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Postdoctoral Optics Photonics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Technergetics

On-Site Integrated Photonics Engineer

Rome, NY · On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

Experience with optical testing and characterization of photonic devices, including techniques such ... Postdoctoral experience in integrated photonics or quantum technologies * Familiarity with advanced ...

Technergetics

On-Site Integrated Photonics Engineer

Rome, NY · On-site

$85K - $115K/yr

Experience with optical testing and characterization of photonic devices, including techniques such ... Postdoctoral experience in integrated photonics or quantum technologies * Familiarity with advanced ...

IPG Photonics

Crystal Growth Engineer

Marlborough, MA · On-site

IPG Photonics is revolutionizing the laser industry as the pioneering developer and leading ... Lead or support crystal growth development projects for optical and nonlinear optical materials.

IPG Photonics

Crystal Growth Engineer

Marlborough, MA · On-site

IPG Photonics is revolutionizing the laser industry as the pioneering developer and leading ... Lead or support crystal growth development projects for optical and nonlinear optical materials.

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$25K

$59K

$83.5K

How much do postdoctoral optics photonics jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for postdoctoral optics photonics in the United States is $59,022.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $49,000.00 and $66,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

How much do NASA postdoc get paid?

NASA postdoctoral researchers in optics and photonics typically earn between $70,000 and $80,000 annually, depending on experience and location. These positions often include benefits such as health insurance and research funding, with opportunities for professional development in advanced optical and photonics technologies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Postdoctoral Optics Photonics researcher, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Postdoctoral Optics Photonics researcher, you need a Ph.D. in physics, optics, or a related field, with strong expertise in experimental and theoretical photonics. Familiarity with simulation software (e.g., COMSOL, Zemax), laboratory instrumentation, and advanced optical measurement techniques is typically required. Analytical thinking, problem-solving abilities, and effective collaboration and communication skills distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for advancing research, publishing results, and contributing to multidisciplinary teams in a rapidly evolving scientific field.

What jobs can you get with a photonics degree?

A photonics degree can lead to jobs such as optical engineer, research scientist, photonics technician, laser systems engineer, and optical communications specialist. These roles often require knowledge of optics, lasers, and photonic devices, and may involve working in research labs, manufacturing, or telecommunications environments.

Does NASA hire optical engineers?

Yes, NASA hires optical engineers and postdoctoral researchers with expertise in optics and photonics for projects related to space telescopes, laser systems, and imaging instruments. These roles often require advanced degrees, knowledge of optical design software, and experience with precision instrumentation in a research or aerospace environment.

What are Postdoctoral Optics Photonics positions?

Postdoctoral Optics Photonics positions are research-focused roles typically held by individuals who have recently earned their Ph.D. in physics, optical engineering, or related fields. These positions involve conducting advanced research in optics and photonics, including areas like laser technology, imaging, optical communications, and quantum optics. Postdoctoral researchers work in academic, government, or industrial labs, collaborating with principal investigators and other scientists to advance knowledge and technology in the field. Their work often results in publications, patents, and contributions to cutting-edge innovations.

What types of collaborative projects can a Postdoctoral Optics Photonics researcher expect to be involved in?

As a Postdoctoral Optics Photonics researcher, you will often collaborate on interdisciplinary projects with physicists, engineers, and material scientists. These collaborations might include developing advanced imaging systems, working on laser applications, or designing optical sensors. You can expect to participate in regular team meetings, contribute to shared experimental setups, and co-author publications or grant proposals. Such collaborations not only broaden your technical expertise but also help you build a strong professional network, which is valuable for future career advancement.

Is photonics the future of AI?

Postdoctoral researchers in optics and photonics are exploring how photonic technologies can enhance AI by enabling faster data processing and lower energy consumption. Photonics offers potential for developing optical neural networks and high-speed data transmission, which could significantly impact AI hardware and algorithms. However, integration into mainstream AI systems is still in development and requires specialized skills in both fields.

What is the difference between Postdoctoral Optics Photonics vs Postdoctoral Physics?

AspectPostdoctoral Optics PhotonicsPostdoctoral Physics
Required CredentialsPh.D. in Optics, Photonics, or related fieldPh.D. in Physics or related discipline
Work EnvironmentResearch labs focused on optics and photonics technologiesVaried, including research labs, academia, and industry
Employer & Industry UsageUniversities, photonics companies, research institutesUniversities, research institutions, industry

Postdoctoral Optics Photonics and Postdoctoral Physics roles often require similar advanced degrees and research experience. However, Postdoctoral Optics Photonics focuses specifically on optical and photonic technologies, while Postdoctoral Physics covers a broader range of physics topics. Both roles are research-intensive and commonly found in academic and industry settings, but the specialization in optics and photonics makes Postdoctoral Optics Photonics more targeted toward optical applications and innovations.

More about Postdoctoral Optics Photonics jobs
What cities are hiring for Postdoctoral Optics Photonics jobs? Cities with the most Postdoctoral Optics Photonics job openings:
What states have the most Postdoctoral Optics Photonics jobs? States with the most job openings for Postdoctoral Optics Photonics jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Postdoctoral Optics Photonics jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Postdoctoral Optics Photonics jobs are:
Postdoctoral Optics Photonics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Postdoctoral Optics Photonics job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $59,022 per year, or $28.4 per hour.
NIST PREP Postdoc Associate in Integrated Photonics for Quantum Sensing

NIST PREP Postdoc Associate in Integrated Photonics for Quantum Sensing

Southeastern Universities Research Association

Gaithersburg, MD • On-site

$75K - $85K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

This position is part of the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Professional Research Experience Program (PREP). NIST recognizes that its research staff may want to collaborate with researchers at academic institutions on specific projects of mutual interest and, therefore, requires those institutions to be recipients of a PREP award. The PREP program involves staff from a wide range of backgrounds conducting scientific research across various fields. Individuals in this position will perform technical work supporting the collaboration's scientific research.
Research Title: Integrated Photonics for Quantum Sensing
The work will entail: We are looking for a postdoctoral scholar to design, fabricate, and/or test integrated photonics for one or more of the following application areas:
  • Meta-optics for coupling to free-space optical modes, e.g., interfaces to atomic systems
  • High-Q optical microcavities for laser frequency stabilization and precision sensing
  • Electro-optics for light modulation and/or phase control
  • Robust test structures for characterizing nanofabrication accuracy, identifying optical losses, etc.

This work will be highly collaborative with interactions spanning multiple labs across NIST. The postdoc will work with a team to carry out the design/fabricate/test workflow, where "design" entails simulating integrated photonic structures to estimate optical properties such as loss and dispersion, and creating GDS layouts of designs; "fabricate" entails using tools supported by the NIST Center for Nanoscale Science and Technology, such as EBL and LPCVD, to realize designed structures; and "test" entails performing measurements of the fabricated structure's optical properties using lasers, spectrometers, etc.
U.S. Citizen Preferred
Key responsibilities will include but are not limited to:
  • Analyze heterogeneous data sources.
  • Use analysis to iterate device designs and collaborate with others to do so.
  • Present results at internal meetings, and occasional meetings with external stakeholders.
  • Publish results in the relevant scientific literature when appropriate.

Qualifications
  • PhD in physics, electrical engineering, or a related field.
  • 5+ years of experience, as evidenced by publications or recommendations, with integrated photonics.
  • Familiarity with electromagnetics simulation software such as COMSOL or Lumerical.
  • Familiarity with nanofabrication techniques such as EBL and LPCVD.
  • Familiarity with optical measurement techniques for loss, dispersion, noise, etc.
  • Ability to develop prototypes of tools needed to analyze data.
  • Strong oral and written communication skills.

Privacy Act StatementAuthority: 15 U.S.C. § 278g-1(e)(1) and (e)(3) and 15 U.S.C. § 272(b) and (c)
Purpose: The National Institute for Standards and Technology (NIST) hosts the Professional Research Experience Program (PREP) which is designed to provide valuable laboratory experience and financial assistance to undergraduates, post-bachelor's degree holders, graduate students, master's degree holders, postdocs, and faculty.
PREP is a 5-year cooperative agreement between NIST laboratories and participating PREP Universities to establish a collaborative research relationship between NIST and U.S. institutions of higher education in the following disciplines including (but may not be limited to) biochemistry, biological sciences, chemistry, computer science, engineering, electronics, materials science, mathematics, nanoscale science, neutron science, physical science, physics, and statistics. This collection of information is needed to facilitate the administrative functions of the PREP Program.
Routine Uses: NIST will use the information collected to perform the requisite reviews of the applications to determine eligibility, and to meet programmatic requirements. Disclosure of this information is also subject to all the published routine uses as identified in the Privacy Act System of Records Notices: NIST-1: NIST Associates.
Disclosure: Furnishing this information is voluntary. When you submit the form, you are indicating your voluntary consent for NIST to use of the information you submit for the purpose stated. By applying to a CHIPS-funded PREP opportunity, you also acknowledge that participation in the project requires signing a Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) prior to beginning any work.
SURA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We believe that no one should be discriminated against because of their differences, such as age, disability, ethnicity, gender, gender identity and expression, religion, or sexual orientation. All employment decisions shall be made without regard to age, race, creed, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, citizenship status, or any other basis as protected by federal, state, or local law.
PREP0004289

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