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Photonics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Position Summary, Photonics Development Engineer NY Creates is looking to hire a Photonics Development Engineer to work on our silicon photonics technology platforms that are currently being ...

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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 ...

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 ...

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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 ...

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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 Jun 30, 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.

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 offers opportunities in industries such as telecommunications, healthcare, and defense.

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.

What jobs pay 500,000 a year in the US?

In the field of photonics, high-paying roles such as senior optical engineers, research directors, or executive positions in technology companies can reach or exceed $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced degrees, and leadership responsibilities. These roles often require specialized skills in laser systems, optical design, or photonics manufacturing, along with strong industry networks and sometimes stock options or bonuses.

What jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

In the field of photonics, senior roles such as photonics engineers, optical systems architects, and research scientists with extensive experience and advanced degrees can reach or exceed a $300,000 annual salary. These positions often require specialized skills in laser technology, optical design, and project management, and may involve leadership responsibilities or working in high-demand industries like defense, telecommunications, or aerospace.

What jobs can you get with a photonics degree?

A photonics degree can lead to careers such as optical engineer, laser technician, photonics researcher, or systems engineer. These roles often involve designing, testing, and maintaining optical and laser systems, and may require knowledge of optics, electronics, and programming. Employment can be found in industries like telecommunications, healthcare, defense, and manufacturing.
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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 98% Full Time, 1% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,723 per year, or $27.3 per hour.
Integrated Photonics Design Engineer, CPO PDK

Integrated Photonics Design Engineer, CPO PDK

HyperLight

Cambridge, MA โ€ข On-site

$150K - $225K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Posted 26 days ago

Be an early applicant


Job description

HyperLight is at the forefront of the commercialization of thin-film lithium niobate (TFLN) integrated photonics - a material and process technology that is enabling high-performance, scalable optical components across AI/datacom infrastructure, hyperscale computing, quantum computing, sensing, and beyond. Founded in 2018 and backed by leading venture capital, weโ€™ve built a team and a platform focused on real-world mass deployment of TFLN photonics technology.

At the core of our work is the TFLN Chipletโ„ข platform โ€” a modular, integrated architecture designed for scalability, manufacturability, and seamless integration into complex systems. It offers a rare combination of extraordinary performance and industrial readiness, enabling system developers across applications to deploy the technology fast and ready. We partner with our customers and suppliers from conceptualization, design, and prototyping phases, all the way through mass production to ensure smooth and rapid deployment of TFLN photonic technology.

We believe our platform is the key, in the golden age of integrated photonics, to empower humanity to the next level. We assembled a world class team covering engineering, business, and operations. We believe in the power of integrity, innovation, collaboration, and pragmatic solutions. Our diverse team thrives on challenges and is united by a shared commitment to excellence. We take pride in tackling complex challenges with curiosity, humility, and a deep sense of care for one another.

Our growing team is looking for an Integrated Photonics Design Engineer at Senior or Staff levelto lead process design kit (PDK) development for HyperLightโ€™s co-packaged optics product line.This hands-on role, based at HyperLight's headquarters, collaborates very closely with our internal component design, process engineering, and test teams to drive PDK development and ensure fast time-to-market. In this role you will be involved in all product-related discussions and decisions that have direct impact on HyperLight's business. As part of your responsibilities, you will:

  • Collaborate with our product team, foundries, and customers to define device component and fabrication process performance requirements for co-packaged optics applications
  • Lead the end-to-end design and validation of high performance device components, in collaboration with other component designers and process engineers
  • Own and maintain the process design kit (PDK) for our co-packaged optics platform
  • Contribute to the development of design, layout and verification enablement toolsets in open source and commercial tools including GDSFactory, Cadence Virtuoso, Synopsys Optocompiler and ICV, and Siemens Calibre.

Requirements

  • Either 5+ years of relevant work experience or equivalent experience through an advanced degree (M.S. or Ph.D.) in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or a related field.
  • Strong expertise with passive and/or active photonic device component design, including hands-on development of multiple successful designs.
  • Strong expertise in finite element analysis of PIC components using tools like Lumerical, Tidy3D, COMSOL, Synopsys OptoDesigner, etc.
  • Extensive hands-on experience performing measurements to characterize photonic integrated circuits using instruments like swept lasers, fiber alignment stages, VNAs, BERTs, oscilloscopes, etc.
  • Extensive experience with data analysis and statistical methods such as design of experiments using tools like JMP or Python.
  • Demonstrated record of innovation and achievement, e.g. product designs, publications, or patents.
  • Familiarity with the entire PIC engineering process, including simulation, layout, fabrication, test, and device operation.
  • Excellent organizational and communication skills
  • Comfortable working with cross-disciplinary teams

Benefits

  • Competitive market-based compensation (Salary range $150,000 - $225,000)
  • Comprehensive health coverage, including medical, vision, and dental plans for individuals and families
  • 401(k) retirement plans with employee matching
  • Paid Parental Leave
  • Life and disability insurance
  • Commuter benefits and subsidies
  • Professional growth and mentorship opportunities

This role is in-person at HyperLight's office in Cambridge, MA. Authorization to work in the US is required.

HyperLight is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status. HyperLight is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities during our hiring process. If you need assistance or an accommodation, please contact us at HR@hyperlightcorp.com.