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Physics Phd Optics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

II-VI Aerospace & Defense

Lead Design Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$121K - $160K/yr

In short, they enable the optical networks that form the global internet. Coherent's broad ... MSEE in Electrical Engineering or Physics (PhD preferred). * 3-5 years of relevant industry ...

Intellectt INC

Senior Optical Engineer

Princeton, NJ · On-site

MS or PhD in Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field. * 5+ years of experience in optical system design (or equivalent PhD research experience). * Strong knowledge of Zemax (or similar optical ...

Coherent Corp.

Lead Design Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$121K - $160K/yr

In short, they enable the optical networks that form the global internet. Coherent's broad ... MSEE in Electrical Engineering or Physics (PhD preferred). * 3-5 years of relevant industry ...

Coherent

Lead Design Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$121K - $160K/yr

In short, they enable the optical networks that form the global internet. Coherent's broad ... MSEE in Electrical Engineering or Physics (PhD preferred). * 3-5 years of relevant industry ...

II-VI Incorporated

Lead Design Engineer

Fremont, CA · On-site

$121K - $160K/yr

In short, they enable the optical networks that form the global internet. Coherent's broad ... MSEE in Electrical Engineering or Physics (PhD preferred). * 3-5 years of relevant industry ...

Corning

Precision Optics Development Engineer

Fairport, NY · On-site

$119K - $164K/yr

MS or PhD in optics, physics, or a related STEM field * Experience with EUV or X-ray optics, diamond turning, or metal and alloy substrates * Understanding of cleanroom environments protocols and ...

Williammary

$46K - $63K/yr

We seek an individual with expertise in many-body physics, quantum optics, open quantum systems ... PhD - Physics Period Salary Plan: Compensation Grade: S99 Recruiting Start Date: 2025-07-29 Review ...

QCi

$126K/yr

Required Skills and Experience - PhD in Physics, Applied Physics, Electrical Engineering, or a closely related field with a focus on theoretical quantum optics. - Deep expertise in quantum optics ...

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How much do physics phd optics jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for physics phd optics in the United States is $61,160.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,000.00 and $64,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Physics PhD specializing in Optics, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Physics PhD in Optics, you need an advanced understanding of optical physics, mathematical modeling, and experimental design, typically supported by a doctoral degree in physics or a related field. Expertise with technical tools such as lasers, spectrometers, simulation software (e.g., MATLAB, COMSOL), and familiarity with laboratory protocols is essential. Strong analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective communication skills help you present complex research and collaborate with interdisciplinary teams. These competencies enable you to drive innovation, contribute valuable research, and solve practical challenges in academia or industry.

What is the difference between Physics Phd Optics vs Optical Engineer?

AspectPhysics Phd OpticsOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsPhD in Physics or Optics, research experienceBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, relevant experience
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, academia, industry R&DProduct development, manufacturing, design teams
Industry UsageResearch institutions, universities, optics companiesOptics and photonics product companies, tech firms

Physics Phd Optics roles focus on research, theoretical work, and advanced experimentation, often in academia or R&D labs. Optical Engineers typically work on designing, testing, and implementing optical systems in commercial or industrial settings. While both roles require strong optics knowledge, Physics Phd Optics emphasizes research and development, whereas Optical Engineers focus on practical application and product development.

What types of interdisciplinary collaboration can a Physics PhD specializing in Optics expect in a typical research or industry setting?

As a Physics PhD specializing in Optics, you will frequently collaborate with experts from engineering, computer science, and material science, depending on the project's focus. For example, in research environments, you might work with electrical engineers on photonics devices or with computer scientists on computational imaging. In industry, collaboration with product development teams, quality assurance, and manufacturing specialists is common, especially when transitioning prototypes to commercial products. These interdisciplinary interactions are essential for problem-solving, innovation, and ensuring that your optics expertise is effectively integrated into practical applications.

What is a Physics PhD in Optics?

A Physics PhD in Optics is an advanced doctoral degree focused on the study of light, its properties, and its interactions with matter. This specialization covers topics such as lasers, fiber optics, quantum optics, and imaging systems. Graduates often conduct original research, contribute to scientific knowledge, and work in academia, research labs, or industries like telecommunications and photonics. Earning a PhD in this field typically involves coursework, comprehensive exams, and the completion of a dissertation based on independent research.
Infographic showing various Physics Phd Optics job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 79% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 89% In-person, and 11% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $61,160 per year, or $29.4 per hour.
2026 PhD Graduate - Autonomous Systems Design Engineer: Controls, Navigation, Sensors, and Simula...

2026 PhD Graduate - Autonomous Systems Design Engineer: Controls, Navigation, Sensors, and Simula...

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

Laurel, MD • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 17 days ago

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory rating

9.9

Company rating: 9.9 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

1st of 57 rated research

Job description

Description
Do you enjoy problem solving and applying your skills across a broad range of applications and research?
Do you have a passion for the design, analysis, simulation, and prototyping of innovative autonomous systems and algorithms?
If so, the Strike Guidance, Navigation, Controls (GNC), and Seekers group is looking for PhDs who are pursuing degrees in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering, Systems Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or Computer Science. Our group's goal is to ensure the United States has a distinct technology advantage in autonomous systems by leading next generation development and prototyping. We do this by providing world class design solutions with a focus on:
  • Guidance, Navigation, and Controls
  • Radio Frequency (RF) or Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Sensors
  • Modeling and Simulation (M&S)
  • Hardware/Software Development and Test
  • Multi-Disciplinary Design Optimization

We are seeking creative problem solvers with capabilities and interests to join our team in taking on a breadth of technical challenges. We work on a variety of systems including: hypersonic missiles, submarines, cruise missiles, and autonomous flight vehicles. We are committed to developing exceptional talent and supporting a culture of innovation, and as part of our group you will have the chance to grow your expertise across these technologies.
As a PhD member on our team you will...
  • Have the opportunity to pioneer design and research in guidance, navigation, and control algorithms in support of the full lifecycle development of advanced systems.
  • Develop innovative models for simulating and analyzing a variety of complex physics and sensors.
  • Test the capability of software and algorithms within an embedded systems environment.
  • Apply multi-disciplinary optimization techniques for early phase vehicle designs.
  • Develop software to support sophisticated simulation and algorithm development.
  • Collaborate with a team of engineers and interact with government sponsors.

Our team works on a set of subject areas that feed into the design of an autonomous system. The following sections provide some more background on those unique areas:
Guidance, Navigation, and Control
  • We provide world class expertise in the areas of guidance, navigation, and control to support the full life cycle development of vehicles both as partners with contractors as well as in the development of our own prototype systems.
  • Types of work: Advanced algorithm research and development and application of algorithms to flight test systems
  • Degrees: Electrical engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, mathematics
  • Skills: Guidance, inertial navigation, modern/adaptive control, classical control, optimization

Radio Frequency and Electro-Optical/Infrared Sensor
  • We develop sensor and seeker solutions for advanced autonomous systems and weapons.
  • Types of work: RF and EO/IR system design, sensor and seeker performance analysis and M&S, and receiver signal processing
  • Degrees: Electrical engineering, physics, mathematics, and computer science/engineering
  • Skills: Electromagnetic wave propagation, RF antennas, optics, signal and image processing, radar, programming/coding

Modeling and Simulation
  • We apply a wide range of skills to the development of multi-physics simulations for a broad range of concepts. We also use the models to analyze multi-disciplinary design problems.
  • Types of work: Multi-disciplinary vehicle design optimization and analysis, high fidelity physics-based simulation modeling, algorithm development, simulation software architecture
  • Degrees: Mathematics, physics, engineering, computer science/engineering
  • Skills: Dynamics, programming/coding, algorithms, optimization

Hardware/Software Development and Testing
  • We support sensor testing and characterization in conjunction with hardware-in-the-loop analysis for prototype systems advancing towards flight tests.
  • Types of work: Hardware-in-the-loop development, sensor characterization, embedded systems
  • Degrees: Computer science/engineering, electrical engineering
  • Skills: Hardware testing, embedded systems, software

Qualifications
You meet our minimum qualifications for the internship if you...
  • Are pursuing a PhD in Aerospace Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, Software Engineering Systems Engineering, Physics, Mathematics, or Computer Science.
  • Proven internship experience or possess extensive classroom project work in a subject matter in any of the following areas: guidance, inertial navigation, modern/adaptive control, classical control, optimization; electromagnetic wave propagation, RF antennas, optics, signal and image processing, radar, programming/coding; dynamics, programming/coding, algorithms, optimization; hardware testing, embedded systems, sensor testing artificial intelligence and software development.
  • Are skilled in or have knowledge of coding practices in Matlab/Simulink, C++, Python, or other languages
  • Have a curiosity and appetite for exploring and solving hard problems.
  • Are able to obtain an Interim Secret security clearance by your start date and can ultimately obtain a Secret level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.
  • Have a minimum 3.0 GPA on a 4.0 scale. Note: When prompted to upload attachments, please include a copy of your college transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable).

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...
  • Have professional experience developing and analyzing control/dynamical systems or sensors.

About Us
Why Work at APL?
The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation's most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.
At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL's campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu.
The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL's good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.
Minimum Rate
$105,000 Annually
Maximum Rate
$245,000 Annually

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