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Photonics Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Photonics Engineering information

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$35K

$93K

$173K

How much do photonics engineering jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 11, 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 engineers make $500,000?

In the field of photonics engineering, senior-level professionals with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and specialized skills in areas like laser systems or optical communications can reach salaries around $500,000, especially in high-cost-of-living regions or within large corporations. Such compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or other incentives. Achieving this level typically requires a combination of technical expertise, leadership roles, and years of industry experience.

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 engineers make $300,000 a year?

Photonics engineers with extensive experience, advanced technical skills, and leadership roles in research, development, or management can earn salaries around $300,000 annually. Such compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or other incentives, especially in high-tech industries or large corporations. Achieving this level typically requires specialized knowledge in optics, laser systems, and related tools, along with a strong educational background and industry experience.

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.

What does a photonics engineer do?

A photonics engineer designs, develops, and tests optical systems and devices that use light, such as lasers, fiber optics, and sensors. They work with principles of optics and electromagnetism, often using simulation software and precision measurement tools, and may require knowledge of manufacturing processes and certifications in optics or photonics. Their work is essential in telecommunications, medical devices, and defense industries.

How much do photonic engineers make?

Photonic 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 optics and laser systems can earn higher salaries, especially in research or industry roles.
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Photonics Engineering jobs near you
Silicon Photonics Validation and Characterization Test Engineer

Silicon Photonics Validation and Characterization Test Engineer

Advanced Micro Devices, Inc

San Jose, CA • On-site

$175K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Advanced Micro Devices rating

8.4

Company rating: 8.4 out of 10

Based on 7 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

23rd of 139 rated electronics manufacturers

Job description

WHAT YOU DO AT AMD CHANGES EVERYTHING
At AMD, our mission is to build great products that accelerate next-generation computing experiences-from AI and data centers, to PCs, gaming and embedded systems. Grounded in a culture of innovation and collaboration, we believe real progress comes from bold ideas, human ingenuity and a shared passion to create something extraordinary. When you join AMD, you'll discover the real differentiator is our culture. We push the limits of innovation to solve the world's most important challenges-striving for execution excellence, while being direct, humble, collaborative, and inclusive of diverse perspectives. Join us as we shape the future of AI and beyond. Together, we advance your career.
THE ROLE:
As a Silicon Photonics Validation and Characterization Test Engineer in the Optical IO team, you will collaborate with various Product Development Groups, Silicon Design, DFT, Packaging, and interface with key technology partners. This individual serves as a critical technical point of contact to ensure best-practices and new test concepts are architected, developed, and driven throughout the organization. This position focuses on developing validation and characterization and test solutions for silicon photonics. You will be part of a larger team that defines test solutions from concept, development, to production deployment.
THE PERSON:
This is a technical leadership position that requires engineering experience in semiconductor validation and characterization test with a focus on silicon photonics. The ideal candidate should have a proven ability to tackle complex test and manufacturing challenges for various silicon photonics & optical interconnect technologies. This role requires excellent communication and coordination across various teams and capable of defining long-term test solutions.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Collaborate with silicon design, product & test, and packaging teams to architect & define test solutions for silicon photonics at wafer-sort, die-level, and CPO-level
  • Collaborate with design, packaging, and key suppliers to understand structural and parametric mechanisms for performance, yield, reliability and quality issues
  • Interface with suppliers to provide technical inputs & test requirements to enable production-worthy end-to-end solutions
  • Deep knowledge to train other teams & engineers in the field of silicon photonics from design, packaging, to volume test
  • Responsible for identifying & mitigating test challenges and executing large technical projects and processes in a timely manner
  • Specify and develop test fixtures in collaboration with Hardware, PCB, and Firmware engineers.
  • Develop test automation software in collaboration with design engineers.

PREFERRED EXPERIENCE:
  • Proven experience in the field of optical interconnects and silicon photonics
  • Familiar with general test & manufacturing of silicon photonics
  • Good communication skills and ability to work with geographically distributed engineering teams.
  • Software development for test automation such as with PyVISA, MATLAB, or other development tools.
  • Familiarity with wireline analog and digital signal processing techniques such as FFE, DFE, and CTLE or with optical communication systems with concepts such as optical-signal-to-noise ratio, receiver sensitivity, optical modulation amplitude, and optical filtering.
  • Hands-on experience with high-speed test equipment such as bit error rate testers, digital communication analyzers, real-time oscilloscopes, vector network analyzers, and arbitrary waveform generators.
  • Hands-on experience with optical test equipment, including swept laser sources, power meters, optical spectrum analyzers, optical time domain reflectometers, optical amplifiers, and best practices in optical test systems
  • Hands-on experience with electrooptic wafer and die-level test systems
  • Experience leading validation and characterization test engineers and technician personnel
  • Strong industrial experience with validation and test of leading edge EIC/PIC products in high-volume production

ACADEMIC CREDENTIALS:
  • MS or PhD in Electrical, Computer Engineering, Optics & Photonics Engineering, or comparable disciplines

LOCATION: San Jose, CA
#LI-TB2
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Benefits offered are described: AMD benefits at a glance.
AMD does not accept unsolicited resumes from headhunters, recruitment agencies, or fee-based recruitment services. AMD and its subsidiaries are equal opportunity, inclusive employers and will consider all applicants without regard to age, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, military or veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. We encourage applications from all qualified candidates and will accommodate applicants' needs under the respective laws throughout all stages of the recruitment and selection process.
AMD may use Artificial Intelligence to help screen, assess or select applicants for this position. AMD's "Responsible AI Policy" is available here.
This posting is for an existing vacancy.

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