Photonics Engineer Jobs in California
Photonics Engineer jobs in California represent one of the most active markets in the country, concentrated in defense and aerospace systems, semiconductor and laser manufacturing, and biomedical photonics, with openings from entry-level design roles through principal and staff engineer positions. The largest hiring hubs are San Jose, San Diego, and Los Angeles, where employers such as Lockheed Martin, II-VI Incorporated, and Lumentum maintain significant engineering operations. The most in-demand specialties are fiber optics, lidar systems, and optical communications. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Where California roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Photonics Engineer Job Market in California
A snapshot from current California openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
- Apple8
- Nokia8
- Advantest4
- NVIDIA3
- PsiQuantum3
Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware24
- Technology & Software18
- Manufacturing7
- Banking & Financial Services2
- Construction & Real Estate2
What California Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in photonics engineer jobs across California.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in photonics, optical engineering, or physics required
- Hands-on experience with laser systems, fiber optic components, or optical bench setups
- Proficiency in optical design software such as Zemax or CODE V
- Experience in characterization and testing of photonic devices or integrated circuits
- Familiarity with cleanroom fabrication processes and thin-film deposition techniques
- Strong background in signal processing, MATLAB, or Python for optical system modeling
Photonics Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a photonics engineer in California?
Most photonics engineer roles in California require at least a bachelor's degree in optical engineering, applied physics, or electrical engineering with a photonics concentration, and many senior positions expect a master's or PhD. California does not have a state-issued license specific to photonics engineering, but roles in defense and aerospace often require a federal security clearance, and candidates working in medical device photonics may encounter FDA-regulated quality system requirements through their employer.
How much do photonics engineers make in California?
Photonics engineers in California earn a median of about $160,520 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $97,140 for the lowest 10% to over $225,400 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire photonics engineers in California?
Employers hiring photonics engineers in California right now include Apple, Nokia, and Advantest, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 2026. California's concentration of defense primes, semiconductor fabs, and lidar-focused technology companies means demand is spread across both large system integrators and well-funded startups in the Silicon Valley and San Diego corridors.
Which California cities have the most photonics engineer jobs?
The California cities with the most photonics engineer openings are San Jose, Sunnyvale, and Santa Clara. San Jose and the broader Silicon Valley anchor the optical communications and integrated photonics segment, while San Diego draws heavily from defense and biomedical optics employers, and Los Angeles supports a mix of aerospace system contractors and lidar technology firms.
Are there remote photonics engineer jobs in California?
Yes, but they're rare. Photonics engineering is fundamentally a lab and hardware discipline, so most roles require on-site access to optical benches, cleanrooms, or test equipment. About 11% of photonics engineer openings tied to California are remote or hybrid as of June 2026, and the positions most likely to offer flexibility are those focused on optical system modeling, simulation, or documentation rather than device fabrication and testing.
How can I get hired as a photonics engineer in California with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a university research lab or a new-graduate program at a California defense or photonics manufacturer. Large California employers such as Lockheed Martin and Lumentum regularly bring in new graduates for junior optical engineering roles, and the state's density of UC and CSU campuses means co-op and internship pipelines into those companies are well established. Candidates without direct photonics experience who hold adjacent roles in electrical engineering or materials science can move laterally by building a portfolio of Zemax or optical bench projects and pursuing SPIE student membership for credibility.
Where can I find and apply to photonics engineer jobs in California?
You can find and apply to photonics engineer jobs in California on Migrate Mate, which lists current California openings across defense, semiconductor, biomedical, and telecommunications employers. Find the roles that fit your background and apply directly from the listing.
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