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Photonics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Photonics offers natural advantages for scale: photonsdon'tfeel heat, are immune to electromagnetic interference, and integrate with existing cryogenic cooling and standard fiber-optic infrastructure.

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 ...

Contribute across photonics workflow: device design, simulation, layout, test, and system-level experiments. * Work closely with a multidisciplinary team of engineers and quantum scientists to ...

Photonics Engineer II

Lafayette, CO · On-site

$110 - $125/hr

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 ...

Photonics Engineer II

Lafayette, LA · On-site

$110 - $125/hr

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 ...

NY · On-site

$118 - $210/hr

## SMTS Silicon Photonics Device EngineerApplylocations: USA - New York - Maltatime type: Full timeposted on: Posted Todayjob requisition id: JR-2600608**About GlobalFoundries:**GlobalFoundries is a ...

$120 - $192/hr

Senior Silicon Photonics PIC Design Engineer Broadcom is seeking a Senior Silicon Photonics PIC Design Engineer to support the development of next‑generation photonic integrated circuits (PICs)

New

Photonics Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$128K - $208K/yr

Contribute across photonics workflow: device design, simulation, layout, test, and system-level experiments. * Work closely with a multidisciplinary team of engineers and quantum scientists to ...

Photonics Engineer II

Lafayette, CO · On-site

$110 - $125/hr

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 ...

Photonics Engineer III Key Responsibilities: * Design and develop complete Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), from fundamental component blocks to full-circuit implementations, with a strong ...

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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 Sep 4, 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 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.
More about Photonics jobs

What cities are hiring for Photonics jobs?

Cities with the most Photonics job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Photonics jobs?

The most popular types of Photonics jobs are:

What states have the most Photonics jobs?

States with the most job openings for Photonics jobs include:

Infographic showing various Photonics job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 95% Full Time, 2% Part Time, 1% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 93% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,723 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Silicon Photonics Engineer

PsiQuantum

Palo Alto, CA • On-site

Other

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Key responsibilities

  • Assist in the development of photonic systems and devices by interacting with design teams.

  • Support foundry tape outs through photonic device design, layout, verification, and software development.

  • Develop documentation for tapeouts and resolve technical issues related to components, parts, or systems.


Job description

PsiQuantum'smission 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 approachisbased on silicon photonics. Byleveragingthe 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: photonsdon'tfeel heat, are immune to electromagnetic interference, and integrate with existing cryogenic cooling and standard fiber-optic infrastructure.

In 2024,PsiQuantumannounced 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.

PsiQuantumalso 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. Itrepresentsa fundamental shift-and a path to mastering challenges that cannot besolvedany other way. The potential is enormous, and we have a clearpathto make it real.

Come join us.

Job Summary:

We are seeking a creative and hands-on Silicon Photonics Engineer to drive the design and implementation of next-generation photonic integrated circuits. This role spans the full development cycle of silicon photonic devices and subsystems, from device concept generation and electromagnetic simulation to physical layout, tapeout support, and design verification. The ideal candidate is comfortable moving between theoretical modeling and practical implementation, with strong intuition for both photonic device physics and layout realization within foundry process constraints. Particularly, this position is focusing on efforts for complex switching circuit application.

Responsibilities:

  • Interacts with device, hardware, and system design teams to assist in overall development of photonic systems and devices.
  • Supports foundry tape outs with photonic device design, design of experiments, layout, design verification, PDK development, and software development.
  • Develops comprehensive documentation for tapeouts.
  • Provides multi-disciplinary support to component and systems teams by resolving technical issues associated with components, parts, or systems.
  • Applies quantitative analysis in determining root cause of highly technical problems and proposes, develops, and implements solutions for corrective action.

Experience/Qualifications:

  • Education: PhD or equivalent in Electrical Engineering or Physics.
  • 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 device design and performance evaluation.
    • In-depth knowledge of photonic devices, including performance metrics and testing techniques.
    • Extensive experience with photonic design using commercial software platforms such as Lumerical simulation suite.
    • Photonic layout experience using tools such as IPKISS, gdsfactory, or equivalent.
    • Extensive experience with Python for scientific applications and data analysis.
    • Excellent communication skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across technical and non-technical teams.

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.

Base pay is one part of the total compensation package. Full-time roles are eligible for equity and benefits.Our compensation ranges reflect the cost of labor across multiple U.S. geographicmarkets, and we pay based on defined geographic zones. This position may be filled withinone of thefollowingU.S.geographic zones, each with its own salary range.

Actual compensation may vary outside of these ranges and is dependent onvarious factorsincluding, but not limited to, a candidate's qualifications, relevant education and training, competencies, experience, geographic location, business needs, and internal equity. Your recruiter can share more details about the salary range applicable to your location during the hiring process.

  • Zone 1- Bay Area and NYC
  • Zone 2-Examples include LosAngelesandWashington DC
  • Zone 3-Examples include Austin, Chicago,and Sacramento
  • Zone 4-Examples include Nashville and Phoenix/Tempe and manyremote locations

This position includes the following benefits: competitive health coverage for you and your dependents, 401(k) with company match, equity grants, access to financial wellness tools and planning resources, wellness benefits, family support programs, life and disability insurance, paid leave programs, company-designated paid holidays, discretionary time off (DTO), and an end-of-year company shutdown. Some of these benefits have eligibility requirements and may vary based on location, role, or employment status. Many of these benefits are subsidized or fully paid for by the company.

The estimated annual base salary rangefor this role is:

Zone 1
$139,800—$164,300 USD
Zone 2
$125,900—$147,900 USD
Zone 3
$111,800—$131,400 USD
Zone 4
$97,900—$115,000 USD