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Vice President Photonics Engineer Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Coherent is seeking a Vice President (or SVP) of Research to lead its advanced research ... Engineering, Physics, Materials Science, or related field * 15+ years of experience in photonics or ...

VP of Systems

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$250 - $500/hr

Instead of traditional electronic circuits, we use silicon photonics and an active, programmable ... Position Overview The VP of Systems owns the development of our inference servers and rack and is ...

VP of Systems

Sunnyvale, CA · On-site

$335K - $400K/yr

Instead of traditional electronic circuits, we use silicon photonics and an active, programmable ... Position Overview The VP of Systems owns the development of our inference servers and rack and is ...

The Vice President of Engineering is accountable for building out RACER's demonstration and commercial facilities: leading the engineering execution and physical build of the RACER process from the ...

VP Engineering

New York, NY · On-site +1

$260K - $320K/yr

VP Engineering The true B2B data pioneer, Bombora connects the B2B ecosystem in a one-of-a kind Data Cooperative-enabling a holistic view of an account's research and consumption behavior. From this ...

VP Engineering

New York, NY · On-site +1

$260K - $320K/yr

VP Engineering The true B2B data pioneer, Bombora connects the B2B ecosystem in a one-of-a kind Data Cooperative-enabling a holistic view of an account's research and consumption behavior. From this ...

VP Engineering

Asheville, NC · On-site

$180 - $200/hr

VP Engineering# VP EngineeringAvl Technology Park - Asheville, NC 28804Start Date 07/30/2026## OverviewSalary Range$180,000.00 - $200,000.00 Salary## Description**Summary**The Vice President of ...

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Vice President Photonics Engineer information

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$112.5K

$215.6K

$398.5K

How much do vice president photonics engineer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for vice president photonics engineer in the United States is $215,595.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $180,000.00 and $232,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a vice president photonics engineer do?

A Vice President Photonics Engineer is a senior executive responsible for overseeing the research, development, and application of photonics technologies within an organization. They lead engineering teams, set technical direction, and collaborate with other departments to drive innovation in areas such as lasers, optical systems, and fiber optics. Additionally, they play a key role in strategic planning, project management, and ensuring that products and solutions meet industry standards. Their responsibilities also include mentoring staff, managing budgets, and representing the company in partnerships or industry events.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a vice president photonics engineer?

To thrive as a Vice President Photonics Engineer, a deep expertise in photonics, optical engineering, and a strong background in physics or electrical engineering—often at the PhD level—is essential. Familiarity with advanced simulation tools, optical design software (such as Zemax or Lumerical), and experience managing R&D projects are typically required. Exceptional leadership, strategic thinking, and communication skills help drive innovation and effectively manage multidisciplinary teams. These skills ensure that photonics initiatives align with organizational goals and maintain a competitive edge in advanced technology sectors.

How does a vice president photonics engineer typically collaborate with cross-functional teams to drive innovation?

A Vice President Photonics Engineer often works closely with research scientists, product managers, and manufacturing teams to translate advanced photonics concepts into commercially viable products. This role involves coordinating project timelines, aligning technical roadmaps with business objectives, and facilitating regular communication between departments to ensure project milestones are met. By fostering an environment of open collaboration, the VP ensures that engineering solutions are not only technically sound but also aligned with market needs and company strategy.

What is the difference between Vice President Photonics Engineer vs Photonics Engineer?

AspectVice President Photonics EngineerPhotonics Engineer
CredentialsBachelor's/Master's/PhD in optics, photonics, or related fields; extensive experienceBachelor's or Master's in optical engineering, photonics, or related fields
Work EnvironmentExecutive leadership, strategic planning, cross-department collaborationDesign, develop, test photonic devices and systems in labs or manufacturing
Employer & Industry UsageUsed in high-tech companies, R&D divisions, and industry leadership rolesCommon in tech firms, research labs, manufacturing plants

The Vice President Photonics Engineer typically holds a senior leadership role focusing on strategic direction and management, while the Photonics Engineer is more involved in technical design and development. Both roles require strong technical credentials, but the VP position emphasizes leadership and industry influence.

What cities are hiring for Vice President Photonics Engineer jobs?

Cities with the most Vice President Photonics Engineer job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Photonics Engineer jobs?

The most popular types of Photonics Engineer jobs are:

What states have the most Vice President Photonics Engineer jobs?

States with the most job openings for Vice President Photonics Engineer jobs include:

Infographic showing various Vice President Photonics Engineer job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 94% Full Time, 2% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 85% Physical, 6% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $215,595 per year, or $103.7 per hour.

Sr. Vice President of Engineering, Silicon Photonics

Skorpios Technologies Inc

Temecula, CA • On-site

$225K - $275K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 9 days ago


Job description

Description:

Skorpios Technologies, Inc. is an innovator in heterogeneous integration of silicon photonic technology and semiconductor development. As we rapidly expand, we are seeking a visionary Sr. Vice President of Engineering to lead our technical organization. This executive leader will be responsible for the development of next-generation III-V and Silicon Photonics chip and module products, driving the engineering roadmap from concept through high-volume manufacturing.

Job Purpose

The Sr. VP of Engineering is a key executive role responsible for the strategic leadership of Skorpios’ Integration and Process Development Engineering teams. This individual will oversee the implementation of high-performance Si-Photonic Data Communications solutions, ensuring that technical execution aligns with the overall company strategy. You will serve as the primary technical architect of the product roadmap, working in close partnership with the CEO, CRO, and key customers to deliver highly differentiated, disruptive technology.


Executive Responsibilities

  • Strategic Leadership & Roadmap: Define and execute the technical vision for Silicon Photonics and III-V device integration. Align engineering priorities with company-wide strategic goals and market demands.
  • Executive Collaboration: Partner directly with the CEO to guide technology implementation; collaborate with the CRO to ensure the engineering pipeline supports customer targets and requirements.
  • Project & Process Management: Establish rigorous engineering processes to transition complex designs from R&D to manufacturing. Own the accountability for project timelines, resource allocation, and budget management.
  • Innovation Oversight: Direct the design and modeling of high-efficiency Lasers, EAM/MZM modulators, and high-speed photodetectors, ensuring all components are optimized for Skorpios’ unique heterogeneous integration platform.
  • Operational Excellence: Implement Design for Manufacturability (DFM) and Design for Reliability (DFR) standards across the engineering organization to ensure scalable, high-yield production.
  • Stakeholder Management: Act as the technical face of the company for potential customers and strategic partners, presenting complex technical solutions as compelling business value propositions.

Technical Oversight

  • Lead teams in the simulation of electrical, RF, and optical performance (Ansys Lumerical, Zemax, etc.).
  • Oversee the establishment of tolerance and process design rules to enable DRC for integrated circuits.
  • Guide the characterization of devices, data analysis, and the translation of DOE (Design of Experiments) results into product improvements.
  • Ensure deep integration between III-V active components and Silicon Photonics passive devices (WDM, polarization rotators, 90-degree hybrids).

Leadership Competencies

  • Accountability: A results-driven mindset with the ability to take full ownership of technical failures and successes.
  • Communication: Exceptional verbal and written skills; ability to distill complex physics and engineering challenges into actionable strategies for the Board of Directors and customers.
  • Interpersonal Impact: Proven ability to mentor high-level individual contributors and foster a culture of innovation and hard work in a fast-paced environment.
  • Strategic Problem Solving: Ability to navigate the challenges of a dynamic environment, making data-driven decisions under pressure.
Requirements:

Required Education and Experience

  • Education: Ph.D. or M.S. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Material Science, or a related Photonics discipline.
  • Experience: 15+ years of experience in the semiconductor or photonics industry, with at least 5–7 years in a senior leadership/executive capacity.
  • Technical Mastery: Deep industrial expertise in III-V and Silicon Photonics device design, epitaxy constraints, and high-speed optical communications.
  • Proven Track Record: Demonstrated success in leading high-performance technical teams through the full product lifecycle, from initial concept to disruptive market entry.

Work Environment & Travel

  • Based in a high-energy, collaborative office/lab environment.
  • Travel: Up to 25% anticipated for customer visits, vendor management, and industry conferences.

Why Skorpios?

At Skorpios, you will be at the forefront of the silicon photonics revolution. We offer the chance to work on truly disruptive technology that is changing how the world connects. You will be part of a team where technical excellence is celebrated and where your contributions have a direct impact on the success of our next-generation product lines.

Skorpios offers an excellent benefits package which includes:

  • Competitive Salary
  • Medical
  • Dental
  • Vision
  • 401(k)
  • Company paid Life Insurance
  • Company paid Disability
  • Paid Holidays
  • Paid Vacation
  • Birthday Leave
  • Gym Membership Discounts

Export Control / ITAR Statement: This position is located at a facility that operates under International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR). All applicants must be 'U.S. persons' within the meaning of ITAR. ITAR defines a 'U.S. person' as a U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (i.e., 'Green Card Holder'), Political Asylee, or Refugee.


Skorpios Technologies, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, ancestry, age (40 and over), physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, marital status, military or veteran status, protected leave status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.


As a federal contractor, Skorpios Technologies, Inc. takes affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities. We encourage all qualified candidates to apply.


Skorpios Technologies, Inc. is committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application procedures. If you need assistance or accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at or AskHR@Skorpiosinc.com