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.
Find Photonics Engineer JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 18+ Photonics Engineer jobs
Job Description
Number of Positions: 2
Duration: 4 months
Date: Sept 2026 - Dec 2026
Location: Onsite in Sunnyvale, CA, or New York, NY
Education Recommendations
Current M.S. or Ph.D. student in electrical engineering, physics, applied physics, or other similar fields with an accredited university in the USA.
How You Will Contribute And What You Will Learn
We are searching for a Silicon Photonics Packaging Co-op for our Fall 2026 Term to engage in the research and development of silicon photonics transceiver modules.
- Develop semiconductor and optical packaging processes in-house, or in close partnership with contract manufacturers.
- Design optical transceiver packages in collaboration with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to ensure package requirements are met.
- Own Design Rules documents and ensure Design for Manufacturing specifications are met.
- Perform mechanical integrity and thermal simulations, tolerance analyses and characterization.
- Drive package debug activities during product validation and qualification.
- Plan and Drive prototype assembly builds to enable deliveries for early design validation.
- Apply in-depth knowledge of advanced packaging principles and stay current with new technological advancements.
Key Skills And Experience
- Experience with package and process design/development from design to production.
- Knowledge of design for manufacturing, 2.5D/3D packaging, and TSVs.
- Experience with documentation of fabrication, inspection, and assembly processes.
- Solid interpersonal, communication and problem-solving skills in order to interact with engineering staff, external vendors and contractors effectively.
It would be nice if you also had:
- Understanding of optical epoxies, non-hermetic packaging, and high-volume packaging and thermal analysis of 2.5/3D packages.
- Experience in the semiconductor chip and wafer-level back-end processing, assembly, and/or packaging.
- Experience in high-speed electronics package design and/or laser package design.
- Experience with thermo-mechanical simulations using ANSYS or similar software.
- Experience with metrology techniques such as SEM/XSEM, confocal microscopy, or acoustic imaging.
- Familiarity with design and simulations of optical packaging using free space optics or fiber coupling.
About us
Advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.
Nokia is a global leader in connectivity for the AI era. With expertise across fixed, mobile and transport networks, powered by the innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we’re advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.
Our recruitment process
We act inclusively and respect the uniqueness of people. Our employment decisions are made regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to a culture of inclusion built upon our core value of respect. If you’re interested in this role but don’t meet every listed requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enrich our teams, and you may be just the right candidate for this or another opportunity. The length of the recruitment process may vary depending on the specific role's requirements. We strive to ensure a smooth and inclusive experience for all candidates.
About The Team
Some of our benefits for students in the US:
- Flexible and hybrid working schemes to balance study, work, and life
- Professional development events and networking opportunities
- Well-being programs, including Personal Support Service 24/7 - a confidential support channel open to all Nokia employees and their families in challenging situations
- Opportunities to join Nokia Employee Resource Groups (NERGs) and build connections across the organization
- Employee Growth Solutions, mentorship programs, and coaching support for your career development
- A learning environment that fosters both personal growth and professional development – for your role and beyond
Disclaimer for US/Canada
Nokia maintains broad annual base salary ranges for its roles in order to account for variations in knowledge, skills, experience and market conditions, and with consideration to internal peer equity. Check the salary ranges in the job info section for this role.
All North America job posts will post for a minimum of 3 calendar days and up to 180 days or until candidate/s identified.
Job Description
Number of Positions: 2
Duration: 4 months
Date: Sept 2026 - Dec 2026
Location: Onsite in Sunnyvale, CA, or New York, NY
Education Recommendations
Current M.S. or Ph.D. student in electrical engineering, physics, applied physics, or other similar fields with an accredited university in the USA.
How You Will Contribute And What You Will Learn
We are searching for a Silicon Photonics Packaging Co-op for our Fall 2026 Term to engage in the research and development of silicon photonics transceiver modules.
- Develop semiconductor and optical packaging processes in-house, or in close partnership with contract manufacturers.
- Design optical transceiver packages in collaboration with cross-functional teams and stakeholders to ensure package requirements are met.
- Own Design Rules documents and ensure Design for Manufacturing specifications are met.
- Perform mechanical integrity and thermal simulations, tolerance analyses and characterization.
- Drive package debug activities during product validation and qualification.
- Plan and Drive prototype assembly builds to enable deliveries for early design validation.
- Apply in-depth knowledge of advanced packaging principles and stay current with new technological advancements.
Key Skills And Experience
- Experience with package and process design/development from design to production.
- Knowledge of design for manufacturing, 2.5D/3D packaging, and TSVs.
- Experience with documentation of fabrication, inspection, and assembly processes.
- Solid interpersonal, communication and problem-solving skills in order to interact with engineering staff, external vendors and contractors effectively.
It would be nice if you also had:
- Understanding of optical epoxies, non-hermetic packaging, and high-volume packaging and thermal analysis of 2.5/3D packages.
- Experience in the semiconductor chip and wafer-level back-end processing, assembly, and/or packaging.
- Experience in high-speed electronics package design and/or laser package design.
- Experience with thermo-mechanical simulations using ANSYS or similar software.
- Experience with metrology techniques such as SEM/XSEM, confocal microscopy, or acoustic imaging.
- Familiarity with design and simulations of optical packaging using free space optics or fiber coupling.
About us
Advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.
Nokia is a global leader in connectivity for the AI era. With expertise across fixed, mobile and transport networks, powered by the innovation of Nokia Bell Labs, we’re advancing connectivity to secure a brighter world.
Our recruitment process
We act inclusively and respect the uniqueness of people. Our employment decisions are made regardless of race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, age, marital status, disability, protected veteran status or other characteristics protected by law. We are committed to a culture of inclusion built upon our core value of respect. If you’re interested in this role but don’t meet every listed requirement, we still encourage you to apply. Unique backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences enrich our teams, and you may be just the right candidate for this or another opportunity. The length of the recruitment process may vary depending on the specific role's requirements. We strive to ensure a smooth and inclusive experience for all candidates.
About The Team
Some of our benefits for students in the US:
- Flexible and hybrid working schemes to balance study, work, and life
- Professional development events and networking opportunities
- Well-being programs, including Personal Support Service 24/7 - a confidential support channel open to all Nokia employees and their families in challenging situations
- Opportunities to join Nokia Employee Resource Groups (NERGs) and build connections across the organization
- Employee Growth Solutions, mentorship programs, and coaching support for your career development
- A learning environment that fosters both personal growth and professional development – for your role and beyond
Disclaimer for US/Canada
Nokia maintains broad annual base salary ranges for its roles in order to account for variations in knowledge, skills, experience and market conditions, and with consideration to internal peer equity. Check the salary ranges in the job info section for this role.
All North America job posts will post for a minimum of 3 calendar days and up to 180 days or until candidate/s identified.
See All 18 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
- GlobalFoundries8
- Nokia7
- Globalfoundries U.S.3
Top Industries Hiring
- Electronics & Hardware11
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 GlobalFoundries, Nokia, and Globalfoundries U.S., based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of June 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?
Malta and New York 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 June 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 18 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