Photonics Engineer Jobs in New York
Photonics Engineer jobs in New York represent one of the most active markets in the country, concentrated in defense and aerospace systems, telecommunications infrastructure, semiconductor research, and academic medical imaging, with openings at every level from new-grad optical engineering roles through senior systems architects. The heaviest hiring activity is in and around New York City, Long Island, and the Hudson Valley corridor, where employers such as Northrop Grumman, Corning Incorporated, and IBM have long-running photonics and optics programs. The most in-demand specialties include laser systems design, fiber optic network engineering, and integrated photonic circuit development. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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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. For more information, visit www.gf.com.
Summary of Role:
GlobalFoundries (GF) seeks a leader with proven expertise in Silicon Photonics active and passive device simulation, design, fabrication and test. The role involves coordinating qualifications of new photonic devices across integration, reliability, modeling and test teams. There will also be customer support to guide solutions and debug/root cause technology vs. design challenges.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Responsible for leading complex development of passive and active silicon photonics device components to meet customer and technology requirements
- Simulate, design and coordinate testing of new silicon photonic devices
- Plan, coordinate, and document qualification of new photonic devices
- Identify issues and technical challenges, formulate appropriate experiments to understand root cause and improve processes to meet requirements
- Interface and support customers to evaluate new and upcoming solutions
- Interface with customers to debug and root cause technology vs. design challenges
Other Responsibilities:
- Perform all activities in a safe and responsible manner and support all Environmental, Health, Safety & Security requirements and programs
- Travel <10% to other GlobalFoundries facilities may be necessary
Required Qualifications:
- Education –BS and above. Electrical/Optical Engineering or related field.
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or equivalent degree in Electrical Engineering, Material Science, Photonics or a related field from an accredited university.
- Additional professional experience in advanced photonic device design, integration, test and/or advanced packaging:
- B.S. + minimum of 11 years of relevant experience
- M.S. + minimum of 8 of relevant experience
- Ph.D. + minimum of 7 of relevant experience
- Skills: Familiarity with Silicon photonic device simulation, design, and test. Strong communication and coordination skills cross the department and cross-organizationally. Strong team collaborator across multiple geographical locations & proactive mindset.
- Fluency in English Language – written & verbal
Preferred Qualifications:
- Silicon Photonic Modulator Design Experience using BTO or TFLN
- Silicon Photonic design experience using GF PDK
- Silicon Photonic simulation experience
- Project management skills - i.e., the ability to innovate and execute solutions that matter; the ability to navigate ambiguity and communicate and track projects through to completion.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong planning & organizational skills.
Expected Salary Range
$143,000.00 - $247,000.00The 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. For more information, visit www.gf.com.
Summary of Role:
GlobalFoundries (GF) seeks a leader with proven expertise in Silicon Photonics active and passive device simulation, design, fabrication and test. The role involves coordinating qualifications of new photonic devices across integration, reliability, modeling and test teams. There will also be customer support to guide solutions and debug/root cause technology vs. design challenges.
Essential Responsibilities:
- Responsible for leading complex development of passive and active silicon photonics device components to meet customer and technology requirements
- Simulate, design and coordinate testing of new silicon photonic devices
- Plan, coordinate, and document qualification of new photonic devices
- Identify issues and technical challenges, formulate appropriate experiments to understand root cause and improve processes to meet requirements
- Interface and support customers to evaluate new and upcoming solutions
- Interface with customers to debug and root cause technology vs. design challenges
Other Responsibilities:
- Perform all activities in a safe and responsible manner and support all Environmental, Health, Safety & Security requirements and programs
- Travel <10% to other GlobalFoundries facilities may be necessary
Required Qualifications:
- Education –BS and above. Electrical/Optical Engineering or related field.
- Bachelor of Science (B.S.) or equivalent degree in Electrical Engineering, Material Science, Photonics or a related field from an accredited university.
- Additional professional experience in advanced photonic device design, integration, test and/or advanced packaging:
- B.S. + minimum of 11 years of relevant experience
- M.S. + minimum of 8 of relevant experience
- Ph.D. + minimum of 7 of relevant experience
- Skills: Familiarity with Silicon photonic device simulation, design, and test. Strong communication and coordination skills cross the department and cross-organizationally. Strong team collaborator across multiple geographical locations & proactive mindset.
- Fluency in English Language – written & verbal
Preferred Qualifications:
- Silicon Photonic Modulator Design Experience using BTO or TFLN
- Silicon Photonic design experience using GF PDK
- Silicon Photonic simulation experience
- Project management skills - i.e., the ability to innovate and execute solutions that matter; the ability to navigate ambiguity and communicate and track projects through to completion.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong planning & organizational skills.
Expected Salary Range
$143,000.00 - $247,000.00The 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
See All 9 Photonics Engineer Jobs in New York
Find roles in New York that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Photonics Engineer JobsPhotonics Engineer Jobs by City in New York
Where New York roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Photonics Engineer Job Market in New York
A snapshot from current New York openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring
Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware
- Telecommunications
What New York Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in photonics engineer jobs across New York.
- Bachelor's or master's degree in photonics, optical engineering, or electrical engineering required
- Hands-on experience designing or testing laser, fiber optic, or waveguide systems
- Proficiency with optical simulation tools such as Zemax, Lumerical, or COMSOL
- Familiarity with cleanroom fabrication processes and photonic integrated circuit development
- Experience with optical test and measurement equipment including spectrum analyzers and interferometers
- Strong background in signal processing, electromagnetics, or semiconductor physics preferred
Photonics Engineer Jobs in New York: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a photonics engineer in New York?
Photonics engineering in New York does not require a state-issued professional license, but most employers expect at minimum a bachelor's degree in optical engineering, electrical engineering, or applied physics, with a master's degree preferred for research and systems roles. New York's strongest hiring pipelines run through institutions such as the University of Rochester's Institute of Optics and Columbia University, which have direct relationships with regional defense contractors and telecom firms. Candidates targeting government-adjacent roles at Long Island or Hudson Valley defense sites should also pursue a security clearance early, as it significantly broadens opportunity.
How much do photonics engineers make in New York?
Photonics engineers in New York earn a median of about $119,180 a year, based on May 2025 Bureau of Labor Statistics wage data, ranging from around $81,840 for the lowest 10% to over $174,950 for the top 10%. Pay rises with experience, specialty, and employer.
Which companies hire photonics engineers in New York?
Employers hiring photonics engineers in New York right now include Nokia, NY Creates, and Technergetics, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of September 2026. New York's defense corridor on Long Island and the Hudson Valley, alongside Corning's upstate research operations, means a significant share of these roles sit within large, established organizations rather than early-stage startups.
Which New York cities have the most photonics engineer jobs?
New York, Malta, and Rome consistently account for the most photonics engineer openings in New York. New York City and its Long Island suburbs draw demand from defense contractors, telecom infrastructure firms, and academic medical centers, while cities such as Rochester and Corning anchor upstate hiring through the University of Rochester's optics programs and Corning Incorporated's global R&D campus, making smaller metros punch well above their size.
Are there remote photonics engineer jobs in New York?
Yes, but they're rare. Photonics engineering is a fundamentally hands-on discipline requiring access to optical benches, cleanrooms, and specialized test equipment, which limits remote work compared to purely analytical fields. About 0% of photonics engineer openings tied to New York are remote or hybrid as of September 2026, and where flexibility exists it tends to apply to modeling, simulation, and systems-level design tasks rather than fabrication or laboratory testing roles.
How can I get hired as a photonics engineer in New York with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is an internship or co-op during a degree program at a New York university with strong industry ties, particularly the University of Rochester, which places graduates directly into Northrop Grumman, II-VI Incorporated, and regional photonics startups. Candidates without internship experience should target junior optical test engineer or optical technician roles, which are common stepping stones at Long Island defense firms. Building a portfolio of simulation projects in Zemax or Lumerical and pursuing any hands-on cleanroom exposure through university lab access gives candidates a measurable edge.
Where can I find and apply to photonics engineer jobs in New York?
You can find and apply to photonics engineer jobs in New York on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings across the state updated in real time. Search the listings for roles that match your experience level and specialization, then apply directly to the ones that fit.
See All 9 Photonics Engineer Jobs in New York
Find roles in New York that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Photonics Engineer Jobs