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Photonics Manufacturing Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

QCi

Manufacturing Engineer-Photonics

Bedford, MA · On-site

$76K - $98K/yr

Job Title Manufacturing Engineer Location: Bedford, MA Division : Photonics Department: EM4 About Us: Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi) (Nasdaq: QUBT) is an innovative, integrated photonics company that ...

QCi

$76K - $98K/yr

Job Title Manufacturing Engineer Location: Bedford, MA Division : Photonics Department: EM4 About Us: Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi) (Nasdaq: QUBT) is an innovative, integrated photonics company that ...

IPG Photonics

Manufacturing Engineer

Marlborough, MA · On-site

$75K - $97K/yr

IPG Photonics is revolutionizing the laser industry as the pioneering developer and leading ... Job Summary The Manufacturing Engineer supports the production and industrialization of capital ...

IPG Photonics

Manufacturing Engineer

Marlborough, MA · On-site

$75K - $97K/yr

IPG Photonics is revolutionizing the laser industry as the pioneering developer and leading ... Job Summary The Manufacturing Engineer supports the production and industrialization of capital ...

Monarch Quantum, Inc.

... and manufacturing readiness. The Director drives the team of systems engineer's technical rigor ... Lead development of end-to-end photonics system architectures, including: * Photonic module and ...

Lumentum Operations LLC

$89K - $166K/yr

This role will focus on improving manufacturing yield, driving process and improvements and device ... Work with process engineering and R&D teams to design and execute DOE for process improvement ...

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Photonics Manufacturing Engineer information

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$47.5K

$85.6K

$120K

How much do photonics manufacturing engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 13, 2026, the average yearly pay for photonics manufacturing engineer in the United States is $85,613.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $73,000.00 and $94,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a photonics manufacturing engineer?

Photonics Manufacturing Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and optimize manufacturing processes for photonic devices and components, such as lasers, optical fibers, and sensors. They work to ensure these products are produced efficiently, cost-effectively, and to high quality standards. Their responsibilities often include process improvement, troubleshooting production issues, and collaborating with design and quality teams. These engineers play a key role in bringing advanced photonic technologies from the lab to large-scale production.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a photonics manufacturing engineer?

To thrive as a Photonics Manufacturing Engineer, you need a solid background in optics, physics, and engineering, typically supported by a bachelor’s or master’s degree in electrical engineering, physics, or a related field. Familiarity with photonics simulation software, cleanroom processes, and quality control systems is commonly required, as are certifications in areas like Six Sigma or Lean Manufacturing. Excellent problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are essential for ensuring high-quality photonic device production, optimizing manufacturing efficiency, and driving innovation in a rapidly advancing industry.

What are some typical challenges faced by photonics manufacturing engineers during the production process?

Photonics Manufacturing Engineers often encounter challenges such as maintaining high precision in alignment and assembly of optical components, ensuring product consistency across large production batches, and troubleshooting issues related to contamination or defects. They must also adapt to rapidly evolving technologies and materials, requiring ongoing collaboration with R&D and quality assurance teams. Effective communication and problem-solving skills are essential, as addressing these challenges often involves cross-functional teamwork and quick decision-making in a fast-paced manufacturing environment.

What is the difference between Photonics Manufacturing Engineer vs Optical Engineer?

AspectPhotonics Manufacturing EngineerOptical Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's or higher in optical engineering, physics, or related field; certifications in manufacturing or opticsBachelor's or higher in optical engineering, physics, or related field; often similar certifications
Work EnvironmentManufacturing facilities, production lines, quality control labsResearch labs, design offices, testing facilities
Industry UsageOptics manufacturing companies, tech firms producing photonic devicesResearch institutions, product development teams, R&D departments

Photonics Manufacturing Engineers focus on the production, assembly, and quality control of photonic devices, ensuring manufacturing processes are efficient and meet specifications. Optical Engineers primarily work on designing, testing, and developing optical systems and components. While both roles require a strong background in optics, the Manufacturing Engineer emphasizes production processes, whereas the Optical Engineer emphasizes design and development.

What are popular job titles related to Photonics Manufacturing Engineer jobs?

For Photonics Manufacturing Engineer jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Photonics Manufacturing Engineer job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 2% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 3% Nights. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $85,613 per year, or $41.2 per hour.

Manufacturing Engineer-Photonics

Bedford, MA • On-site

QCi
51 - 200 employees
Learn more about QCiexternal

$76K - $98K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 20 days ago

Job description

Job Title
Manufacturing Engineer
Job Description
Location: Bedford, MA
Division: Photonics
Department: EM4
About Us:
Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi) (Nasdaq: QUBT) is an innovative, integrated photonics company that provides accessible and affordable quantum machines to the world today. QCi products are designed to operate at room temperature and low power at an affordable cost. The Company's portfolio of core technology and products offer unique capabilities in the areas of high-performance computing, artificial intelligence, cyber security as well as remote sensing applications.
Position Description:
As the Manufacturing Engineer - Automation & Fiber Alignment, you will be responsible for developing, sustaining, and continuously improving the automated and semi-automated manufacturing systems that enable production of our advanced laser products. This is a hands-on role at the heart of production, driving yield, throughput, and process stability.
You will collaborate closely with Manufacturing, Process Engineering, Quality, and R&D to transition robust processes from development into volume manufacturing and support them throughout the product lifecycle. You will play a key role in scaling precision photonics assembly processes-particularly in fiber alignment and attach-and ensuring they remain reliable, controlled, and manufacturable at scale.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Automation Ownership
  • Design, develop, and sustain automated and semi-automated equipment for laser assembly, including motion systems, machine vision, metrology, dispense/weld tools, and UV/thermal cure platforms.
  • Specify and integrate precision automation components such as stages, controllers (PLC/industrial PC), sensors, interlocks, and data-acquisition systems.
  • Create and maintain equipment requirements, acceptance criteria, and run-at-rate plans; lead factory acceptance and production release.
  • Define preventive maintenance plans, calibration strategies, spares lists, and overall equipment lifecycle management.
  • Drive equipment reliability improvements using uptime metrics, structured root-cause analysis, and corrective actions.
  • Perform CAD/mechanical design for fixtures, tooling, and assembly/test stations.

Fiber Alignment & Fiber Attach Process Engineering
  • Own the full fiber alignment and attach process-from active alignment through attach (epoxy or laser weld), cure, and post-cure verification.
  • Develop and control process windows for critical parameters such as alignment algorithms, coupling optimization, welding conditions, adhesive selection, cure profiles, thermal management, and mechanical fixturing.
  • Define and execute DOE-based process characterization for coupling efficiency, back-reflection, power stability, and long-term reliability.
  • Establish in-line controls and acceptance tests, including insertion/return loss, power stability, pull/shear strength, and visual/AI-based inspection.
  • Write and maintain work instructions, process specs, travelers, and training documents to ensure consistent execution across operators and shifts.

Yield, Quality, and Scale
  • Lead structured problem solving for yield loss and defects using 8D, DMAIC, fishbone, Pareto, and statistical methods.
  • Implement SPC, control plans, MSA/Gage R&R, and traceability systems for critical-to-quality characteristics.
  • Partner with Quality on nonconformance disposition, CAPAs, and audit readiness.
  • Support NPI activities: process transfer from R&D, DFM/DFS feedback, pilot builds, and ramp into stable production.

Data Systems & Documentation
  • Build data pipelines from equipment into MES/SPC systems; define dashboards, alarms, and drift-detection criteria.
  • Maintain complete technical documentation, including PFMEA, process flows, control plans, equipment manuals, and validation reports.
  • Required Skills and Experience:
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Electrical, Mechatronics, or related engineering field (MS/PhD a plus).
  • 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in precision assembly; photonics/laser experience strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated experience developing or supporting automation equipment in a production environment.
  • Proven ability to improve critical processes using DOE, SPC, and root-cause methodologies.
  • Comfortable in a hands-on manufacturing environment, including troubleshooting, fixture tuning, and rapid iteration.
  • Proficiency in SolidWorks.
    Required Skills and Experience
  • Bachelor's degree in Mechanical, Manufacturing, Electrical, Mechatronics, or related engineering field (MS/PhD a plus).
  • 5+ years of manufacturing engineering experience in precision assembly; photonics/laser experience strongly preferred.
  • Demonstrated experience developing or supporting automation equipment in a production environment.
  • Proven ability to improve critical processes using DOE, SPC, and root-cause methodologies.
  • Comfortable in a hands-on manufacturing environment, including troubleshooting, fixture tuning, and rapid iteration.
  • Proficiency in SolidWorks.
    Preferred Qualifications
  • Experience with active fiber alignment (power maximization, 5-6 DOF, machine-vision-assisted strategies).
  • Familiarity with laser welding and adhesive/epoxy attach processes including UV/thermal cure and contamination control.
  • Background in motion control: precision stages, encoders, PID tuning, error budgeting, vibration/thermal effects.
  • Programming/scripting skills in Python, LabVIEW, C#/C++, or similar; PLC/HMI exposure a plus.
  • Knowledge of optical metrology and inspection tools (power meters, photodiodes, interferometry, microscopes, vision systems).
  • Experience with ESD, clean handling, and contamination control in photonics assembly.
  • Familiarity with ISO 9001/AS9100 environments.

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