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Photonics Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

Anello Photonics

Sr Photonics Engineer (PIC)

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

ANELLO Photonics 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 ...

Ayo Semiconductor

Photonics Design Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

PhD in optics, electrical engineering, physics or related field with a focus on integrated photonics * Experience designing, simulating, and testing integrated photonic devices * Experience using ...

NY CREATES

Manager of Photonics Development

Albany, NY · On-site

$170K - $210K/yr

Position Summary, Manager of Photonics Development This posting is to hire an experienced ... S. degree in Chemical Engineering, Materials Science, Electrical Engineering, or equivalent ...

Thorlabs

Photonics Engineer I

Jessup, MD

$80K/yr

Support sustaining engineering on existing products. Interface with customers to provide technical ... precision photonics measurements and instrumentation Experience building optical assemblies ...

PsiQuantum

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Palo Alto, CA

PhD or equivalent in Electrical Engineering or Physics. * Experience: * 5 years of relevant work or academic research experience in integrated photonics. * Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: * Strong ...

Thorlabs

Photonics Engineer I

Jessup, MD · On-site

$80K/yr

... photonics (i.e., light-based) technologies. Backed by a dedicated workforce of more than 3,000 ... engineering on existing products. • Interface with customers to provide technical support. • ...

PsiQuantum

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

PhD or equivalent in Electrical Engineering or Physics. * Experience: * 5 years of relevant work or academic research experience in integrated photonics. * Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: * Strong ...

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All JobsPhotonics Engineering Jobs

Photonics Engineering information

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$35K

$93K

$173K

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:
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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.
Advanced Photonics Engineer, SiPh Platform Engineering

Advanced Photonics Engineer, SiPh Platform Engineering

Globalfoundries

Malta, NY • On-site

$166K - $319K/yr

Full-time

Posted 19 days ago

GlobalFoundries rating

8.2

Company rating: 8.2 out of 10

Based on 34 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

80th of 527 rated manufacturers

Job description

About GlobalFoundries:

GlobalFoundries is a leading full-service semiconductor foundry providing a unique combination of design, development, and fabrication services to some of the world's most inspired technology companies. With a global manufacturing footprint spanning three continents, GlobalFoundries makes possible the technologies and systems that transform industries and give customers the power to shape their markets. For more information, visit www.gf.com.

Summary of Role:

The inevitable transition from electrons to photons for high-speed communications and computing is transforming the semiconductor industry. Silicon Photonics is a dynamic and rapidly growing market that GlobalFoundries has committed to invest in.

The Silicon Photonics Product Line is seeking a highly motivated and experienced photonics engineer for the Advanced Photonics team that is focused on driving the definition and realization of next-generation photonic devices and system architectures that are closely aligned with near-term customer and market needs. The Advanced Photonics team will translate industry trends and customer requirements into executable architectures, device concepts, and development programs with clear paths to productization.

Essential Responsibilities:

  • Technical & Strategic Leadership
    • Define and drive the next generation roadmap for advanced photonic devices, aligned to business and customer needs.
    • Define the architecture and design of advanced photonic building blocks and subsystems.
    • Translate systemlevel requirements into devicelevel and platformlevel innovation that can be industrialized rapidly.
  • Customer Engagement & CoDevelopment
    • Collaborate closely with customer development teams on nextgeneration photonic systems and architectures.
    • Act as a technical counterpart to senior customer architects and technologists, influencing early system definitions and design choices.
    • Ensure customer learnings are rapidly incorporated into device concepts and platform enhancements.
  • CrossFunctional Collaboration
    • Partner closely with:
      • gfLabs photonics team to transition longerterm innovations into nearterm product opportunities.
      • Silicon photonics development teams to ensure seamless integration into the product roadmap.
      • Fab and foundry teams to align designs with manufacturing realities, yield, reliability, and scalability.
    • Drive tight alignment across device design, process technology, packaging, and test.
  • Industry Awareness & Technology Insertion
    • Continuously track industry trends, standards, and competitive developments in photonics, AI interconnects, and advanced optical systems.
    • Evaluate and selectively incorporate external innovations, ensuring differentiation and timetomarket advantage.
  • Others
    • Mentor and support junior architects and engineers in the team

Other Responsibilities:

Perform all activities in a safe and responsible manner and support all Environmental, Health, Safety & Security requirements and programs.

Required Qualifications:

  • 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 understanding of systemlevel implications.
  • Experience working across device, system, and manufacturing domains in a productdriven environment.
  • Proven ability to engage credibly with customers, partners, and executive stakeholders.
  • Strong track record of translating advanced technology concepts into productrelevant outcomes on aggressive timelines.
  • Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
  • Ability to travel as needed.

Expected Salary Range

$166,500.00 - $319,000.00

The exact Salary will be determined based on qualifications, experience and location.

If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at usaccommodations@gf.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.

An offer with GlobalFoundries is conditioned upon the successful completion of pre-employment conditions, as applicable, and subject to applicable laws and regulations.

GlobalFoundries is fully committed to equal opportunity in the workplace and believes that cultural diversity within the company enhances its business potential. GlobalFoundries goal of excellence in business necessitates the attraction and retention of highly qualified people. Artificial barriers and stereotypic biases detract from this objective and may be illegally discriminatory.

All policies and processes which pertain to employees including recruitment, selection, training, utilization, promotion, compensation, benefits, extracurricular programs, and termination are created and implemented without regard to age, ethnicity, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other characteristic or category specified by local, state or federal law

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