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Photonics Group Jobs (NOW HIRING)

The Subsystem Engineering and Photonics Group is a hands-on, multi-disciplinary engineering team that works to design, develop, and fabricate the next generation of RF and photonic communications ...

Lead RF Technician

Columbia, MD · On-site

$43K - $56K/yr

The Subsystem Engineering and Photonics Group is a hands-on, multi-disciplinary engineering team that works to design, develop, and fabricate the next generation of RF and photonic communications ...

The Subsystem Engineering and Photonics Group is a hands-on, multi-disciplinary engineering team that works to design, develop, and fabricate the next generation of RF and photonic communications ...

Lead RF Technician

Columbia, MD · On-site

$43K - $56K/yr

The Subsystem Engineering and Photonics Group is a hands-on, multi-disciplinary engineering team that works to design, develop, and fabricate the next generation of RF and photonic communications ...

The Subsystem Engineering and Photonics Group is a hands-on, multi-disciplinary engineering team that works to design, develop, and fabricate the next generation of RF and photonic communications ...

Intern, Engineering

Marlborough, MA

$17.25 - $22.50/hr

IPG Photonics' Automation Group is a team of engineers and programmers dedicated to automation of various manufacturing tasks. Several on-going projects include design, production, installation and ...

Mature components will be made available to designers through process design kits (PDKs) by working closely with electronic photonic design automation (EPDA) group at NY Creates / AIM Photonics.

Senior Design Engineer

Allentown, PA · On-site

$135K - $198K/yr

Meet the Team Join Cisco's Silicon Photonics group, where we combine deep expertise in analog, digital, and optical design to build the world's fastest networking solutions. We're a collaborative ...

Mature components will be made available to designers through process design kits (PDKs) by working closely with electronic photonic design automation (EPDA) group at NY Creates / AIM Photonics.

Senior Design Engineer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$135K - $198K/yr

Meet the Team Join Cisco's Silicon Photonics group, where we combine deep expertise in analog, digital, and optical design to build the world's fastest networking solutions. We're a collaborative ...

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Photonics Group information

See salary details

$44K

$106.4K

$173.5K

How much do photonics group jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 9, 2026, the average yearly pay for photonics group in the United States is $106,386.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,000.00 and $132,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Photonics Group?

A Photonics Group is a team of scientists, engineers, and researchers who focus on the study and application of photonics—the science and technology of generating, controlling, and detecting photons, typically in the visible and near-infrared spectrum. Members of a Photonics Group work on projects involving lasers, optical fibers, imaging systems, and other light-based technologies. They often collaborate on research, development, and innovation to advance fields such as telecommunications, medicine, manufacturing, and quantum computing.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Photonics Group Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Photonics Group Engineer, you need a solid background in optics, laser physics, and photonics, typically supported by a degree in physics, electrical engineering, or a related field. Familiarity with simulation tools (like Zemax or COMSOL), laboratory instrumentation, and relevant programming languages (such as MATLAB or Python) is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, teamwork, and effective communication skills help individuals stand out in collaborative research and development environments. These competencies ensure the successful design, analysis, and implementation of advanced photonic systems and technologies.

What are some typical collaboration opportunities for members of a Photonics Group within a research or industry setting?

Members of a Photonics Group frequently collaborate with specialists in fields such as electronics, materials science, and software engineering to develop and refine photonic devices and systems. These partnerships often involve joint problem-solving, integrating optical components with electronic circuits, and collaborating on experiments or product development cycles. Team members may also work closely with end-users or clients to customize solutions for specific applications, such as telecommunications, biomedical imaging, or manufacturing. The interdisciplinary nature of photonics work fosters a dynamic environment with ample learning and networking opportunities.
More about Photonics Group jobs
What cities are hiring for Photonics Group jobs? Cities with the most Photonics Group job openings:
What states have the most Photonics Group jobs? States with the most job openings for Photonics Group jobs include:
Infographic showing various Photonics Group job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 3% Internship, 3% Full Time, 9% Temporary, and 84% Contract. Highlights an 95% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,386 per year, or $51.1 per hour.
Staff RF Technician

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago


Raytheon rating

9.1

Company rating: 9.1 out of 10

Based on 81 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

3rd of 516 rated manufacturers


Job description

Date Posted:

2026-03-23

Country:

United States of America

Location:

US-MD-COLUMBIA-7100 ~ 7100 Columbia Gateway Dr ~ COLUMBIA GATEWAY, Ste 160

Position Role Type:

Onsite

U.S. Citizen, U.S. Person, or Immigration Status Requirements:

The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required.​ U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance

Security Clearance Type:

DoD Clearance: TS/SCI

Security Clearance Status:

Active and existing security clearance required after day 1

At Raytheon, the foundation of everything we do is rooted in our values and a higher calling – to help our nation and allies defend freedoms and deter aggression. We bring the strength of more than 100 years of experience and renowned engineering expertise to meet the needs of today’s mission and stay ahead of tomorrow’s threat. Our team solves tough, meaningful problems that create a safer, more secure world. 

The Raytheon Subsystem Engineering and Photonics group is actively seeking a Staff RF Technician to join our group in Columbia, MD. The Subsystem Engineering and Photonics Group is a hands-on, multi-disciplinary engineering team that works to design, develop, and fabricate the next generation of RF and photonic communications systems.  The Staff RF Technician will be responsible for supporting our design and testing efforts by working with the engineering team to develop functional prototype solutions in a CAD environment and then fabricate hardware to realize those solutions. The individual will also be responsible for creating fixturing to support R&D lab testing needs and troubleshooting of machinery and test equipment.

What You Will Do

  • Develop and fabricate prototype hardware for RF and Photonic systems

  • Perform hands on integration and test support for prototype hardware

  • Hold design and drawing reviews with peers and subject matter experts

  • Design and fabricate laboratory test fixturing

  • Troubleshoot lab equipment and experimental setups

  • Manage multiple stakeholder requests, materials, processes, and workflow stages simultaneously while maintaining clear communications.

Qualifications You Must Have

  • Typically requires an AA/AS degree (or other 2-year post high school training) with a minimum of 6 years relevant experience

  • Fabrication experience in a machine shop environment

  • The ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. government issued security clearance is required. U.S. citizenship is required, as only U.S. citizens are eligible for a security clearance.​

Qualifications We Prefer

  • Experience in rapid prototyping and hardware integration

  • Experience reading and interpreting electrical and mechanical drawings and schematics to identify producibility issues

  • Experience working with optical fiber fusion splicers and fiber splicing including SSMF, PMF and ribbon fibers

  • Experience potting RF or Photonic systems

  • Familiarity with 3D drawing and CAD tools

  • Experienced with test equipment commonly used for characterization of photonic and RF components and assemblies including, but not limited to, optical power meters, optical spectrum analyzers, electrical spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and electrical voltage and current sources and meters.

  • Experience with test data recording and analysis using required software tools and able to generate documentation and presentation of test results

  • Experience in assembly and testing fiber-optic and electro-optic systems, and knowledge of associated optical and RF component technologies

  • Experience with soldering and rework of circuit card assemblies

  • Experience soldering surface mount components

  • Strong communication skills, both verbal and written

  • Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work in a team environment

What We Offer

Our values drive our actions, behaviors, and performance with a vision for a safer, more connected world. At RTX we value: Safety, Trust, Respect, Accountability, Collaboration, and Innovation.

As part of our commitment to maintaining a secure hiring process, candidates may be asked to attend select steps of the interview process in-person at one of our office locations, regardless of whether the role is designated as on-site, hybrid or remote.

The salary range for this role is 58,400 USD - 111,000 USD. The salary range provided is a good faith estimate representative of all experience levels. RTX considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the role, function and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, location, education/training, and key skills.Hired applicants may be eligible for benefits, including but not limited to, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, 401(k) match, flexible spending accounts, flexible work schedules, employee assistance program, Employee Scholar Program, parental leave, paid time off, and holidays. Specific benefits are dependent upon the specific business unit as well as whether or not the position is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement.Hired applicants may be eligible for annual short-term and/or long-term incentive compensation programs depending on the level of the position and whether or not it is covered by a collective-bargaining agreement. Payments under these annual programs are not guaranteed and are dependent upon a variety of factors including, but not limited to, individual performance, business unit performance, and/or the company’s performance.This role is a U.S.-based role. If the successful candidate resides in a U.S. territory, the appropriate pay structure and benefits will apply.RTX anticipates the application window closing approximately 40 days from the date the notice was posted. However, factors such as candidate flow and business necessity may require RTX to shorten or extend the application window.

RTX is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status, or any other applicable state or federal protected class. RTX provides affirmative action in employment for qualified Individuals with a Disability and Protected Veterans in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act and the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act.

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