ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Silicon Photonics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Psionic

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Hampton, VA · On-site

Silicon Photonics Engineer Psionic, Inc is a startup focused on lidar sensors and navigation systems for autonomous vehicles. We value our customer relationships, our diverse and dynamic work ...

Psionic

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Hampton, VA · On-site

Silicon Photonics EngineerPsionic, Inc is a startup focused on lidar sensors and navigation systems for autonomous vehicles. We value our customer relationships, our diverse and dynamic work ...

TSMC

Silicon Photonics - Technical Lead

San Jose, CA · Hybrid

$149K - $263K/yr

As a Technical Lead/Manager - Silicon Photonics, you will report to the Senior Director, Design and Technology Platform where you will get to work with TSMC ecosystem partners to define and implement ...

black.ai

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$100 - $150/hr

Job Summary We are seeking a creative and hands‑on Silicon Photonics Engineer to drive the design and implementation of next‑generation photonic integrated circuits. This role spans the full ...

TSMC

Silicon Photonics - Technical Lead

San Jose, CA · On-site

$149K - $263K/yr

As a Technical Lead/Manager - Silicon Photonics, you will report to the Senior Director, Design and Technology Platform where you will get to work with TSMC ecosystem partners to define and implement ...

PsiQuantum

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

Our architecture and approachisbased on silicon photonics. Byleveragingthe advanced semiconductor manufacturing industry-including partners like GlobalFoundries-we use the same high-volume processes ...

PsiQuantum

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

Our architecture and approach is based on silicon photonics. By leveraging the advanced semiconductor manufacturing industry-including partners like GlobalFoundries-we use the same high-volume ...

PsiQuantum

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

Our architecture and approach is based on silicon photonics. By leveraging the advanced semiconductor manufacturing industry-including partners like GlobalFoundries-we use the same high-volume ...

Nokia

Silicon Photonics PIC Architect

Manhattan, NY · Hybrid

$69 - $90.75/hr

As a Silicon Photonics PIC Architect you will engage in the development of advanced silicon photonics integrated circuits-based products. You will take responsibility for the design of complex ...

Nokia

Sr. Silicon Photonics Design Engineer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$105K - $195K/yr

Are you a passionate Silicon Photonics Design Engineer eager to contribute to groundbreaking research and development? Join our team and play a key role in designing and developing cutting-edge ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSilicon Photonics Jobs

Silicon Photonics information

See salary details

$27.5K

$56.7K

$60.5K

How much do silicon photonics jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for silicon photonics in the United States is $56,723.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $59,000.00 and $59,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a silicon photonics engineer, and why are they important?

To excel as a Silicon Photonics Engineer, you need a solid background in physics, optics, electrical engineering, and semiconductor device fabrication, typically supported by a relevant degree (such as MS or PhD). Familiarity with photonic simulation tools (like Lumerical or COMSOL), cleanroom processes, and experience with CAD design software are often required. Strong problem-solving abilities, attention to detail, and effective cross-disciplinary communication distinguish top performers in this field. These skills ensure the successful design, fabrication, and integration of photonic devices for cutting-edge applications in telecommunications, data centers, and sensing.

What is silicon photonics?

Silicon photonics is a technology that uses silicon as a platform for manipulating and transmitting light (photons) to process information. It enables the integration of optical components, such as lasers, modulators, and detectors, onto silicon chips commonly used in electronics. This approach allows for faster data transmission, lower power consumption, and greater bandwidth compared to traditional electronic circuits. Silicon photonics is widely used in data centers, telecommunications, and emerging fields like quantum computing. The technology leverages existing semiconductor manufacturing techniques, making it scalable and cost-effective.

What are silicon photonics jobs?

When you work in silicon photonics, you work with a technology made up of silicon integrated circuits and semiconductor lasers, which completes a data transfer between computer chips via optical rays. Silicon photonics also facilitate a high-speed network connection between data centers. Some of the roles available to you involve designing components, like photonic integrated circuits. Your general responsibilities include developing the layout for essential fabrication operations, planning the sequence of operations, and conducting tests on the system components throughout the process. Your other duties largely depend on the specific engineering or design role you choose.

What are some common challenges faced by engineers working in silicon photonics, and how can they be addressed?

Engineers in Silicon Photonics often encounter challenges such as device integration, managing optical losses, and ensuring compatibility with existing CMOS fabrication processes. Overcoming these hurdles typically involves close collaboration with multidisciplinary teams including optical engineers, material scientists, and process engineers. Staying updated with the latest advancements and leveraging simulation tools can also help in addressing technical issues efficiently. It's important to communicate regularly with team members to troubleshoot problems and implement innovative solutions.

What is the difference between Silicon Photonics vs Optical Engineer?

AspectSilicon PhotonicsOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in Electrical Engineering, Physics, or related fields; knowledge of photonics and semiconductor fabricationBachelor's or higher in Optical Engineering, Electrical Engineering, or Physics; expertise in optical systems and components
Work EnvironmentResearch labs, semiconductor manufacturing facilities, tech companiesDesign firms, R&D labs, manufacturing plants
Industry UsageTelecommunications, data centers, integrated photonicsOptical systems design, fiber optics, laser systems

Silicon Photonics specialists focus on integrating photonic devices with silicon chips for high-speed data transfer, often working in semiconductor environments. Optical Engineers design and develop optical systems and components across various industries. While both roles require knowledge of optics, Silicon Photonics is more specialized in chip integration and semiconductor fabrication, whereas Optical Engineers have broader applications in optical system design.

More about Silicon Photonics jobs
What cities are hiring for Silicon Photonics jobs? Cities with the most Silicon Photonics job openings:
What states have the most Silicon Photonics jobs? States with the most job openings for Silicon Photonics jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Silicon Photonics jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Silicon Photonics jobs are:
Silicon Photonics jobs near you
Infographic showing various Silicon Photonics job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 83% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 13% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,723 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Silicon Photonics Engineer

Psionic

Hampton, VA • On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 14 days ago

Job description

Silicon Photonics Engineer
Psionic, Inc is a startup focused on lidar sensors and navigation systems for autonomous vehicles. We value our customer relationships, our diverse and dynamic work environment, and our employees' career satisfaction. We offer a competitive salary and attractive benefits package.
We are adding a motivated Silicon Photonics Engineer to join our small, fast-moving team and help take photonic integrated circuits from concept to silicon. The successful candidate will be responsible for the design, layout, and verification of photonic integrated circuits (PIC) for FMCW lidar systems. You will work directly with commercial foundries, and see your layouts turn into fabricated chips. The role requires experience with PIC layout tools and foundry tape outs to complement our on-site team in Hampton, VA.
Job Description
The primary purpose of this position is to design and develop silicon photonic components and subsystems. You will work with a high-performing, multidisciplinary engineering team. A breadth of engineering expertise building real world high-speed, electro-optical systems is needed. Excellent communications skills are critical for success.
The successful candidate requires knowledge necessary to create and maintain PDK-based layouts for fabrication using script-driven tools. The job requires working directly with commercial CMOS/photonic foundries to prepare tape-outs, resolve DRC issues, and support fabrication runs. The applicant will interact with a broad interdisciplinary team composed of experts in integrated photonics device and circuit design, free space optical design, device test, quality, electrical ICs design, chip assembly, component packaging, etc.
Our designs must perform under stringent environmental conditions. Integrated optical sensors and supporting electronics are necessary to achieve high-performance requirements. The successful candidate will be familiar with the integrated photonics lab testing techniques and procedures to analyze and predict system performance across highly variable environmental conditions. The work involves hardware development as well as testing and conducting performance validation and verification of photonic devices.
Responsibilities
  • Design silicon photonic components and subsystems from the ground up.
  • Create and maintain Process Design Kit (PDK)-based layouts for fabrication using script-driven tools.
  • Work directly with commercial Complementary Metal-Oxide-Semiconductor (CMOS)/photonic foundries to prepare tape-outs, resolve Design Rule Checking (DRC) issues, and support fabrication runs.
  • Collaborate closely with electrical, mechanical, packaging, and system engineers.
  • Test and characterize photonic devices.
  • Document designs and contribute to internal design reviews.

Education and Qualifications
  • Must be a US Citizen
  • Must be able to pass a pre-employment background check
  • MS in Electrical Engineering, Optical Engineering, Applied Physics or related field, PhD preferred
  • Hands-on experience with silicon photonics design and layout.
  • Experience working with commercial foundry Process Design Kits (PDKs).
  • Experience with script-based layout workflows.
  • Familiarity with photonic simulation tools (Finite-Difference Time-Domain (FDTD), Eigne Mode Expansion (EME), circuit-level modeling).
  • Experience with optical lab setups and photonic device testing.
  • Understanding of photonic design rules and tape-out processes.
  • Familiarity with silicon photonic packaging concepts and techniques (e.g., fiber attach, edge/grating couplers, alignment, thermal management, and co-packaging considerations) is a plus.
  • Exposure to RF or electronic-photonic co-design and packaging is a plus.
Why You'll Like Working Here
  • High-impact role: your designs go to silicon and get tested.
  • Small team with high trust and minimal bureaucracy.
  • Direct interaction with foundries and decision-makers.
  • Mix of design, coding, and hands-on lab work.

Psionic, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. This position requires access to export-controlled technology or software source code and the position is subject to U.S. export control laws.

Apply