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Photonics Engineering Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Integrated Photonics Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$125 - $185/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Required QualificationsMS/PhD in Photonics, Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or related field (or equivalent industry experience).3+ years of hands-on PIC design and characterization ...

Associate, Optical Engineer

Palm Bay, FL · On-site

$110K - $142K/yr

Write scripts to control synthesis and build tools Photonics Engineering * Design, analyze, modify, test and evaluate optical communications systems and subsystem level components * Design, analyze ...

Optical Integration Engineer

Bothell, WA · On-site

$144K - $186K/yr

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Optics, Photonics, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience) * 2-5 years of experience in optical components, aerospace, optical communications ...

Optical Integration Engineer

Bothell, WA · On-site

$144K - $186K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Optics, Photonics, Engineering, or related field (or equivalent experience) * 2-5 years of experience in optical components, aerospace, optical communications ...

D. in Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, Materials Science, or related field. * 3+ years of experience in VCSEL, photonics, or optoelectronic device R&D. * Hands-on experience with ...

Showing results 41-60

Photonics Engineering information

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$35K

$93K

$173K

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.
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:

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.

Integrated Photonics Design Engineer, Device Components

HyperLight

Cambridge, MA

$120K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 13 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.