1

Photonics Manufacturing Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Optical Manufacturing Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$151K - $195K/yr

Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Photonics, Mechanical Engineering ... Knowledge of manufacturing quality control, process optimization, and production line support

Manufacturing Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$110K - $135K/yr

Our team of engineers, scientists, software developers, and operations professionals works together ... Develop and scale manufacturing processes for quantum photonics systems, including lasers, fiber ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$110K - $135K/yr

Develop and scale manufacturing processes for quantum photonics systems, including lasers, fiber assemblies, and precision opto‑mechanical subsystems * Design and implement automated assembly, test ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$110K - $135K/yr

Our team of engineers, scientists, software developers, and operations professionals works together ... Develop and scale manufacturing processes for quantum photonics systems, including lasers, fiber ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Pleasanton, CA · On-site

$110K - $135K/yr

Our team of engineers, scientists, software developers, and operations professionals works together ... Develop and scale manufacturing processes for quantum photonics systems, including lasers, fiber ...

Overview Supermicro is seeking a motivated Optical Manufacturing Engineer with 2-4 years of hands-on experience in optical networking and photonics to support the development and production of next ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Somerset, NJ · On-site

$77K - $99K/yr

... photonics, and advanced semiconductor markets. RESPONSIBILITIES * Own manufacturing engineering outcomes for assigned semiconductor capital equipment products, improving build quality, production ...

Overview Supermicro is seeking a motivated Optical Manufacturing Engineer with 2-4 years of hands-on experience in optical networking and photonics to support the development and production of next ...

Manufacturing Engineer

Traverse City, MI · On-site

$65K - $125K/yr

If you're passionate about precision, creativity, and making an impact in photonics, you'll fit right in. Job Details As a Manufacturing Engineer, you will play a critical role in optimizing and ...

Showing results 21-40

Photonics Manufacturing Engineer information

See salary details

$47.5K

$85.6K

$120K

How much do photonics manufacturing engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 11, 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, 1% As Needed, 89% 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.

Yield & Quality Engineer - UHP and CW Laser / Photonics Semiconductor

Greensboro, NC

Oclaro
1 - 5K employees

$89K - $166K/yr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Drive yield improvement for semiconductor laser wafer and chip fabrication through analysis of manufacturing, process, test, and device-performance data.

  • Lead root-cause investigations for manufacturing and customer quality issues using structured problem-solving methodologies and data-driven analysis.

  • Work with process engineering and R&D teams to design and execute DOE for process improvement experiments.


Job description

It's fun to work in a company where people truly BELIEVE in what they're doing!
We're committed to bringing passion and customer focus to the business.

If you like wild growth and working with happy, enthusiastic over-achievers, you'll enjoy your career with us!

We are seeking an experienced Yield & Quality Engineer with a strong technical background in ultra-high-power (UHP) semiconductor laser chip fabrication or closely related photonics/compound-semiconductor technology. This role will focus on improving manufacturing yield, driving process and improvements and device performance, and leading the investigation and resolution of complex quality and reliability issues.

The ideal candidate combines a strong understanding of semiconductor laser device physics, wafer/chip fabrication processes, statistical data analysis, and structured problem solving, and can effectively work across R&D, process engineering, manufacturing, reliability, and quality teams.

Key Responsibilities:

  • Drive yield improvement for semiconductor laser wafer and chip fabrication through systematic analysis of manufacturing, process, test, and device-performance data.
  • Analyze large datasets to identify yield limiters, process excursions, and systematic failure signatures.
  • Lead root-cause investigations for manufacturing and customer quality issues using structured problem-solving methodologies and data-driven analysis.
  • Work with process engineering and R&D teams to design and execute DOE for process improvement experiments.
  • Establish and monitor yield, process, and quality metrics to identify abnormal trends and excursions
  • Lead or contribute to 8D, CAPA, FMEA, SPC, and other quality-improvement activities.
  • Partner cross-functionally with device engineering, wafer fabrication, chip processing, manufacturing, test, reliability, quality, and supplier teams.
  • Communicate technical findings and recommendations clearly to manufacturing, engineering teams, and management.

Required Technical Background:

  • Strong understanding of semiconductor device physics, preferably semiconductor lasers, high-power laser diodes, or related optoelectronic devices.
  • Experience with UHP/high-power laser chip fabrication is strongly preferred; relevant experience in photonics, optoelectronics, III-V semiconductors, or other semiconductor manufacturing environments will also be considered.
  • Strong experience in yield engineering and data mining, with demonstrated ability to translate manufacturing and test data into actionable yield-improvement opportunities.
  • Solid understanding of statistical analysis and engineering methods such as SPC, DOE, and correlation/regression analysis.
  • Experience investigating quality, reliability, manufacturing, or customer-return issues and driving problems from initial containment through verified root cause and corrective action.
  • Experience with analytical/data-mining tools such as JMP, Python, SQL, or equivalent is highly desirable.

Education & Experience

Candidates should have a degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Chemistry, Materials Science, or a closely related technical discipline, with one of the following combinations:

  • Ph.D. with 5+ years of relevant industry experience;
  • M.S. with 8+ years of relevant industry experience; or
  • B.S. with 10+ years of relevant industry experience.
  • Relevant experience should preferably include semiconductor lasers, photonics, optoelectronics, compound-semiconductor fabrication, or other semiconductor manufacturing environment.

Preferred Qualifications

  • Direct experience with high-power or ultra-high-power semiconductor laser diodes.
  • Experience correlating wafer fabrication parameters with optical/electrical device performance and reliability.
  • Knowledge of III-V materials and devices, particularly InP-based laser technologies.
  • Experience with wafer-level or chip-level test data analysis.
  • Demonstrated success delivering measurable improvements in yield, process capability, product quality, or reliability.
  • Strong understanding of failure mechanisms and failure-analysis techniques relevant to semiconductor laser devices.
  • Experience working in a high-volume or rapidly scaling semiconductor/photonics manufacturing environment.
  • Strong technical communication and structured problem-solving skills.

Salary Range:
The salary range for this position is $89,650 - $166,000USD. Final compensation will be determined based on factors such as experience, skills, and qualifications

We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company.

We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.

We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

Please contact us to request accommodation.