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Senior Photonics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Coherent

Sr. Principal Photonics engineer

Santa Clara, CA · On-site

$148K - $204K/yr

Advanced degree in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Photonics, or related field ... Clear communication with senior technical, product, and business audiences. Working Conditions

Quantinuum

Senior Photonics Scientist - 849

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$164K - $205K/yr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

We are seeking a Senior Photonics Scientist in our Broomfield, CO Location. Our team is developing ... We are looking for more engineers and scientists to join our cross-disciplinary team. All ...

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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 Aug 13, 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 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 is a senior photonics engineer?

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.
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Senior Photonics Engineer jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Photonics Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 92% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $126,557 per year, or $60.8 per hour.

Sr. Photonics Research Engineer

SRI International

Boulder, CO

$117K - $175K/yr

Full-time

Posted 24 days ago

Job description

SRI's Applied Physics Laboratory, in Boulder, CO, has an opportunity for a Sr Photonics Research Engineer with experience as a technical leader in photonic integrated circuits to execute on a variety of projects ranging from optical phased arrays to microwave photonic systems. SRI specializes in developing and transitioning technology from basic research and development (R&D) to fieldable prototypes for both US government and commercial customers. Our Advanced Technology and Systems Division (ATSD) performs research spanning advanced signal processing, robotics, quantum physics, and ocean modeling. This position is on-site in Boulder, CO.


A successful candidate will contribute to ongoing and future programs with emphasis in optical communications, signal processing, and sensing, to apply their experience as a principal investigator and their advanced knowledge and skills in photonic integrated circuits (PICs) to microwave photonics and/or optical phased arrays. They will work with small to medium sized research teams comprised of multidisciplinary, subject matter expert (SME) engineering professionals with expertise ranging from PICs, stabilized lasers, optical communications, and RF signal processing to quantum sensing, applied mathematics and computer science. Their contributions will range from technical tasks to leadership roles, such as being a principal investigator for future programs and proposal opportunities. 

  • Technical contributions will primarily include system development and testing, fundamental and engineering calculations, simulation and modeling, and other laboratory R&D tasks.
  • Management-level tasks include leading tasks, leading future proposal opportunities, and communicating with clients and SRI senior management.

  • PhD in electrical engineering, optics, physics or related technical discipline
  • 4+ years related experience that may include industry experience
  • U.S. Citizenship with the ability to obtain and maintain a security clearance due to government contract requirements
  • Experience leading technical projects as a principal investigator
  • Experience leading proposal efforts for US Government funding
  • Demonstrated ability to develop new business with potential customers and familiarity with proposal writing
  • Leading technical presentations and demonstrations
  • Experience simulating and testing PICs, analyzing data, and/or PIC component layout
  • Experience in applying PIC systems to application areas such as optical phased arrays, microwave photonics, optical communication, and/or quantum sensing
  • Proficient in scientific programming e.g., Python, MATLAB, and/or other similar scripting languages
  • Familiarity with process design kits (PDKs) from foundries such as AIM Photonics, Applied Nanotools, and Tower Semiconductor
  • Demonstrated experience working in a team environment and managing time while working on multiple projects

Desired:

  • Active DoD Secret clearance
  • Familiarity with automated testing and data collection
  • Familiarity with feedback control and stabilization of photonic systems comprised of components such as interferometers, filters, and lasers
  • The following experience:
  • Working with and submitting designs to multi-project wafer runs at PIC foundries
  • Simulating photonic devices in FDTD using Tidy3D, Lumerical, or similar tools
  • With scripted-based layout of photonic components and systems using GDSFactory, Nazca, IPKISS, or similar
  • With precision measurement and/or metrology

The salary range is: $117,684-$175,054. Salary ranges will vary and are based on several factors, including geographic location, market competitiveness and equity amongst internal employees in similar roles. Positions may also qualify for SRI's Pay for Outstanding Performance program or the annual Performance Based Compensation program. SRI also has a competitive benefits package, to view details please go to https://www.sri.com/resources/benefits/. SRI will accept applications until the position is filled.

SRI is an independent nonprofit research institute headquartered in Menlo Park, Calif., with a rich history of supporting government and industry. We create and deliver world-changing solutions for a safer, healthier, and more sustainable future. For more than 75 years, we have collaborated across technical and scientific disciplines to discover and develop groundbreaking products and technologies and bring innovations and ideas to the marketplace.

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