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Photonics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Ayo Semiconductor

Photonics Test Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

The Role We are seeking a Photonics Test Engineer to serve as a core team member and among the first employees at Ayo. You will be responsible for operating and expanding our automated wafer-level ...

QCi

Applications Engineer, Photonics About Us Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi) (Nasdaq: QUBT) is an innovative, integrated photonics company that provides accessible and affordable quantum machines to the ...

QCi

Applications Engineer- Photonics

Santa Barbara, CA · On-site

Applications Engineer, Photonics About Us Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi) (Nasdaq: QUBT) is an innovative, integrated photonics company that provides accessible and affordable quantum machines to the ...

Lightmatter

Staff Photonics Design Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$200K - $225K/yr

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 ...

Lyte

Photonics Validation Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$170K - $250K/yr

We are seeking a highly motivated Photonics Validation Engineer to join our team. In this role, you will be responsible for validating photonics sub-systems and packaged opto-electronic modules ...

New

Lightmatter

Staff Photonics Design Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$200K - $225K/yr

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 ...

Lightmatter

Staff Photonics Test Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$215K - $260K/yr

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 ...

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Photonics information

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$27.5K

$56.7K

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How much do photonics jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 24, 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 photonics?

Photonics is the science and technology of generating, controlling, and detecting photons, which are particles of light. It involves the use of light for various applications such as fiber-optic communications, lasers, medical diagnostics, and imaging systems. Professionals in photonics work on developing devices and systems that use light to transmit information, process data, or perform precise measurements. The field combines elements of physics, engineering, and material science to create innovative solutions for industries such as telecommunications, healthcare, manufacturing, and defense.

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.
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:
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Photonics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Photonics job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 97% Full Time, 1% 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.

Photonics Test Engineer

Ayo Semiconductor

Boston, MA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision

Posted 6 days ago

Job description

About Ayo

Ayo is a venture-backed early-stage startup that will radically redefine how humanity performs computing for AI. Our photonic processors will provide orders of magnitude improvement in speed and power efficiency in comparison to conventional digital compute platforms by taking advantage of the natural parallelism, speed, and energy efficiency of light.

The Role

We are seeking a Photonics Test Engineer to serve as a core team member and among the first employees at Ayo. You will be responsible for operating and expanding our automated wafer-level test capabilities, writing the scripts that run them, and executing hands-on measurements that feed directly into our design and fabrication cycles. You will serve as the hands and eyes of the integrated photonics team, capturing and preparing the data that will shape the decisions we make on every chip we build.

What You'll Do

- Use our automated wafer prober to measure integrated photonic devices

- Write automated probing scripts in Python to control test equipment and collect data

- Devise and build manual test setups and execute measurements

- Prepare and analyze test data for the integrated photonics team

What We're Looking For

- Expertise using standard photonic test equipment, including tunable lasers, photodetectors, spectrum analyzers, and fiber optic components

- Expertise using standard electronic test equipment, including source measurement units, oscilloscopes, multimeters, and power supplies

- Strong Python and/or MATLAB skills applied to instrument control, data collection, or analysis

- Comfortable working with fiber optic components and semiconductor probing equipment in a lab environment

- Familiarity with the fundamentals of integrated photonics

Preferred Qualifications

- Experience with automated wafer-level test equipment, such as automated wafer probers

- Experience testing photonic integrated circuits

Why Ayo

  • You'll be the first photonics test engineer on the team - your work will directly shape how we validate our chips and build our prototypes.

  • We are working on a genuinely hard and interesting problem: unseating the GPU as the dominant AI compute platform.

  • Early-stage means real ownership, real impact, and meaningful equity.

  • Competitive salary. Equity commensurate with stage and seniority. Benefits package including health, dental, and vision.

  • Fully onsite in Boston - we are a collaborative, in-person team.