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Photonics Researcher Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Coherent

Sr. Principal Photonics engineer

Santa Clara, CA

$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 ...

Lyte

Photonics Validation Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$170K - $250K/yr

Support the transition of test methodologies from R&D into high-volume manufacturing Required Qualifications * Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, Applied Physics, or a related ...

Technergetics

On-Site Integrated Photonics Engineer

Rome, NY · On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

The research includes developing heterogeneous quantum networks with different quantum technologies ... Interface integrated photonics with light sources, detectors, and control systems, contributing to ...

QCi

Manufacturing Engineer-Photonics

Bedford, MA · On-site

$76K - $98K/yr

Photonics Department: EM4 About Us: Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi) (Nasdaq: QUBT) is an innovative ... You will collaborate closely with Manufacturing, Process Engineering, Quality, and R&D to ...

QCi

Applications Engineer, Photonics About Us Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi) (Nasdaq: QUBT) is an ... Research emerging technology sectors to identify "blue ocean" opportunities for QCi hardware ...

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Photonics Researcher information

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$30K

$113.1K

$164.5K

How much do photonics researcher jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 7, 2026, the average yearly pay for photonics researcher in the United States is $113,102.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $67,000.00 and $154,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a photonics researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Photonics Researcher, you need a strong background in physics, optics, and mathematics, usually supported by an advanced degree such as a master's or Ph.D. in a related field. Familiarity with simulation software (e.g., COMSOL, Lumerical), laboratory instrumentation, and data analysis tools is essential. Critical thinking, creativity, and effective communication help distinguish top researchers when designing experiments and collaborating with interdisciplinary teams. These skills and qualities are crucial for advancing innovative photonics solutions and successfully publishing and presenting complex research findings.

What are the typical collaboration opportunities for a photonics researcher within an organization?

Photonics Researchers frequently collaborate with multidisciplinary teams that may include physicists, electrical engineers, material scientists, and software developers. These collaborations are essential for integrating photonic systems into larger projects, such as optical communication networks or advanced sensor technologies. Regular meetings, joint experiments, and co-authorship on research papers are common, fostering a dynamic and knowledge-sharing environment. Close teamwork also provides opportunities to learn new techniques and broaden one’s expertise while contributing to innovative projects.

What is the difference between Photonics Researcher vs Optical Engineer?

AspectPhotonics ResearcherOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsMaster's or PhD in optics, physics, or related fieldsBachelor's or Master's in optical engineering or related disciplines
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, universities, R&D departmentsDesign, develop, and test optical systems in industry settings
Industry UsageAcademic research, government labs, industry R&DManufacturing, 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?

Photonics researchers are scientists or engineers who study and develop technologies that use light (photons) for various applications. Their work often involves investigating the properties of light, designing optical devices like lasers and sensors, and exploring new ways to transmit or process information using light rather than electricity. Photonics researchers contribute to advancements in fields such as telecommunications, medical imaging, renewable energy, and quantum computing. They typically work in laboratories, universities, or industry research and development settings. Their expertise is crucial for driving innovation in optical technologies that impact everyday life.
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What cities are hiring for Photonics Researcher jobs? Cities with the most Photonics Researcher job openings:
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Photonics Researcher jobs near you
Infographic showing various Photonics Researcher job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $113,102 per year, or $54.4 per hour.

Photonics Test Engineer

MIT Lincoln Laboratory

Lexington, MA • On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Posted 29 days ago

Job description

The RF and Integrated Photonics Group (Group 85) is committed to advancing technologies in the national interest by harnessing novel RF and photonic capabilities. 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 quantum sensing and computing systems, as well as laser, radar, communications, and electronic warfare technologies. Within the group, the integrated photonics area focuses on developing photonic integrated circuits (PICs) and active photonic devices for classical and quantum applications including: microwave photonics; ion trap quantum computing; quantum sensing and communication; advanced laser, modulator, photodetector and other device development; and non-linear photonic applications. These efforts are supported by state-of-the-art on-site fabrication tools, close partnerships with universities and industry, extensive test and measurement infrastructure, and daily collaboration with the broad array of engineers and scientists within Lincoln Laboratory. Together, the group drives innovative research to address critical challenges and advance national capabilities.

Job Description


The group seeks a highly motivated, detail-oriented, curious, and driven scientist or engineer to join our integrated photonics testing team. The successful candidate will join a close-knit, dynamic team working at the forefront of photonic integrated circuit (PIC) platform and systems development.

In this role, the successful candidate will perform wafer-level and chip-scale measurements on photonic integrated circuits and develop custom test systems for characterizing unique PIC chips and subsystems. As a key member of the team, they will be responsible for providing mission-critical feedback on device and system performance. The candidate will operate and maintain photonic test setups, using optical probe stations, fiber-optic assemblies, and optical or electro-optical test instrumentation to characterize devices and subsystems at the wafer, chip, and package levels. This work will support both PIC-related research and the development of prototype systems. Responsibilities include constructing testbeds, performing measurements, collecting and analyzing data, troubleshooting device behavior, and collaborating closely with design, fabrication, and systems teams to enhance device performance, yield, and test repeatability.

A key aspect of this role is supporting both manual probe station work and automated wafer-level testing. The successful candidate will help set up, run, and maintain automated test routines. The expectation is that this individual will become an expert in PIC measurement techniques, test automation, and data processing. This is an excellent opportunity for an engineer who enjoys a combination of hands-on lab work, problem-solving, and software-enabled test automation in a fast-paced photonics environment.

Requirements

Education: B.S.  in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Photonics, Physics, Materials Science, or a related technical field

At least two years of experience in photonic integrated circuit testing, ideally including both passive and active optical devices.

Familiarity with common test equipment such as optical probe stations, tunable lasers, oscilloscopes, source meters, power meters, spectrum analyzers, and similar instrumentation

Experience with data analysis and test scripting using Python, MATLAB, or a similar tool

Ability to troubleshoot test setups, identify root causes of measurement issues, and document findings clearly

Strong organizational skills and attention to detail in data collection, interpretation, analysis, and reporting, including the communication of test results through reports, plots, and summaries to relevant teams.

Good written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to work effectively across engineering teams

Desired Qualifications:

Experience with automated wafer testing

 Familiarity with the working principles of photonic, semiconductor, or RF devices like lasers, electro-optic modulators, transmission lines, optical fiber, optical amplifiers, etc.

Understanding of photonic device characterization such as insertion loss, wavelength response, IV/CV measurements, dark current, responsivity, or high-speed performance

Knowledge of statistical data analysis, yield analysis, and measurement system repeatability

Experience supporting engineering builds


Recent Graduate Hiring Range: $100,200-$120,000
Experienced Hiring Range: $100,200-$150,000

Disclaimer: MIT Lincoln Laboratory provides a typical hiring range as a good faith estimate of what we reasonably expect to offer for this position at the time of posting. The final salary offered to a selected candidate will depend on various factors, including-but not limited to-the scope and responsibilities of the role, the candidate's experience, skills and education/training, internal equity considerations and applicable legal requirements. This range reflects base salary only and does not include additional forms of compensation or benefits.

At MIT Lincoln Laboratory, our exceptional career opportunities include many outstanding benefits to help you stay healthy, feel supported, and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance. Benefits offered to employees include: 

  • Comprehensive health, dental, and vision plans
  • MIT-funded pension
  • Matching 401K
  • Paid leave (including vacation, sick, parental, military, etc.)
  • Tuition reimbursement and continuing education programs
  • Mentorship programs
  • A range of work-life balance options
  • ... and much more!  

Please visit our Benefits page for more information. As an employee of MIT, you can also take advantage of other voluntary benefits, discounts and perks.

Selected candidate will be subject to a pre-employment background investigation and must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret level DoD security clearance.

MIT Lincoln Laboratory is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran status, disability status, or genetic information; U.S. citizenship is required.

Requisition ID: 43127 

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