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Silicon Photonics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Nokia

Sr. Silicon Photonics Design Engineer

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$122K - $168K/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 ...

Nokia

Sr. Silicon Photonics Design Engineer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$114K - $157K/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 ...

Nokia

Sr. Silicon Photonics Design Engineer

Manhattan, NY · On-site

$114K - $157K/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 ...

Doist

Senior Silicon Photonics Engineer

San Jose, CA · On-site

$140 - $210/hr

# Senior Silicon Photonics EngineerLumilens • San Jose, CA • • 2h agoSave this role or tell us whether you want more jobs like it.**Role Overview**You will design **high-speed silicon photonic ...

New

Cisco

Silicon Photonics Senior Designer

Carlsbad, CA · On-site

$105K - $113K/yr

You will work with Cisco's best-in-class Silicon Photonics platform team. Our team is responsible for driving the development and optimization of optical transceivers & modules (800G, 1.6T & beyond ...

Cisco

Silicon Photonics Senior Designer

Allentown, PA

$100K - $107K/yr

You will work with Cisco's best-in-class Silicon Photonics platform team. Our team is responsible for driving the development and optimization of optical transceivers & modules (800G, 1.6T & beyond ...

Cisco

Silicon Photonics Senior Designer

Carlsbad, CA

$105K - $113K/yr

You will work with Cisco's best-in-class Silicon Photonics platform team. Our team is responsible for driving the development and optimization of optical transceivers & modules (800G, 1.6T & beyond ...

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Silicon Photonics information

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$27.5K

$56.7K

$60.5K

How much do silicon photonics jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 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 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 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 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

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Cities with the most Silicon Photonics job openings:

What states have the most Silicon Photonics jobs?

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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, 92% Full Time, 5% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 8% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,723 per year, or $27.3 per hour.

Sr. Silicon Photonics Design Engineer

Nokia

Sunnyvale, CA • On-site

$122K - $168K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted yesterday

Nokia rating

7.9

Company rating: 7.9 out of 10

Based on 6 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

30th of 101 rated telecommunications companies

Job description

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 silicon photonics integrated circuits. You'll lead the entire development process, from design and fabrication to testing and analysis, for complex photonic devices and systems-on-chip. Collaborate with experienced designers on innovative projects and large-scale silicon photonics circuits. Apply now and be part of a team pushing the boundaries of photonic technology!


 

Advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.

Nokia is a global leader in connectivity for the AI era. With expertise across fixed, mobile and transport networks, powered by the innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we're advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world. 

Learn more about life at Nokia.


Our recruitment process

We act inclusively and respect the uniqueness of people. Our employment decisions are made regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to a culture of inclusion built upon our core value of respect.

If you're interested in this role but don't meet every listed requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enrich our teams, and you may be just the right candidate for this or another opportunity.

The length of the recruitment process may vary depending on the specific role's requirements. We strive to ensure a smooth and inclusive experience for all candidates. Discover more about the recruitment process at Nokia. 

Some of our benefits in US:
  • Corporate Retirement Savings Plan
  • Health and dental benefits
  • Short-term disability, and long-term disability
  • Life insurance, and AD&D - Company paid 2x base pay
  • Optional or Supplemental life and AD&D insurance (Employee/Spouse/Child)
  • Paid time off for holidays and Vacation
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Tuition Assistance Plan
  • Adoption assistance
  • Employee Assistance Program/Work Life Resource Program

The above benefits exclude students.


Disclaimer for US/Canada

Nokia Maintains broad annual base salary ranges for its roles in order to account for variations in knowledge, skills, experience and market conditions, and with consideration to internal peer equity. Check the salary ranges in the job info section for this role.

All North America job posts will post for a minimum of 7 calendar days and up to 180 days or until candidate/s identified.

You have:

  • MS or Ph.D. graduate in integrated optics silicon photonics, electrical engineering, or applied physics.
  • 5 years of industry experience working in silicon photonics, integrated optics or relevant fields.
  • Possess extensive technical expertise in silicon photonics device design (including device performance characterization and validation). 
  • Lab experience in optical engineering test, fiber-waveguide coupling, and design verification testing. 
  • Experience in RF design, test and characterization of photonic devices, using devices such VNAs, spectrum analyzers, etc.
  • Solid programming skills in Python or C/C++.
  • General good understanding of general concepts in physics, especially in optics or electromagnetics.

It would be nice if you had:

  • Previous experience as Nokia intern or co-op, proficiency with optics design tools, such as Lumerical.
  • Experience with designing or characterizing silicon photonic or other integrated optical/optoelectronic devices or circuits.  Strong understanding of general concepts in fiber optics and integrated optics. Experience in photonic integrated circuit design, modeling and layout. 
  • Solid numerical and physics-related programming skills. Experience with high-frequency design and modeling.
  • Drive the architecture and development of next-generation optical engines in advanced Si photonics process technologies for high-performance pluggable optics and embedded solutions for coherent DWDM long-haul and metro transport applications.
  • Own product definition, PIC architecture innovation, and specification of integrated photonic circuits for coherent Tx/Rx signal processing chains, critical optical components, and comprehensive test methodologies tailored to meet demanding requirements across long-haul, metro, and pluggable coherent optical systems.
  • Spearhead link budget development and optimization across coherent optical transport links, driving analysis of system performance, channel impairments, chromatic dispersion, polarization effects, active and passive component margins, and foundry process capabilities to ensure first-pass silicon photonic designs meet aggressive performance targets in both long-haul and metro deployments.
  • Champion design-for-test and design-for-manufacturing (DFM) best practices, establishing photonic device characterization strategies and test protocols to enable rapid volume ramp and high-yield manufacturing in next-generation coherent pluggable platforms and integrated transceiver solutions.
  • Lead design reviews as a recognized subject matter expert in silicon photonic component design, setting technical direction and raising the bar for system-level performance, power efficiency, and manufacturability across diverse coherent optical applications.
  • Drive cross-functional execution with photonics design, RFIC/EIC, DSP, packaging, product engineering, foundry technology partners, test development, and product leadership to architect and deploy scalable design automation, simulation frameworks, and test infrastructure that accelerates deployment of innovative coherent optic solutions.
     

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