ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Software Photonics Jobs (NOW HIRING)

IPG Photonics

Sr Software Engineer-C#

Davenport, IA · On-site

$108K - $143K/yr

IPG Photonics is revolutionizing the laser industry as the pioneering developer and leading ... JOB SUMMARY The Senior Software Engineer is responsible for the planning and development of ...

Technergetics

On-Site Integrated Photonics Engineer

Rome, NY

$85K - $115K/yr

On-Site Integrated Photonics Engineer   Position Details        Salary Range: $85 ... Use layout software (e.g. GDSFactory, KLayout, or similar) to design integrated photonic circuits

Lightmatter

Staff Photonics Test Engineer

Mountain View, CA · On-site

$215K - $260K/yr

Develop test software to enable test execution, data analysis, and parameter extraction. * Work ... Master's in Photonics, Physics, Electrical Engineering or a related field * A minimum of 8+ years ...

QCi

Applications Engineer, Photonics About Us Quantum Computing Inc. (QCi) (Nasdaq: QUBT) is an ... software integration skills, and the professional soft skills necessary to cultivate long-term ...

Quantinuum

Senior Photonics Scientist - 849

Broomfield, CO · On-site

$164K - $205K/yr

We are seeking a Senior Photonics Scientist in our Broomfield, CO Location. Our team is developing ... By uniting best-in-class software with high-fidelity hardware, our integrated full-stack approach ...

Lightmatter

Staff Photonics Design Engineer

Boston, MA · On-site

$200K - $225K/yr

You will collaborate closely with cross-functional teams including photonics, packaging, systems, and software to define and refine specifications, ensuring that all designs meet or exceed ...

PsiQuantum

Photonics Circuit Designer

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

Photonics offers natural advantages for scale: photons don't feel heat, are immune to ... Our application, software, and industry teams work directly with leading Fortune 500 companies ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsSoftware Photonics Jobs

Software Photonics information

See salary details

$63.5K

$147.5K

$205.5K

How much do software photonics jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 20, 2026, the average yearly pay for software photonics in the United States is $147,524.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $120,000.00 and $173,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a Software Photonics Engineer?

A Software Photonics Engineer is a professional who develops and applies software tools to design, simulate, and optimize photonic devices and systems. They work at the intersection of software engineering and photonics, using programming skills to model light behavior in optical components such as lasers, waveguides, and fiber optics. Their work is essential in industries like telecommunications, data centers, and advanced manufacturing, where photonic technologies are used for high-speed data transmission and sensing. These engineers often collaborate with hardware teams to integrate their software solutions into real-world photonic hardware.

What is the difference between Software Photonics vs Optical Engineer?

AspectSoftware PhotonicsOptical Engineer
Required CredentialsBachelor's or higher in engineering, physics, or related fields; knowledge of software development and photonics principlesBachelor's or higher in optical engineering, electrical engineering, or physics; specialized knowledge in optical systems
Work EnvironmentPrimarily software development labs, research centers, or tech companies focusing on photonics applicationsDesign, testing, and deployment of optical systems in labs, manufacturing, or field environments
Employer & Industry UsageTech firms, research institutions, telecommunications, and defense industriesOptical component manufacturers, telecommunications, aerospace, and research labs

While both roles involve photonics, Software Photonics focuses on developing software solutions for photonics systems, whereas Optical Engineers work on designing and testing physical optical components and systems. The roles often overlap in research and development projects but differ mainly in their core focus—software versus hardware.

How do software photonics professionals typically collaborate with hardware teams to develop integrated optical solutions?

Software photonics professionals often work closely with hardware engineers to design, simulate, and optimize photonic systems. This collaboration ensures that software models accurately reflect physical behaviors and that device prototypes meet system requirements. Regular cross-functional meetings, shared documentation, and iterative testing are common practices, helping to bridge the gap between simulation and real-world performance. Such teamwork not only enhances product quality but also provides valuable learning opportunities for both software and hardware specialists.

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

To thrive as a Software Photonics Engineer, you need a strong background in physics, optics, and computer science, typically with a relevant degree in electrical engineering, applied physics, or a related field. Experience with simulation tools (such as Lumerical or COMSOL), programming languages (like Python, C++, or MATLAB), and familiarity with photonic device modeling are crucial. Strong problem-solving skills, attention to detail, and effective teamwork are essential soft skills in this role. These competencies enable precise design and optimization of photonic systems, driving innovation and reliability in optical technologies.
Director, Silicon Photonics Design

Director, Silicon Photonics Design

Aeva, Inc.

Mountain View, CA

Full-time

Posted 2 hours ago

Be an early applicant

Job description

Aeva is building the next generation of products for sensing, perception for autonomous vehicles and AI data centers. With its unique ability to measure instantaneous velocity for each pixel, long-range performance at high resolutions, while being free from LiDAR or sunlight interference, Aeva’s 4D LiDAR is built from the ground up at silicon photonics scale for mass-market applications.
Role Overview:We are looking for an expert in photonics engineering to join our core engineering team!
  • Lead design team to deliver silicon photonics across multiple verticals including AI data centers, Automotive, Industrial automation
  • Work closely with architecture, fab and cross functional design teams to deliver products on tight timelines
  • Own the scoping of various tapeouts to manage balance between development milestones and product timelines/ intercepts
  • Own DFMEA of silicon photonics for various product lines
  • Understand the fab process to take into account design-process interactions
  • Own the characterization of silicon photonics tapeouts with clear test and reliability plans - assist with execution as needed
  • Work with test team to define and develop characterization for new devices
What you have
  • 5+ years demonstrated experience with leading design teams to deliver product
  • Strong background and experience designing photonics devices into foundries
  • Experience with delivering complex photonics circuits taking into account system constraints and interactions
  • Experience with full successful design, tape-out, and test cycles
  • Experience with back reflection and stray light management strategies
  • Experience in optical simulation software to evaluate optical designs 
  • Experience in qualifying high volume photonics components 
Salary pay ranges are determined by role, level, and location. Within the range, the successful candidate’s starting base pay will be determined based on factors including job-related skills, experience, certifications, qualifications, relevant education or training, and market conditions. These ranges are subject to change in the future. Depending on the position offered, equity, bonus, and other forms of compensation may be provided as part of a total compensation package, in addition to comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage, pre-tax commuter and health care/dependent care accounts, 401k plan, life and disability benefits, flexible time off, paid parental leave, and 11 paid holidays annually.
AEVA logo

About AEVA

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Industry

Manufacturing and manufacturing

Company size

1 - 10 Employees

Headquarters location

Palo Alto, CA, US

Year founded

2017

View All AEVA Jobs