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Photonics Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Psionic

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Hampton, VA · On-site

Silicon Photonics Engineer Psionic, Inc is a startup focused on lidar sensors and navigation systems for autonomous vehicles. We value our customer relationships, our diverse and dynamic work ...

Psionic

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Hampton, VA · On-site

Silicon Photonics EngineerPsionic, Inc is a startup focused on lidar sensors and navigation systems for autonomous vehicles. We value our customer relationships, our diverse and dynamic work ...

Devyantram

Lead Photonics Engineer

Ashburn, VA · On-site

$150K - $170K/yr

Key Responsibilities Photonics Engineering • Design and simulate photonic circuits, waveguides, resonators, and interferometers. • Develop optical interconnects and signal-routing subsystems. • ...

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Photonics information

See Virginia salary details

$27.3K

$56.2K

$60K

How much do photonics jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average yearly pay for photonics in Virginia is $56,236.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $58,500.00 and $59,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Photonics Engineer, you need a strong background in optics, physics, and engineering principles, typically supported by a degree in electrical engineering, physics, or a related field. Familiarity with simulation software (like COMSOL or Zemax), laser systems, and fiber optics, as well as relevant certifications, are commonly required. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective communication set top professionals apart in this role. These skills ensure the successful design, testing, and implementation of photonic devices and systems critical to industries like telecommunications and healthcare.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in photonics, and how can they be addressed?

Photonics professionals often encounter challenges such as staying up-to-date with rapidly evolving technologies, managing complex interdisciplinary projects, and working with precise, sensitive equipment. Collaboration with experts in electronics, software, and materials science is typically essential to solve technical problems and innovate effectively. Developing strong communication skills and keeping abreast of industry trends through continuous learning can help individuals navigate these challenges and advance their careers.

Is photonics a good career?

Photonics is a growing field that involves the study and application of light technologies, including lasers, optical fibers, and imaging systems. Careers in photonics often require a background in physics, engineering, or related fields, and can offer opportunities in industries such as telecommunications, healthcare, and defense. The field typically offers competitive salaries and demand for skilled professionals with specialized technical knowledge.

What can you do with photonics?

Photonics professionals work with the generation, manipulation, and detection of light using tools like lasers, optical fibers, and photonic devices. They develop technologies for telecommunications, medical imaging, laser manufacturing, and sensor systems, often requiring knowledge of optics, electronics, and materials science.

What are popular job titles related to Photonics jobs in Virginia?

For Photonics jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Photonics jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Photonics jobs in Virginia are:

Photonics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Photonics job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 92% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,236 per year, or $27 per hour.

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Hampton, VA • On-site

Psionic
11 - 50 employees
Learn more about Psionicexternal

Full-time

Re-posted 2 days ago

Job description

Silicon Photonics Engineer
Psionic, Inc is a startup focused on lidar sensors and navigation systems for autonomous vehicles. We value our customer relationships, our diverse and dynamic work environment, and our employees' career satisfaction. We offer a competitive salary and attractive benefits package.
We are adding a motivated Silicon Photonics Engineer to join our small, fast-moving team and help take photonic integrated circuits from concept to silicon. The successful candidate will be responsible for the design, layout, and verification of photonic integrated circuits (PIC) for FMCW lidar systems. You will work directly with commercial foundries, and see your layouts turn into fabricated chips. The role requires experience with PIC layout tools and foundry tape outs to complement our on-site team in Hampton, VA.
Job Description
The primary purpose of this position is to design and develop silicon photonic components and subsystems. You will work with a high-performing, multidisciplinary engineering team. A breadth of engineering expertise building real world high-speed, electro-optical systems is needed. Excellent communications skills are critical for success.
The successful candidate requires knowledge necessary to create and maintain PDK-based layouts for fabrication using script-driven tools. The job requires working directly with commercial CMOS/photonic foundries to prepare tape-outs, resolve DRC issues, and support fabrication runs. The applicant will interact with a broad interdisciplinary team composed of experts in integrated photonics device and circuit design, free space optical design, device test, quality, electrical ICs design, chip assembly, component packaging, etc.
Our designs must perform under stringent environmental conditions. Integrated optical sensors and supporting electronics are necessary to achieve high-performance requirements. The successful candidate will be familiar with the integrated photonics lab testing techniques and procedures to analyze and predict system performance across highly variable environmental conditions. The work involves hardware development as well as testing and conducting performance validation and verification of photonic devices.
Responsibilities
  • Design silicon photonic components and subsystems from the ground up.
  • Create and maintain Process Design Kit (PDK)-based layouts for fabrication using script-driven tools.
  • Work directly with commercial Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS)/photonic foundries to prepare tape-outs, resolve Design Rule Checking (DRC) issues, and support fabrication runs.
  • Collaborate closely with electrical, mechanical, packaging, and system engineers.
  • Test and characterize photonic devices.
  • Document designs and contribute to internal design reviews.

Education and Qualifications
  • Must be a US Citizen
  • Must be able to pass a pre-employment background check
  • MS in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Applied Physics or related field, PhD preferred
  • Hands-on experience with silicon photonics design and layout.
  • Experience working with commercial foundry Process Design Kits (PDKs).
  • Experience with script-based layout workflows.
  • Familiarity with photonic simulation tools (Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD), Eigne Mode Expansion (EME), circuit-level modeling).
  • Experience with optical lab setups and photonic device testing.
  • Understanding of photonic design rules and tape-out processes.
  • Familiarity with silicon photonic packaging concepts and techniques (e.g., fiber attach, edge/grating couplers, alignment, thermal management, and co-packaging considerations) is a plus.
  • Exposure to RF or electronic-photonic co-design and packaging is a plus.
Why You'll Like Working Here
  • High-impact role: your designs go to silicon and get tested.
  • Small team with high trust and minimal bureaucracy.
  • Direct interaction with foundries and decision-makers.
  • Mix of design, coding, and hands-on lab work.

Psionic, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This position requires access to export-controlled technology or software source code and the position is subject to U.S. export control laws.

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