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Rf Photonics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Psionic, LLC

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Hampton, VA · On-site

Silicon Photonics Engineer Psionic, Inc is a startup focused on lidar sensors and navigation ... Exposure to RF or electronic-photonic co-design and packaging is a plus. Why You'll Like Working ...

Psionic

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Hampton, VA · On-site

Silicon Photonics Engineer Psionic, Inc is a startup focused on lidar sensors and navigation ... Exposure to RF or electronic-photonic co-design and packaging is a plus. Why You'll Like Working ...

Psionic

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Hampton, VA · On-site

Silicon Photonics Engineer Psionic, Inc is a startup focused on lidar sensors and navigation ... Exposure to RF or electronic-photonic co-design and packaging is a plus. Why You'll Like Working ...

PsiQuantum

Senior High-Speed Photonics Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

The Senior Active Photonics Engineer will collaborate closely with teams across PsiQuantum ... Knowledge RF concepts, signal integrity and experience with simulation tools such as HFSS and ADS ...

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Rf Photonics Engineer information

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$37K

$117.7K

$183K

How much do rf photonics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 15, 2026, the average yearly pay for rf photonics engineer in the United States is $117,680.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $97,500.00 and $139,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the difference between Rf Photonics Engineer vs RF Systems Engineer?

AspectRf Photonics EngineerRF Systems Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, Photonics, or related fields; often certifications in photonics or RFBachelor's or Master's in Electrical Engineering, RF Engineering, or related fields; certifications in RF or wireless systems
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, optical communication companies, photonics manufacturingTelecommunications, defense, wireless communication companies
Industry UsageOptical and photonics industries, specialized in RF photonics integrationWireless, radar, and communication systems development

Rf Photonics Engineers focus on integrating RF signals with photonic systems, working heavily with optical components. RF Systems Engineers design and optimize RF communication systems. While both roles require RF knowledge, Rf Photonics Engineers specialize in photonic integration, whereas RF Systems Engineers focus on RF system performance and deployment.

How does an RF Photonics Engineer typically collaborate with other engineering teams during a project?

RF Photonics Engineers often work closely with multidisciplinary teams, including RF engineers, optical engineers, and systems integration specialists. Collaboration is key when designing, testing, and troubleshooting photonic devices and systems, as projects frequently require integrating RF and optical components. Regular meetings and cross-functional reviews help ensure that system requirements are met, and any technical challenges are addressed efficiently. This collaborative environment not only fosters innovation but also provides opportunities to broaden your expertise across related engineering domains.

What are RF Photonics Engineers?

RF Photonics Engineers are professionals who design, develop, and optimize systems that integrate radio frequency (RF) engineering with photonics, the science of light generation, manipulation, and detection. They work on technologies that use light to transmit and process RF signals, which can improve data transmission speed and bandwidth in communication systems. Their work is critical in advancing telecommunications, radar, and sensor systems by leveraging the advantages of photonics for RF applications.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an RF Photonics Engineer, and why are they important?

To thrive as an RF Photonics Engineer, you need a strong background in electrical engineering, optics, and photonics, usually supported by a relevant degree such as electrical engineering or physics. Familiarity with simulation tools like MATLAB, ADS, or Lumerical, as well as experience with optical test equipment and knowledge of fiber-optic communication systems, are typically required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective communication skills distinguish top performers in this field. These competencies are crucial for designing, analyzing, and optimizing advanced RF-photonic systems that meet rigorous technical and industry standards.
Infographic showing various Rf Photonics Engineer job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 92% In-person, and 8% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $117,680 per year, or $56.6 per hour.
Photonics Engineer

Photonics Engineer

Huntington Ingalls Industries

Adelphi, MD • On-site

$104K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago

Huntington Ingalls Industries rating

7.7

Company rating: 7.7 out of 10

Based on 141 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

188th of 518 rated manufacturers

Job description

Requisition Number: 28880
Required Travel: 0 - 10%
Employment Type: Full Time/Salaried/Exempt
Anticipated Salary Range: $104,336.00 - $175,000.00
Security Clearance: Ability to Obtain
Level of Experience: Mid
This opportunity resides with Warfare Systems (WS), a business group within HII's Mission Technologies division. Warfare Systems comprises cyber and mission IT; electronic warfare; and C5ISR systems.
HII works within our nation's intelligence and cyber operations communities to defend our interests in cyberspace and anticipate emerging threats. Our capabilities in cybersecurity, network architecture, reverse engineering, software and hardware development uniquely enable us to support sensitive missions for the U.S. military and federal agency partners.
Leadership at HII - Mission Technologies
HII's Leadership Capability Framework outlines the core capabilities expected of all leaders across Mission Technologies. Leaders are accountable for demonstrating strength in:
  • Know & Grow Your People - Develop talent, empower teams, and build an inclusive environment.
  • Build Relationships - Strengthen trust, collaboration, and cross-functional partnerships.
  • Take Ownership - Drive accountability, execution excellence, and results.
  • Customer First - Anticipate mission needs and deliver value to our partners.
  • Shape the Future - Inspire innovation and align work with strategic priorities.
  • Act with Urgency - Make informed decisions and move with purpose.

These capabilities define how leaders inspire teams, deliver results, and shape the future of Mission
Job Description
We are seeking a Photonics/Electrical Engineer to support our work with the U.S. Army Research Laboratory (ARL) in Adelphi, MD. The Photonics Engineer will work on-site in an integrated, results-oriented, research and development team environment with the Electronic Warfare (EW) Branch. We are seeking candidates with PhD degree in physics or electrical engineering who are eager to learn and grow in this role. You will research adversary warfare technology trends and apply that knowledge to define, design, and demonstrate advanced EW compact payloads using mixed analog, digital, and photonics systems. You will be deriving Radio Frequency (RF) and photonics requirements and integrating photonics-based EW capabilities into heterogeneous, next-generation structures. You will work directly with senior technical personnel, program managers, and external organizations to help transition prototype systems to the U.S. Army development and acquisition enterprise.
HII has been providing engineering and management support to the U.S. Army Research Laboratory for over 20 years, conducting innovative research to provide the Army with affordable enabling technologies in sensors, EW, quantum information sciences, and photonics. We are seeking a candidate ready to explore these diverse technical areas within a state-of-the-art electronics research and development facility. Come be a part of this challenging and exciting opportunity!
Come support our work with the U.S. Army Research Laboratory and join a world class team of groundbreaking scientists and engineers!
Details below!
You will be part of a team that includes experts in photonics and EW systems, with direct support from HII engineers and industry recognized subject matter experts. Our team members are expected to have a basic understanding of RF and photonics technologies and be able to collaborate with various engineering and non-technical staff.
Essential Job Responsibilities
  • Research adversary warfare systems technology trends and techniques
  • Participate in defining requirements for EW compact payloads.
  • Apply knowledge of adversary technologies and notional blue force concepts of operations to define requirements for EW compact payloads.
  • Derive RF requirements for mixed analog, digital and photonics design and translate into photonics specifications.
  • Apply novel trends in photonics RF such as wideband receivers and transmitters, oscillators, low-noise amplifiers, high-power amplifiers, filters, and photonics computation to EW applications including receive, process, and transmit.
  • Work with multi-mode (mixed analog/digital/photonics) integrated circuit designers to develop requirements and specifications for fabricated and heterogeneously integrated electronics such as photonics integrated circuits.
  • Work with ARL photonics experts and utilize lab equipment to develop physical bench-level and lab demonstrations of photonics EW applications.
  • Work with ARL manufacturing experts to integrate photonics RF into heterogeneous structures consisting of conformal antennas, photonics, analog and digital electronics, bio-inspired computing and emerging energy storage layers.

Minimum Qualifications
  • Recent graduate of PhD program from R1 university with specialization in Photonics RF to include receivers, transmitters, mixers, filters, oscillators, and photonics computation.
  • Strong communication (both written and verbal) skills.
  • Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
  • US Citizen with ability to obtain a Secret Clearance

Preferred Requirements
  • Completion of Post Doc.
  • Experience with EW applications.
  • Working knowledge of MATLAB or Python.
  • Interest in advancing and prioritizing national security technologies.

The listed salary range for this role is intended as a good faith estimate based on the role's location, expectations, and responsibilities. When extending an offer, HII's Mission Technologies division takes a variety of factors into consideration which include, but are not limited to, the role's function and a candidate's education or training, work experience, and key skills.
Together we are working to ensure a future where everyone can be free and thrive.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, physical or mental disability, age, or veteran status or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.
Do You Need Assistance?
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to buildyourcareer@hii-co.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Reasonable accommodations are considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only those inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address. Additionally, you may also call 1-844-849-8463 for assistance. Press #3 for HII Mission Technologies.

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