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.
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Get Access To All JobsAbout GlobalFoundries:
GlobalFoundries is a leading full-service semiconductor foundry providing a unique combination of design, development, and fabrication services to some of the world’s most inspired technology companies. With a global manufacturing footprint spanning three continents, GlobalFoundries makes possible the technologies and systems that transform industries and give customers the power to shape their markets.
Summary of the role:
SiPh Technology Architect to drive and implement research and development projects aimed at providing next generation SiPh solutions focused mainly on data center applications but could also extend into automotive, quantum, sensor and biomedical applications. Job requires deep expertise in several aspects required to develop SiPh technology and system solutions, including SiPh device physics, design and simulations, process technology integration, 3DHI integration of new materials and optical test. Experience in InP, TFLN, BTO and other novel modulator and materials used for integration within a SiPh platform is a plus.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Develop technology solutions for integration of novel materials (such as III-V materials, TFLN, polymers, BTO..) into SiPh foundry flow.
- Responsibilities could include device simulations, process stack and integration flow definition, device design layout, and coordination of design, process integration and testing of R&D test vehicles.
- Requires a broad set of communication and leadership skills to drive development projects that can involve several development partners, including early customers, suppliers, universities and external R&D consortia.
- Able to execute from concept, technology definition, design & simulations, layout, process and test.
Other Responsibilities:
- Perform all activities in a safe and responsible manner and support all Environmental, Health, Safety & Security requirements and programs.
- Other responsibilities may include process integration, test and characterization and engagement with packaging team to ensure end-to-end solutions.
Required Qualifications:
- Masters or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Material Science, Optics.
-
3 years work experience in related field.
Preferred Qualifications:
- PhD Electrical Engineering, Physics, Material Science, Optics.
-
5 years work experience in related field.
Expected Salary Range
$143,000.00 - $275,000.00
The exact Salary will be determined based on qualifications, experience and location.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at usaccommodations@gf.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.
An offer with GlobalFoundries is conditioned upon the successful completion of pre-employment conditions, as applicable, and subject to applicable laws and regulations.
GlobalFoundries is fully committed to equal opportunity in the workplace and believes that cultural diversity within the company enhances its business potential. GlobalFoundries goal of excellence in business necessitates the attraction and retention of highly qualified people. Artificial barriers and stereotypic biases detract from this objective and may be illegally discriminatory.
All policies and processes which pertain to employees including recruitment, selection, training, utilization, promotion, compensation, benefits, extracurricular programs, and termination are created and implemented without regard to age, ethnicity, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other characteristic or category specified by local, state or federal law.
About GlobalFoundries:
GlobalFoundries is a leading full-service semiconductor foundry providing a unique combination of design, development, and fabrication services to some of the world’s most inspired technology companies. With a global manufacturing footprint spanning three continents, GlobalFoundries makes possible the technologies and systems that transform industries and give customers the power to shape their markets.
Summary of the role:
SiPh Technology Architect to drive and implement research and development projects aimed at providing next generation SiPh solutions focused mainly on data center applications but could also extend into automotive, quantum, sensor and biomedical applications. Job requires deep expertise in several aspects required to develop SiPh technology and system solutions, including SiPh device physics, design and simulations, process technology integration, 3DHI integration of new materials and optical test. Experience in InP, TFLN, BTO and other novel modulator and materials used for integration within a SiPh platform is a plus.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Develop technology solutions for integration of novel materials (such as III-V materials, TFLN, polymers, BTO..) into SiPh foundry flow.
- Responsibilities could include device simulations, process stack and integration flow definition, device design layout, and coordination of design, process integration and testing of R&D test vehicles.
- Requires a broad set of communication and leadership skills to drive development projects that can involve several development partners, including early customers, suppliers, universities and external R&D consortia.
- Able to execute from concept, technology definition, design & simulations, layout, process and test.
Other Responsibilities:
- Perform all activities in a safe and responsible manner and support all Environmental, Health, Safety & Security requirements and programs.
- Other responsibilities may include process integration, test and characterization and engagement with packaging team to ensure end-to-end solutions.
Required Qualifications:
- Masters or PhD in Electrical Engineering, Physics, Material Science, Optics.
-
3 years work experience in related field.
Preferred Qualifications:
- PhD Electrical Engineering, Physics, Material Science, Optics.
-
5 years work experience in related field.
Expected Salary Range
$143,000.00 - $275,000.00
The exact Salary will be determined based on qualifications, experience and location.
If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by email at usaccommodations@gf.com and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this email address.
An offer with GlobalFoundries is conditioned upon the successful completion of pre-employment conditions, as applicable, and subject to applicable laws and regulations.
GlobalFoundries is fully committed to equal opportunity in the workplace and believes that cultural diversity within the company enhances its business potential. GlobalFoundries goal of excellence in business necessitates the attraction and retention of highly qualified people. Artificial barriers and stereotypic biases detract from this objective and may be illegally discriminatory.
All policies and processes which pertain to employees including recruitment, selection, training, utilization, promotion, compensation, benefits, extracurricular programs, and termination are created and implemented without regard to age, ethnicity, ancestry, color, marital status, medical condition, mental or physical disability, national origin, race, religion, political and/or third-party affiliation, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran status, or any other characteristic or category specified by local, state or federal law.
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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.