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Photonics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Vytran LLC

Photonics Engineer II

Lafayette, CO · On-site

$110 - $125/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The Photonics Engineer II is responsible for driving innovation in applications and systems development for photonics products, with a focus on high‑performance optical cavities and locking ...

Lightmatter

Photonics Architect

Boston, MA · On-site

$150K - $220K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

The company invented the world's first 3D-stacked photonics engine, Passage™, capable of connecting thousands to millions of processors at the speed of light in extreme-scale data centers for the ...

PLP Group

Integrated Photonics Engineer

San Francisco, CA · On-site

$125 - $185/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

Own foundry tape-outs on silicon photonics, SiN, or InP platforms, including DRC, layout, and process design kit (PDK) workflows.Develop test plans and carry out wafer- and chip-level ...

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Photonics information

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$27.5K

$56.7K

$60.5K

How much do photonics jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 14, 2026, the average yearly pay for photonics in the United States is $56,723.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $59,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What jobs are in photonics?

Photonics jobs include roles such as optical engineer, laser technician, photonics researcher, optical systems designer, and photonics technician. These positions often require knowledge of optics, laser systems, and related tools, and may involve working in research labs, manufacturing, or development environments.

Is photonics a good career?

Photonics is a growing field that involves the study and application of light and optical systems, with careers in research, engineering, and manufacturing. It often requires a strong background in physics, engineering, or related sciences, and skills in optics, laser technology, and instrumentation are valuable. The industry offers opportunities in sectors such as telecommunications, healthcare, and defense, with competitive salaries and demand for specialized knowledge.

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.

What can you do with a photonics degree?

A photonics degree prepares individuals for careers in designing, developing, and testing optical and laser systems used in telecommunications, medical devices, manufacturing, and defense. Graduates often work as optical engineers, laser technicians, or research scientists, utilizing skills in optics, photonics, and related tools like CAD software. Certification and hands-on experience can enhance job prospects in this field.
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Photonics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Photonics job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,723 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

R&D Engineer - Integrated Photonics

PsiQuantum

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 14 days ago

Job description

PsiQuantum's mission is to build the first useful quantum computers-machines capable of delivering the breakthroughs the field has long promised. Since our founding in 2016, our singular focus has been to build and deploy million-qubit, fault-tolerant quantum systems. 

Quantum computers harness the laws of quantum mechanics to solve problems that even the most advanced supercomputers or AI systems will never reach. Their impact will span energy, pharmaceuticals, finance, agriculture, transportation, materials, and other foundational industries. 

Our architecture and approach is based on silicon photonics. By leveraging the advanced semiconductor manufacturing industry-including partners like GlobalFoundries-we use the same high-volume processes that already produce billions of chips for telecom and consumer electronics. 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 infrastructure. 

In 2024, PsiQuantum announced government-funded projects to support the build-out of our first utility-scale quantum computers in Brisbane, Australia, and Chicago, Illinois. These initiatives reflect a growing recognition that quantum computing will be strategically and economically defining-and that now is the time to scale. 

PsiQuantum also develops the algorithms and software needed to make these systems commercially valuable. Our application, software, and industry teams work directly with leading Fortune 500 companies-including Lockheed Martin, Mercedes-Benz, Boehringer Ingelheim, and Mitsubishi Chemical-to prepare quantum solutions for real-world impact. 

Quantum computing is not an extension of classical computing. It represents a fundamental shift-and a path to mastering challenges that cannot be solved any other way. The potential is enormous, and we have a clear path to make it real. 

Come join us. 

Job Summary:

PsiQuantum is seeking an Integrated Photonics Engineer to support the characterization and validation of advanced photonic circuits underpinning our quantum computing platform.

In this role, you will design and execute experiments to test complex optical circuits, working closely with circuit designers and system engineers. You will play a key role in developing automated experimental workflows and advancing our understanding of integrated photonic devices.

Responsibilities:

  • Design and execute experiments to characterize integrated photonic circuits across multiple optical wavelengths.
  • Test and analyze devices incorporating components such as directional couplers, interferometers, and EO modulators.
  • Develop automated experimental control and data acquisition systems (Python preferred).
  • Characterize complex integrated optics-based circuits and interpret experimental results.
  • Collaborate with design teams to troubleshoot device performance and improve future iterations.
  • Generate detailed reports and documentation for experimental procedures and results.
  • Contribute to the development of scalable testing methodologies for large-scale photonic systems.

Experience/Qualifications:

  • PhD in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a related field.
  • Strong experimental background in integrated optics and photonic circuit characterization.
  • Hands-on experience with key components such as directional couplers, interferometers (MZI/AMZI), and phase shifters.
  • Proficiency in Python for experiment automation and data analysis.
  • Experience working with complex optical measurement setups.

PsiQuantum provides equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees. PsiQuantum does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), gender identity, gender expression, national origin, ancestry, citizenship, age, physical or mental disability, military or veteran status, marital status, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other basis protected by applicable laws.

Note: PsiQuantum will only reach out to you using an official PsiQuantum email address and will never ask you for bank account information as part of the interview process. Please report any suspicious activity to recruiting@psiquantum.com.

We are not accepting unsolicited resumes from employment agencies.

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