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Photonics Test Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

IonQ

Senior Photonics Test Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

As a Senior Photonics Test Engineer, you'll be part of a cross-functional team whose mission is to lead IonQ on its journey to build the world's best quantum computers to solve the world's most ...

IonQ

Senior Photonics Test Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

As a Senior Photonics Test Engineer, you'll be part of a cross-functional team whose mission is to lead IonQ on its journey to build the world's best quantum computers to solve the world's most ...

International Council for Veterinary Assessment

$120K - $160K/yr

Equal Employment Opportunity/M/F/disability/protected veteran status Position Title Photonics Test Development Engineer Location Rochester, NY Category Engineering Job Type Full-Time Posted On Tue ...

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How much do photonics test engineer jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 14, 2026, the average hourly pay for photonics test engineer in the United States is $44.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $33.41 and $52.40 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a photonics test engineer do?

A Photonics Test Engineer is responsible for designing, developing, and executing tests to evaluate the performance of photonic devices and systems, such as lasers, optical fibers, and sensors. They analyze data to ensure components meet technical specifications and industry standards. Their work often involves troubleshooting, optimizing test setups, and collaborating with design and manufacturing teams to improve product quality and reliability. Photonics Test Engineers play a crucial role in industries like telecommunications, medical devices, and aerospace, where precise control and measurement of light are essential.

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

To thrive as a Photonics Test Engineer, you need a solid background in optics, photonics, and electronics, typically supported by a degree in physics, electrical engineering, or a related field. Proficiency with optical test equipment (such as oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and interferometers), as well as familiarity with programming languages and data analysis tools, is essential. Attention to detail, problem-solving abilities, and strong communication skills set outstanding candidates apart in this role. These skills and qualities are vital to ensure precise testing, accurate data interpretation, and effective collaboration on complex photonics projects.

What are some typical challenges faced by photonics test engineers during product development?

Photonics Test Engineers often encounter challenges such as ensuring measurement accuracy when working with delicate optical components and high-speed photonic devices. They must carefully design and calibrate testing setups to minimize signal loss and external interference. Collaborating closely with design and manufacturing teams is also essential to troubleshoot unexpected test results and adapt test protocols as prototypes evolve. Staying current with rapid advancements in photonics technology further adds to the complexity of the role.

What cities are hiring for Photonics Test Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Photonics Test Engineer job openings:

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

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

Infographic showing various Photonics Test Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 86% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 7% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $92,027 per year, or $44.2 per hour.

Senior Photonics Test Engineer

Boston, MA • On-site

IonQ
IT Services • 51 - 200 employees
Learn more about IonQexternal

$126K - $166K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Location: This role will be based on-site at our Boston, MA office. 
Travel: Less than 10%
Job ID: 1632 

The Role: 

We are looking for a Senior Photonics Test Engineer to join our Quantum Interconnect Division. As a Senior Photonics Test Engineer, you'll be part of a cross-functional team whose mission is to lead IonQ on its journey to build the world's best quantum computers to solve the world's most complex problems. In this role, you will be responsible for the characterization and test development of on-chip photonic devices. The ideal candidate is someone who is a detail-oriented problem solver with strong teamwork skills.

Responsibilities:

  • Design, upgrade, and expand the testing infrastructure for characterizing classical integrated photonics devices and components (passive and active) at chip and wafer level scale, utilizing both room-temperature and cryogenic setups.
  • Develop and perform robust testing procedures for component-level characterization.
  • Automate the test pipeline, including instrument setup, data acquisition, and analysis, while maintaining high-quality, scalable, and well-tested scripts.
  • Conduct characterization using room-temperature and cryogenic setups and provide data-driven feedback to design engineers to improve component performance.
  • Collaborate with design, packaging, and system teams to optimize testing features and develop a library of testing structures for platform improvement.

Requirements:

  • 3+ years of professional experience in the hands-on characterization of PIC devices or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Master or Ph.D. in engineering or related field/discipline or equivalent practical experience.
  • Programming experience in a general-purpose programming language (like Python, Matlab, etc.) for test automation.
  • Experience with test instrumentation and methods for characterizing classical integrated photonics devices.
  • Strong data processing, visualization, and organizational skills.
  • Hands-on experience with room-temperature optical test setups

Preferred Qualifications:

  • 5+ years of design and characterization experience of classical integrated photonics devices.
  • 3+ years of industry experience.
  • Familiarity with free-space optics and imaging systems.
  • Hands-on experience with cryogenic optical test setups.
  • Experience working with laser sources and fiber components.
  • Strong programming skills for data analysis and experimental automation software, and experience with version control systems such as git.
  • Familiarity with fabrication processes and design constraints for PICs.

The approximate base salary range for this position is $126,887 - $166,127. The total compensation package includes base, bonus, equity, and a range of benefit options found on our career site.

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