OPT Photonics Engineer Jobs
Photonics Engineer roles in semiconductor fabrication, defense optics, and fiber-optic communications regularly sponsor OPT students. STEM OPT eligibility applies to this occupation, giving you up to three years of work authorization while your employer pursues long-term sponsorship through H-1B visa or other pathways.
Find OPT Photonics Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 16+ Photonics Engineer jobs
See all Photonics Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Photonics Engineer roles.
Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Our vision is to transform how the world uses information to enrich life for all.
Micron Technology is a world leader in innovating memory and storage solutions that accelerate the transformation of information into intelligence, inspiring the world to learn, communicate and advance faster than ever.
We are seeking experienced engineers for Principal, MTS, and SMTS roles. The level at which candidates are hired will be determined by their years of experience, demonstrated technical depth, and overall qualifications.
Principal Photonics Integration Engineer
The Advanced Packaging Technology Development (APTD) team is shaping the future of memory, storage, and photonics technologies that power AI, high-performance computing, and next-generation data infrastructure. We collaborate across research, device, process, packaging, and manufacturing organizations to develop innovative solutions that move quickly from concept to production. Join a team where technical challenges are complex, innovation is constant, and your work will directly influence Micron's technology roadmap.
As a Principal Photonics Integration Engineer, you will lead the development and integration of silicon photonics and heterogeneous integration technologies that enable high-performance optical connectivity solutions. This role combines process integration, advanced packaging, device development, and program leadership to bring new technologies from concept through manufacturing readiness. You will work across multidisciplinary teams to solve complex technical challenges while employing AI-enabled engineering tools to accelerate development and improve decision-making.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and optimize end-to-end process integration flows for silicon photonics technologies from concept through manufacturing readiness
- Lead integration and process development for photonic devices, optical interconnects, advanced packaging solutions, and heterogeneous integration architectures
- Drive process characterization, DOE execution, yield improvement, defect reduction, root cause investigations, and process optimization activities
- Partner with design, device, packaging, manufacturing, and supplier teams to support design rule development, tapeouts, and technology transfers
- Lead technical programs, technology roadmaps, and AI-enabled engineering initiatives that improve development efficiency and product performance
Minimum Qualifications:
- A PhD in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Photonics, Semiconductor Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience, is required along with over 3 years of applicable industry experience. Alternatively, a Master's degree or comparable experience with more than 5 years of relevant industry background is acceptable. Candidates holding a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience and upwards of 7 years in the industry will also be considered.
- Experience integrating silicon photonics processes in semiconductor development or manufacturing environments
- Strong knowledge of semiconductor process integration, wafer fabrication, process characterization, DOE methodology, and statistical analysis
- Experience with process flow architecture, device integration, design rule development, and tape out execution
- Demonstrated success leading multi-functional technical projects and using data-driven approaches to solve sophisticated engineering challenges
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with silicon photonics, III-V semiconductor technologies, and heterogeneous integration platforms
- Experience with advanced packaging technologies including hybrid bonding, wafer bonding, optical interposers, co-packaged optics, and optical packaging
- Knowledge of optical interconnect technologies for datacenter, networking, AI accelerator, HPC, or memory applications
- Experience applying AI, machine learning, advanced analytics, or workflow automation to engineering and manufacturing challenges
- Strong communication, program leadership, and project management skills with the ability to influence technical and business collaborators across organizations
As a world leader in the semiconductor industry, Micron is dedicated to your personal wellbeing and professional growth. Micron benefits are designed to help you stay well, provide peace of mind and help you prepare for the future. We offer a choice of medical, dental and vision plans in all locations enabling team members to select the plans that best meet their family healthcare needs and budget. Micron also provides benefit programs that help protect your income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury, and paid family leave. Additionally, Micron benefits include a robust paid time-off program and paid holidays. For additional information regarding the Benefit programs available, please see the Benefits Guide posted on micron.com/careers/benefits.
Micron is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
To learn about your right to work click here.
To learn more about Micron, please visit micron.com/careers.
For US Sites Only: To request assistance with the application process and/or for reasonable accommodations, please contact Micron’s People Organization at hrsupport_na@micron.com or 1-800-336-8918 (select option #3).
Micron Prohibits the use of child labor and complies with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and other international and industry labor standards.
Micron does not charge candidates any recruitment fees or unlawfully collect any other payment from candidates as consideration for their employment with Micron.
AI alert: Candidates are encouraged to use AI tools to enhance their resume and/or application materials. However, all information provided must be accurate and reflect the candidate's true skills and experiences. Misuse of AI to fabricate or misrepresent qualifications will result in immediate disqualification.
Fraud alert: Micron advises job seekers to be cautious of unsolicited job offers and to verify the authenticity of any communication claiming to be from Micron by checking the official Micron careers website in the About Micron Technology, Inc.
INTRODUCTION
Our vision is to transform how the world uses information to enrich life for all.
Micron Technology is a world leader in innovating memory and storage solutions that accelerate the transformation of information into intelligence, inspiring the world to learn, communicate and advance faster than ever.
We are seeking experienced engineers for Principal, MTS, and SMTS roles. The level at which candidates are hired will be determined by their years of experience, demonstrated technical depth, and overall qualifications.
Principal Photonics Integration Engineer
The Advanced Packaging Technology Development (APTD) team is shaping the future of memory, storage, and photonics technologies that power AI, high-performance computing, and next-generation data infrastructure. We collaborate across research, device, process, packaging, and manufacturing organizations to develop innovative solutions that move quickly from concept to production. Join a team where technical challenges are complex, innovation is constant, and your work will directly influence Micron's technology roadmap.
As a Principal Photonics Integration Engineer, you will lead the development and integration of silicon photonics and heterogeneous integration technologies that enable high-performance optical connectivity solutions. This role combines process integration, advanced packaging, device development, and program leadership to bring new technologies from concept through manufacturing readiness. You will work across multidisciplinary teams to solve complex technical challenges while employing AI-enabled engineering tools to accelerate development and improve decision-making.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and optimize end-to-end process integration flows for silicon photonics technologies from concept through manufacturing readiness
- Lead integration and process development for photonic devices, optical interconnects, advanced packaging solutions, and heterogeneous integration architectures
- Drive process characterization, DOE execution, yield improvement, defect reduction, root cause investigations, and process optimization activities
- Partner with design, device, packaging, manufacturing, and supplier teams to support design rule development, tapeouts, and technology transfers
- Lead technical programs, technology roadmaps, and AI-enabled engineering initiatives that improve development efficiency and product performance
Minimum Qualifications:
- A PhD in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Photonics, Semiconductor Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience, is required along with over 3 years of applicable industry experience. Alternatively, a Master's degree or comparable experience with more than 5 years of relevant industry background is acceptable. Candidates holding a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience and upwards of 7 years in the industry will also be considered.
- Experience integrating silicon photonics processes in semiconductor development or manufacturing environments
- Strong knowledge of semiconductor process integration, wafer fabrication, process characterization, DOE methodology, and statistical analysis
- Experience with process flow architecture, device integration, design rule development, and tape out execution
- Demonstrated success leading multi-functional technical projects and using data-driven approaches to solve sophisticated engineering challenges
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with silicon photonics, III-V semiconductor technologies, and heterogeneous integration platforms
- Experience with advanced packaging technologies including hybrid bonding, wafer bonding, optical interposers, co-packaged optics, and optical packaging
- Knowledge of optical interconnect technologies for datacenter, networking, AI accelerator, HPC, or memory applications
- Experience applying AI, machine learning, advanced analytics, or workflow automation to engineering and manufacturing challenges
- Strong communication, program leadership, and project management skills with the ability to influence technical and business collaborators across organizations
As a world leader in the semiconductor industry, Micron is dedicated to your personal wellbeing and professional growth. Micron benefits are designed to help you stay well, provide peace of mind and help you prepare for the future. We offer a choice of medical, dental and vision plans in all locations enabling team members to select the plans that best meet their family healthcare needs and budget. Micron also provides benefit programs that help protect your income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury, and paid family leave. Additionally, Micron benefits include a robust paid time-off program and paid holidays. For additional information regarding the Benefit programs available, please see the Benefits Guide posted on micron.com/careers/benefits.
Micron is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
To learn about your right to work click here.
To learn more about Micron, please visit micron.com/careers.
For US Sites Only: To request assistance with the application process and/or for reasonable accommodations, please contact Micron’s People Organization at hrsupport_na@micron.com or 1-800-336-8918 (select option #3).
Micron Prohibits the use of child labor and complies with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and other international and industry labor standards.
Micron does not charge candidates any recruitment fees or unlawfully collect any other payment from candidates as consideration for their employment with Micron.
AI alert: Candidates are encouraged to use AI tools to enhance their resume and/or application materials. However, all information provided must be accurate and reflect the candidate's true skills and experiences. Misuse of AI to fabricate or misrepresent qualifications will result in immediate disqualification.
Fraud alert: Micron advises job seekers to be cautious of unsolicited job offers and to verify the authenticity of any communication claiming to be from Micron by checking the official Micron careers website in the About Micron Technology, Inc.
See all OPT Photonics Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new OPT Photonics Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding OPT Sponsorship as a Photonics Engineer
Verify your degree qualifies for STEM OPT
Photonics Engineering typically qualifies under CIP codes for Electrical Engineering or Applied Physics. Confirm with your DSO that your specific program code is on the STEM OPT designated degree list before your initial OPT period ends.
Target employers with E-Verify enrollment first
STEM OPT extensions require your employer to be enrolled in E-Verify. Filter your job search to companies already in the E-Verify program so you don't lose extension eligibility after accepting an offer.
Research prevailing wages using OFLC Wage Search
Photonics Engineer salaries vary significantly between defense contractors, telecom firms, and semiconductor fabs. Pull the Level I through Level IV wage bands for your target metro using OFLC Wage Search before negotiating, so your offer clears DOL requirements at filing.
Build credentials around defense optics employers carefully
Many photonics roles at defense contractors require security clearances, which non-U.S. citizens on OPT cannot hold. Identify whether a posted role is unclassified or clearance-required before applying to avoid disqualification late in the process.
Use Migrate Mate to match your OPT status to sponsoring employers
Photonics Engineer openings span industries with very different sponsorship track records. Migrate Mate surfaces employers actively filing for optical and photonics roles, so you focus on companies that have already sponsored comparable positions.
Negotiate your I-983 training plan before your start date
STEM OPT requires a formal training plan filed on Form I-983. Get the plan agreed upon with your employer's HR or immigration contact before you start, not after, so your DSO can process the extension without delays that interrupt your work authorization.
Photonics Engineer OPT: Frequently Asked Questions
Does a Photonics Engineer role qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
It depends on your degree's CIP code, not the job title itself. Photonics Engineering programs are often classified under Electrical Engineering, Applied Physics, or Optical Sciences, most of which appear on the STEM OPT designated degree list. Confirm your specific program code with your DSO before relying on STEM OPT eligibility for a job offer.
Which industries hire Photonics Engineers on OPT most consistently?
Semiconductor fabrication, fiber-optic communications, medical device manufacturing, and research-focused defense contractors are the most active sectors. Academic and national laboratory positions also hire OPT students frequently. You can browse current openings filtered by OPT authorization on Migrate Mate to see which employers are actively posting for this role.
Can I work on defense photonics projects while on OPT?
You can work on unclassified defense photonics projects on OPT, but roles requiring a security clearance are off-limits for non-U.S. citizens regardless of work authorization status. Read each job description carefully for clearance requirements, and ask recruiters directly whether the position has access restrictions before progressing through interviews.
What does my employer need to file for my STEM OPT extension?
Your employer must be enrolled in E-Verify and must complete Form I-983, the training plan that documents your learning objectives and supervision structure. USCIS requires this form to be signed by both you and your employer before your DSO can recommend the extension. The filing happens through your school, not directly with USCIS.
How early should I start the H-1B sponsorship conversation with a Photonics Engineer employer?
Start the conversation during your offer negotiation, not after you've accepted. H-1B registration opens in March for an October 1 start date, and employers need lead time to engage immigration counsel. If you're starting a role in summer or fall, you may need to rely on cap-gap protection to bridge authorization between OPT expiration and H-1B activation.