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Photonics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Coherent

Sr. Principal Photonics engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$148K - $204K/yr

Advanced light sources for silicon photonics: evaluate source architectures such as quantum-dot DFB lasers, PIC-enhanced approaches, and comb-based sources against power, wavelength control ...

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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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.
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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 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.

Sr. Principal Photonics engineer

II-VI Aerospace & Defense

Santa Clara, CA • On-site

$148K - $204K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 9 days ago

Job description


Primary Duties & Responsibilities
The themes below are examples of early focus areas. They may evolve with CTO Office priorities and future Coherent needs.
  • Advanced light sources for silicon photonics: evaluate source architectures such as quantum-dot DFB lasers, PIC-enhanced approaches, and comb-based sources against power, wavelength control, integration, reliability, packaging, manufacturability, and platform fit.
  • Heterogeneous integration for active silicon photonics: explore integration approaches for lasers, amplifiers, pumps, modulators, and related active building blocks, with attention to process compatibility, yield, thermal behavior, reliability, and scalability.
  • Energy-efficient optical I/O: develop architecture options for high-density, short-reach optical links relevant to memory-adjacent, scale-up, and disaggregated-compute use cases; compare parallel-emitter arrays, silicon photonics, and emerging emitter / receiver concepts using link-level and packaging-level metrics.
  • Detector and receiver-side integration: assess photodiode-array and receiver-side technologies, including SiGe PD array options, link budgets, bandwidth, pitch, integration constraints, and packaging scalability.
  • Simulation and analysis workflows: develop modeling methods that connect device-level behavior with link, thermal, packaging, and system-level trade-offs to guide feasibility decisions and architecture choices.
  • Quantum, quantum dots, and emerging photonics: assess selected advanced photonics and quantum-adjacent technologies that may create future opportunities in communications, sensing, or integrated photonics platforms.
  • Internal alignment and transition: work with internal experts and business groups to translate early technical findings into project proposals, proof points, and possible transition paths.

Key Responsibilities
Advanced Technical Assessment and Incubation
  • Shape early-stage concepts, feasibility objectives, risk-reduction plans, and prototype approaches for priority CTO Office topics.
  • Lead technical evaluations, modeling, design reviews, and trade-off studies with internal or external contributors.
  • Develop technical recommendations on performance, manufacturability, integration path, scalability, reliability, and transition readiness.

Roadmap Input and Technology Direction
  • Contribute technical input to roadmap discussions in optical interconnect, CPO / optical I/O, AI/HPC infrastructure, silicon photonics, advanced light sources, detector technologies, and related photonics platforms.
  • Translate emerging technology options into clear milestones, risks, decision points, and recommended next steps.
  • Connect future system needs, internal capabilities, external opportunities, and business-group priorities into actionable technical options.

External Innovation and Partner Assessment
  • Build a practical view of relevant startups, universities, research institutes, suppliers, and technology partners.
  • Evaluate external opportunities for technical credibility, maturity, differentiation, IP position, integration path, timing, and strategic fit.
  • Develop technology input for build / partner / buy discussions and potential collaboration opportunities.

Cross-Functional Execution and Communication
  • Collaborate with CTO Office colleagues, internal experts, business groups, and external partners to advance relevant opportunities from evaluation toward proof points.
  • Prepare concise technical recommendations for senior technical, product, and business stakeholders.
  • Represent Coherent in relevant technical forums, partner meetings, university discussions, and ecosystem engagements when relevant.

Education & Experience
  • Advanced degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Photonics, or related field; Ph.D. preferred.
  • 15+ years of experience in photonics, optical communications, semiconductor lasers, optoelectronic devices, data-center optical interconnect, quantum photonics, or related advanced technology fields.
  • Deep technical understanding of optical I/O, semiconductor photonics, III-V devices, silicon photonics, photodetectors, advanced light sources, and system-level optical-interconnect trade-offs.
  • Experience translating ambiguous technical opportunities into architectures, project scope, feasibility plans, risks, milestones, and technical recommendations.
  • Experience with modeling, simulation, data analysis, and technical decision support using tools such as Python, COMSOL, Lumerical, Matlab, or equivalent.
  • Experience coordinating cross-functional R&D work across design, process, packaging, reliability, product, and business stakeholders.
  • Experience with technology scouting, startup evaluation, partner assessment, roadmap input, or external innovation engagement.

Skills
  • Deep technical credibility with photonics, optical interconnect, device physics, and advanced-development teams.
  • Strong system-level thinking across devices, process scalability, packaging, link architecture, and product relevance.
  • Ability to define clear technical directions from complex trade-offs and incomplete information.
  • Entrepreneurial mindset and ability to create practical project concepts before they are fully defined by customer pull.
  • Collaborative leadership style and ability to influence across sites, business groups, and external partners.
  • Clear communication with senior technical, product, and business audiences.

Working Conditions
  • Hybrid role with collaboration across Coherent sites, CTO Office colleagues, and business groups.
  • Periodic travel to startups, universities, partners, and Coherent sites; US and Asia travel as needed.
  • Combination of independent technical analysis, cross-functional collaboration, project leadership, and external ecosystem engagement.

Physical Requirements
  • xxxx

Safety Requirements
All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.
Quality and Environmental Responsibilities
Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.
Culture Commitment
Ensure adherence to company's values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:
Integrity - Create an Environment of Trust
Collaboration - Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
Accountability - Own the Process and the Outcome
Respect - Recognize the Value in Everyone
Enthusiasm - Find a Sense of Purpose in Work
Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.
About Us
Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.

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