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Senior Photonics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Anello Photonics

Sr Photonics Engineer (PIC)

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

The Sr Photonics Engineer will be responsible for conceiving and implementing experimental testing plans and identifying photonic design changes to continue to push the performance of Anello ...

Phix

Senior Photonics Packaging Engineer

Bozeman, MT · On-site

$106K - $146K/yr

As a Senior Photonics Engineer specializing in Photonic IC Packaging, you are a technical leader responsible for designing, developing, and scaling advanced photonic packaging solutions. You drive ...

IonQ

Senior Photonics Test Engineer

Boston, MA

$126K - $166K/yr

As a Senior Photonics Test Engineer, you'll be part of a cross-functional team whose mission is to lead IonQ on its journey to build the world's best quantum computers to solve the world's most ...

HyperLight

Senior Photonics Process Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$125K - $185K/yr

As a Senior Photonics Process Development Engineer , you will be a key player in driving the development, optimization, and scaling of fabrication processes on the TFLN platform, working closely with ...

HyperLight

Senior Photonics Process Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$125K - $185K/yr

As a Senior Photonics Process Development Engineer , you will be a key player in driving the development, optimization, and scaling of fabrication processes on the TFLN platform, working closely with ...

IonQ

Senior Photonics Test Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$126K - $166K/yr

As a Senior Photonics Test Engineer, you'll be part of a cross-functional team whose mission is to lead IonQ on its journey to build the world's best quantum computers to solve the world's most ...

HyperLight

Senior Photonics Process Engineer

Cambridge, MA · On-site

$125K - $185K/yr

As a Senior Photonics Process Development Engineer , you will be a key player in driving the development, optimization, and scaling of fabrication processes on the TFLN platform, working closely with ...

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-including electronics, manufacturing, test, packaging, and system validation-to achieve these goals. A ...

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Senior Photonics Engineer information

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$59.5K

$126.6K

$183.5K

How much do senior photonics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 12, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior photonics engineer in the United States is $126,557.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $104,500.00 and $143,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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

To thrive as a Senior Photonics Engineer, you need a solid background in optics, physics, and engineering, typically supported by an advanced degree (MS or PhD) in photonics or a related field. Familiarity with simulation tools like COMSOL, Zemax, or Lumerical, as well as experience with laser systems, optical components, and CAD software, is essential. Strong problem-solving abilities, project management, and effective communication make someone stand out in this position. These skills are crucial for designing innovative photonic solutions, leading multidisciplinary teams, and delivering projects that meet technical and business objectives.

What engineers make $300,000 a year?

Senior Photonics Engineers, especially those with advanced expertise in optical systems, laser technology, and high-level project management, can earn $300,000 or more annually. Such salaries are typically found in industries like defense, aerospace, and telecommunications, often requiring specialized skills, security clearances, and extensive experience.

What is the difference between Senior Photonics Engineer vs Optical Engineer?

AspectSenior Photonics EngineerOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering, Photonics, or related field; experience in photonics design and developmentBachelor's or Master's in Optical Engineering or Physics; similar technical background
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, manufacturing, R&D departments in tech and telecom industriesOptical systems design, testing, and integration in various industries including telecommunications and aerospace
Employer & Industry UsageTech companies, defense, telecommunications, research institutionsOptical component manufacturers, aerospace, telecommunications, research labs

Both roles require strong technical knowledge in optics and photonics, often sharing similar educational backgrounds. Senior Photonics Engineers typically focus on advanced research and development projects, while Optical Engineers may work more on system design and implementation. The roles overlap significantly, but Senior Photonics Engineers usually have more experience and responsibilities in innovation and leadership within photonics projects.

What types of projects and collaborations can a Senior Photonics Engineer expect to be involved in on a day-to-day basis?

As a Senior Photonics Engineer, you'll typically work on designing and optimizing optical systems, such as lasers, sensors, or photonic integrated circuits. Your daily responsibilities often include collaborating closely with cross-functional teams like mechanical engineers, software developers, and manufacturing specialists to integrate photonic solutions into broader products. You may also be involved in mentoring junior engineers, conducting experimental validation, and presenting project updates to stakeholders. This role requires balancing hands-on technical work with project management and team leadership.

What are Senior Photonics Engineers?

Senior Photonics Engineers are specialized professionals who design, develop, and optimize systems and devices that use light (photons) for a variety of applications, such as telecommunications, medical devices, and optical sensors. They play a leading role in overseeing projects, guiding teams, and ensuring that photonic systems meet technical and performance requirements. With their advanced expertise, they also troubleshoot complex issues, contribute to research and development, and collaborate with other engineers and scientists to bring innovative optical technologies to market.

Is photonics the future of AI?

Photonics engineers work with light-based technologies that can enhance AI systems by enabling faster data processing and communication. Photonic components, such as optical interconnects and quantum photonics, are increasingly integrated into AI hardware to improve performance and energy efficiency.

Are photonics engineers in demand?

Photonics engineers are in high demand due to the growing need for advanced optical communication, laser systems, and sensing technologies across industries such as telecommunications, defense, and healthcare. The field offers strong job prospects, especially for those with expertise in fiber optics, laser design, and photonic integrated circuits, often requiring proficiency with simulation tools and relevant certifications.

What engineer makes $500,000 a year?

Senior Photonics Engineers or highly specialized engineers in fields like optical communications, laser systems, or quantum optics can earn salaries approaching or exceeding $500,000 annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and leadership roles. Such compensation often includes bonuses, stock options, or other incentives in high-tech or research-intensive companies.
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Senior Photonics Engineer jobs near you
Sr Photonics Engineer (PIC)

Sr Photonics Engineer (PIC)

Anello Photonics

Santa Clara, CA

$122K - $168K/yr

Other

Posted 22 days ago

Job description

About ANELLO Photonics:

ANELLO Photonics http://www.anellophotonics.com is a leading-edge technology company based in Santa Clara, CA. The company has developed integrated photonic system-on-chip technology for next generation navigation.  ANELLO's SIPHOG gyroscope is based on its patented photonic integrated circuit technology. The result is a product that is higher performance, much smaller size, weight, and power at a fraction of the cost of traditional optical gyros used in industrial, aerospace and military applications. It enables reliable and accurate navigation and positioning across many autonomous applications. ANELLO is currently engaged in commercial trials with various market-leading customers in the Construction, Farming, Trucking, Unmanned Aerial Vehicles, Autonomous Vehicles, and National Security segments.

Job Summary:

The Sr Photonics Engineer will be responsible for conceiving and implementing experimental testing plans and identifying photonic design changes to continue to push the performance of Anello's ingredient and product portfolio. We are looking for someone with a strong technical background and extensive laboratory skills in integrated optics. The engineer will play a crucial role in bringing PIC designs from prototype to product. As a key member of the team, you will engage broadly across the technical organization, including both software and hardware engineering, to work on the characterization and development of the core photonic system.

Responsibilities:

  • Design and execute experimental plans based on a deep understanding of the optical system.
  • Collect and analyze data, convey significance of results, and identify next steps.
  • Identify photonic design changes to continue to improve system level performance.
  • Work closely with software and hardware engineering to provide tighter integration of Anello's core photonic system.
  • Contribute to photonic tapeouts, through a combination of architectural changes, design for test, component simulation, and layout.
  • Support optical packaging, through interfacing to external vendors and internal development.

Requirements:

  • MS or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Optical Eng, Physics, or other engineering field
  • 2+ years of industry relevant experience in integrated optics
  • Hands-on experience in an optoelectronics lab performing component or system bench-level testing;
  • Familiarity with sources, fiber optics, detectors and relevant test equipment
  • Track record of bringing integrated optical systems from prototype to product
  • Experience in problem-solving complex optical systems
  • In-depth experience designing experiments and conveying their significance at the system level.
  • Strong theoretical knowledge of fiber optics and integrated optics
  • Experience in automating data collection and analysis
  • Working knowledge of statistics for analysis of experimental data
  • Ability to work in a fast-paced and innovation-driven environment.

Additional Skills (Nice to have's):

  • Background in Silicon Photonics
  • Background in optical gyroscopes or other optical interferometric sensors
  • Experience in inertial measurement systems
  • Experience in optical design simulation (COMSOL, Lumerical, etc.)
  • Experience in layout generation for photonic integrated circuits
  • Experience in packaging photonic integrated circuits
  • Self-motivated to learn new technologies and a passion for embracing technology.

Additional Information:

  • Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without sponsorship (U.S. citizenship or Perm Residence)

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