CREOL is one the world's foremost institutions for research and education in optics and photonic science and engineering. The college offers Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in optics and photonics, and a B.S ...
CREOL is one the world's foremost institutions for research and education in optics and photonic science and engineering. The college offers Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in optics and photonics, and a B.S ...
2026 Graduate - Optics & Photonics Engineer/Scientist
Laurel, MD · On-site
$127K - $165K/yr
Description Do you want to explore a career in optics and photonics ... Are you passionate about helping shape the technology of tomorrow through cutting edge research and ...
2026 Graduate - Optics & Photonics Engineer/Scientist
Laurel, MD · On-site
$127K - $165K/yr
Description Do you want to explore a career in optics and photonics ... Are you passionate about helping shape the technology of tomorrow through cutting edge research and ...
Silicon Photonics Engineer
Palo Alto, CA · On-site
Experience: * 5 years of relevant work or academic research experience in integrated photonics. * Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: * Strong computational and analytical skills applied to photonic ...
Silicon Photonics Engineer
Palo Alto, CA · On-site
Experience: * 5 years of relevant work or academic research experience in integrated photonics. * Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: * Strong computational and analytical skills applied to photonic ...
Silicon Photonics Engineer
Palo Alto, CA · On-site
Experience: * 5 years of relevant work or academic research experience in integrated photonics. * Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: * Strong computational and analytical skills applied to photonic ...
Silicon Photonics Engineer
Palo Alto, CA · On-site
Experience: * 5 years of relevant work or academic research experience in integrated photonics. * Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: * Strong computational and analytical skills applied to photonic ...
CREOL is one the world's foremost institutions for research and education in optics and photonic science and engineering. The college offers Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in optics and photonics, and a B.S ...
CREOL is one the world's foremost institutions for research and education in optics and photonic science and engineering. The college offers Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in optics and photonics, and a B.S ...
Photonics Engineer I
Jessup, MD · On-site
$80K/yr
... photonics (i.e., light-based) technologies. Backed by a dedicated workforce of more than 3,000 ... research and real-world innovation. Whether you're early in your career or bringing years of ...
Photonics Engineer I
Jessup, MD · On-site
$80K/yr
... photonics (i.e., light-based) technologies. Backed by a dedicated workforce of more than 3,000 ... research and real-world innovation. Whether you're early in your career or bringing years of ...
2026 Graduate - Optics & Photonics Engineer/Scientist
Laurel, MD · On-site
$128K - $166K/yr
Description Do you want to explore a career in optics and photonics ... Are you passionate about helping shape the technology of tomorrow through cutting edge research and ...
2026 Graduate - Optics & Photonics Engineer/Scientist
Laurel, MD · On-site
$128K - $166K/yr
Description Do you want to explore a career in optics and photonics ... Are you passionate about helping shape the technology of tomorrow through cutting edge research and ...
Silicon Photonics Engineer
Palo Alto, CA · On-site
Experience: * 5 years of relevant work or academic research experience in integrated photonics. * Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: * Strong computational and analytical skills applied to photonic ...
Silicon Photonics Engineer
Palo Alto, CA · On-site
Experience: * 5 years of relevant work or academic research experience in integrated photonics. * Knowledge, Skills and Abilities: * Strong computational and analytical skills applied to photonic ...
Photonics Initiative Administrative Coordinator
New York, NY · On-site
$60K - $72K/yr
CUNY-ADVANCED SCIENCE RESEARCH CENTER Bargaining Unit: No The Advanced Science Research Center ... Reporting to the Director of the Photonics Initiative, the Administrative Coordinator plans and ...
Photonics Initiative Administrative Coordinator
New York, NY · On-site
$60K - $72K/yr
CUNY-ADVANCED SCIENCE RESEARCH CENTER Bargaining Unit: No The Advanced Science Research Center ... Reporting to the Director of the Photonics Initiative, the Administrative Coordinator plans and ...
Current applied research areas at Spectrum Lab include remote sensing (microwave and optical range ... It is dedicated to innovation in applied optics and photonics with a three-fold mission to:
Current applied research areas at Spectrum Lab include remote sensing (microwave and optical range ... It is dedicated to innovation in applied optics and photonics with a three-fold mission to:
Lead Photonics System Engineer
$105K - $189K/yr
This is NOT research & development. This is production scale photonics manufacturing in a hyperscale environment. You are a leader within a global manufacturing team applying photonics technology to ...
Lead Photonics System Engineer
$105K - $189K/yr
This is NOT research & development. This is production scale photonics manufacturing in a hyperscale environment. You are a leader within a global manufacturing team applying photonics technology to ...
Sr. Principal Photonics engineer
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
$148K - $204K/yr
Advanced light sources for silicon photonics: evaluate source architectures such as quantum-dot DFB ... Build a practical view of relevant startups, universities, research institutes, suppliers, and ...
Sr. Principal Photonics engineer
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
$148K - $204K/yr
Advanced light sources for silicon photonics: evaluate source architectures such as quantum-dot DFB ... Build a practical view of relevant startups, universities, research institutes, suppliers, and ...
Photonics offers natural advantages for scale: photons don't feel heat, are immune to electromagnetic interference, and integrate with existing cryogenic cooling and standard fiber-optic ...
Photonics offers natural advantages for scale: photons don't feel heat, are immune to electromagnetic interference, and integrate with existing cryogenic cooling and standard fiber-optic ...
Sr. Principal Photonics engineer
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
$148K - $204K/yr
Advanced light sources for silicon photonics: evaluate source architectures such as quantum-dot DFB ... Build a practical view of relevant startups, universities, research institutes, suppliers, and ...
Sr. Principal Photonics engineer
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
$148K - $204K/yr
Advanced light sources for silicon photonics: evaluate source architectures such as quantum-dot DFB ... Build a practical view of relevant startups, universities, research institutes, suppliers, and ...
Lead Photonics System Engineer
$105K - $189K/yr
This is NOT research & development. This is production scale photonics manufacturing in a hyperscale environment. You are a leader within a global manufacturing team applying photonics technology to ...
Lead Photonics System Engineer
$105K - $189K/yr
This is NOT research & development. This is production scale photonics manufacturing in a hyperscale environment. You are a leader within a global manufacturing team applying photonics technology to ...
Sr. Principal Photonics engineer
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
$148K - $204K/yr
Advanced light sources for silicon photonics: evaluate source architectures such as quantum-dot DFB ... Build a practical view of relevant startups, universities, research institutes, suppliers, and ...
Sr. Principal Photonics engineer
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
$148K - $204K/yr
Advanced light sources for silicon photonics: evaluate source architectures such as quantum-dot DFB ... Build a practical view of relevant startups, universities, research institutes, suppliers, and ...
Photonics Initiative Administrative Coordinator
New York, NY · On-site
$60K - $72K/yr
CUNY-ADVANCED SCIENCE RESEARCH CENTER Bargaining Unit: No The Advanced Science Research Center ... Reporting to the Director of the Photonics Initiative, the Administrative Coordinator plans and ...
Photonics Initiative Administrative Coordinator
New York, NY · On-site
$60K - $72K/yr
CUNY-ADVANCED SCIENCE RESEARCH CENTER Bargaining Unit: No The Advanced Science Research Center ... Reporting to the Director of the Photonics Initiative, the Administrative Coordinator plans and ...
Sr. Principal Photonics engineer
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
$148K - $204K/yr
Advanced light sources for silicon photonics: evaluate source architectures such as quantum-dot DFB ... Build a practical view of relevant startups, universities, research institutes, suppliers, and ...
Sr. Principal Photonics engineer
Santa Clara, CA · On-site
$148K - $204K/yr
Advanced light sources for silicon photonics: evaluate source architectures such as quantum-dot DFB ... Build a practical view of relevant startups, universities, research institutes, suppliers, and ...
Photonics Test Engineer
Lexington, MA · On-site
The group's work encompasses everything from foundational research into materials and components to the development of complete RF and photonics systems. Key application areas include classical and ...
Photonics Test Engineer
Lexington, MA · On-site
The group's work encompasses everything from foundational research into materials and components to the development of complete RF and photonics systems. Key application areas include classical and ...
Photonics Test Engineer
Lexington, MA · On-site
The group's work encompasses everything from foundational research into materials and components to the development of complete RF and photonics systems. Key application areas include classical and ...
Photonics Test Engineer
Lexington, MA · On-site
The group's work encompasses everything from foundational research into materials and components to the development of complete RF and photonics systems. Key application areas include classical and ...
Photonics Researcher information
See salary details
$30K - $42.2K
4% of jobs
$42.2K - $54.5K
3% of jobs
$54.5K - $66.7K
18% of jobs
$67K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$66.7K - $78.9K
9% of jobs
$78.9K - $91.1K
8% of jobs
$91.1K - $103.4K
3% of jobs
$103.4K - $115.6K
3% of jobs
The median wage is $120.2K / yr.
$115.6K - $127.8K
4% of jobs
$127.8K - $140K
3% of jobs
$140K - $152.3K
3% of jobs
$157.1K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$152.3K - $164.5K
41% of jobs
$30K
$113.1K
$164.5K
How much do photonics researcher jobs pay per year?
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a photonics researcher, and why are they important?
What are the typical collaboration opportunities for a photonics researcher within an organization?
What is the difference between Photonics Researcher vs Optical Engineer?
| Aspect | Photonics Researcher | Optical Engineer |
|---|---|---|
| Required Credentials | Master's or PhD in optics, physics, or related fields | Bachelor's or Master's in optical engineering or related disciplines |
| Work Environment | Research labs, universities, R&D departments | Design, develop, and test optical systems in industry settings |
| Industry Usage | Academic research, government labs, industry R&D | Manufacturing, telecommunications, consumer electronics |
Photonics Researchers focus on advancing optical science through experiments and theoretical work, often in academic or research institutions. Optical Engineers apply optical principles to develop practical systems and products in industry. While both roles require strong optics knowledge, Photonics Researchers are more research-oriented, whereas Optical Engineers focus on application and product development.
What is a photonics researcher?

Assistant Professor, Associate Professor or Professor of Optics and Photonics
Orlando, FL • On-site
Full-time
Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO
Re-posted 29 days ago
University Of Central Florida rating
7.2
Based on 44 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz
383rd of 615 rated colleges and universities
Job description
CREOL, The College of Optics and Photonics at the University of Central Florida (UCF) invites applications for multiple full-time, 9-month faculty positions at the rank of Assistant Professor (tenure-earning), Associate Professor or Professor (tenured) in the area of optics and photonics. Topics of interest include but are not limited to: Space Photonics, Quantum Photonics, Lasers, Directed Energy, Advanced Imaging and Optical Materials. This search is tied to a major strategic investment by the University of Central Florida in Science, Engineering, and Technology.
Successful candidates will be expected to establish a top-quality, vigorous, highly visible research program, teach and mentor graduate and undergraduate students, and contribute to service in the institution and profession. CREOL is one the world's foremost institutions for research and education in optics and photonic science and engineering. The college offers Ph.D. and M.S. degrees in optics and photonics, and a B.S. degree in photonic science and engineering. The faculty engage in fundamental and applied research and education in lasers, optical fibers, semiconductor and integrated photonic devices, nonlinear and quantum optics, imaging, sensing and displays. In addition, the College of Engineering and Computer Science and the College of Sciences provide rich opportunities for collaboration. For more information visit www.creol.ucf.edu.
UCF has been consistently ranked highly among Best Global Universities for Optics by various agencies such as U.S. News & World Report. Located in Orlando, Florida, UCF is classified as a Very High Research Activity (R1) university by the Carnegie Foundation. With a diverse student body of more than 70,000 students, UCF is one of the largest universities in the country. The university offers more than 240 degree programs. UCF is committed to diversity and was designated a Hispanic Serving Institution in 2019. For the fifth consecutive year, UCF has been recognized among the nation's most innovative universities according to U.S. News & World Report while Kiplinger's and The Princeton Review have ranked UCF as one of the nation's best values for a college education. For more information, visit https://www.ucf.edu.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Ph.D. from an accredited institution in optics or a closely related discipline at the time of appointment.
- Applicants must demonstrate strong research experience with a high record of scholarly publications.
To obtain tenure upon hire, the selected candidate(s) must have a demonstrated record of teaching, research, and service commensurate with a tenured faculty appointment at the rank of associate professor or professor.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Demonstrated experience in photonics research and education.
- A successful record of submitting proposals for research funding.
Additional Application Materials Required:
UCF requires all applications and supporting documents to be submitted electronically through the Human Resources employment opportunities website, https://www.ucf.edu/jobs/. In addition to the online application, interested candidates should upload the following:
- A curriculum vitae.
- A letter of interest describing qualifications for the position, such as research agenda and teaching experience/interest.
- Statement of research and teaching plans
NOTE: Please have all documents ready when applying so they can be simultaneously uploaded. Once the online submission process is finalized, the system does not allow applicants to submit additional documents later.
The selected candidate will be required to submit official transcripts (and, as applicable, U.S. degree equivalency evaluations) documenting the conferral of their qualifying academic credentials.
Questions regarding this search should be directed to: Katie Connolly, HR Coordinator III at katiec@ucf.edu.
Special Instructions to the Applicants:
Sponsorship for employment-based visas will only be considered under exceptional circumstances and is not guaranteed. Preference will be given to candidates who are currently authorized to work for any employer in the United States
Job Close Date:
Open until filled.
Note to applicants: Please keep in mind that a job posted as 'Open until filled' may close at any time without notice. As such, we encourage you to submit your application and all required documentation as quickly as possible to ensure consideration for the posted position.
Are you ready to unleash YOUR potential?
As a next-generation public research university and Forbes-ranked top employer in Florida, we are a community of thinkers, doers, creators, innovators, healers, and leaders striving to create broader prosperity and help shape a better future. No matter what your role is, when you join Knight Nation, you'll play an integral role at one of the most impactful universities in the country. You'll be met with opportunities to connect and collaborate with talented faculty, staff, and students across 13 colleges and multiple campuses, engaging in impactful work that makes a positive difference. Your time at UCF will provide you with many meaningful opportunities to grow, you'll work alongside talented colleagues on complex projects that will challenge you and help you gain new skills and you'll have countless rewarding experiences that go well beyond a paycheck.
Working at UCF has its perks! UCF offers:
- Benefit packages, including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life Insurance, Flexible Spending, and Employee Assistance Program.
- Paid time off, including annual (12-month faculty) and sick time off and paid holidays.
- Retirement savings options.
- Employee discounts, including tickets to many Orlando attractions.
- Education assistance.
- Flexible work environment.
- And more...For more benefits information, view the UCF Employee Benefits Guide click here.
Unless explicitly stated on the job posting, it is UCF's expectation that an employee of UCF will reside in Florida as of the date the employment begins.
Additional Requirements related to Research Positions:
Pursuant to Florida State Statute 1010.35, prior to offering employment to certain individuals in research-related positions, UCF is required to conduct additional screening. Applicants subject to additional screening include any citizen of a foreign country who is not a permanent resident of the U.S., or who is a citizen or permanent resident but is affiliated with or has had at least 1 year of education, employment, or training in China, Cuba, Iran, Russia, North Korea, Syria, or Venezuela.
The additional screening requirements only apply to research-related positions, including, but not limited to faculty, graduate positions, individuals compensated by research grants or contract funds, post-doctoral positions, undergraduate positions, visiting assistant professors, and visiting research associates.
Department
College of Optics and Photonics (CREOL)
Work Schedule
Varies
Type of Appointment
Regular
Expected Salary
Negotiable
As a Florida public university, the University of Central Florida makes all application materials and selection procedures available to the public upon request.
UCF is proud to be a smoke-free campus and an E-Verify employer.
If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call 407-823-1336 or email onac@ucf.edu.
For general application or posting questions, please email talent@ucf.edu.
What University Of Central Florida employees say
Pay
Benefits
Hours and flexibility
Workplace
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About University of Central Florida
Sourced by ZipRecruiter
Industry
Colleges, universities, and professional schools
Company size
10,000+ Employees
Headquarters location
Orlando, FL, US
Year founded
1963