
  • Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
  • Clear and effective communication skills when working with engineering teams.

Additional Skills:

  • Experience with high-complexity assemblies (>200 unique mechanical and electronic parts)
  • Willingness and ability to learn, evaluate, and help validate new processes and equipment
  • Experience training technicians across processes at varying levels of maturity
  • Ability to serve as a subject-matter expert for common lab equipment (e.g., bake ovens, plasma ovens)
  • Experience with machining tools such as lathes, manual mills, band saws, taps, etc.

Benefits

The anticipated hourly pay for this role ranges from $30.00 to $45.00.

As a full-time employee, you will be eligible for Monarch's comprehensive benefits package, which includes: 

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance 
  • Fidelity 401(k) plan with 4% employer matching 
  • 20 paid time off (PTO) days per year 
  • 13 paid company holidays 
  • 9/80 work schedule (every other Friday off) 

 
Monarch Quantum is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, citizenship status, national origin, ancestry, sex, sexual orientation, age, religion, creed, physical or mental disability, medical condition, marital status, veteran status or any other characteristics protected under applicable federal, state and local laws. 

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