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 8+ Photonics Engineer jobs
About NY Creates:
NY Creates serves as a bridge for advanced electronics, leads projects that advance R&D in emerging technologies, and generates the jobs of tomorrow. NY Creates also runs some of the most advanced facilities in the world, boasts more than 3,000 industry experts and faculty, and manages public and private investments of approximately $25 billion - placing it at the global epicenter of high-tech innovation and commercialization.
Job Description:
Position Summary, Photonics Test Development Engineer
The position lies within Electronic Photonic Design and Automation (EPDA)/Design Enablement group based in Rochester, NY.
The role is for a hands-on individual contributor who will own and be responsible for test and measurement of photonic devices and circuits for internal and external customers. Since this position requires extensive interaction with customers, equipment vendors the engineer is expected to have very good communication and presentation skills. Prior experience working with customers and vendors is highly valued.
Key Responsibilities
- Measure photonic devices and circuits using test equipment including BERT, AWG, Digital Signal Analysis for eye diagrams, RF and Optical Spectrum Analyzers, Real Time Oscilloscopes, Lasers, Optical Power meters, Polarization control, automated wafer and die prober, manual die prober.
- Develop new measurement setups based on customer requirements
- Extract and analyze key performance parameters for both active and passive photonic devices from measured data including waveguides, edge couplers, grating couplers, photodiodes, modulators, lasers, SOAs, detectors, etc.
- Prepare reports summarizing the analysis of the results.
- Provide the above support across multiple projects simultaneously, maintaining both project schedules and measurement dependability.
- Perform the above in both ordinary lab spaces as well as clean room facilities. Follow all cleanliness and safety requirements.
- Work with customers to scope measurement projects, and perform measurements in a timely manner.
- Work with test equipment vendors for periodic maintenance, resolving equipment issues and developing new testing methodologies
- Other reasonable duties as assigned
Essential Functions
40% of time - Measure devices and circuits for internal and external customers. Develop equipment drivers, automation scripts for measurements.
20% of time - Interact with test equipment vendors for maintenance, equipment issues and collaboration for new testing techniques
20% of time - Meet with customers to understand the scope of their projects and provide periodic updates
10% of time - Documentation, presentations, reports, and contribution to publications
10% of time - Other duties as assigned
Requirements:
Minimum Qualifications, Photonics Test Development Engineer
- BS/MS/PhD with 3 - 10 years experience in a related technical area
- Experience measuring RF performance of electronic/photonics structures is a must including S-parameters, and eye-diagram measurements.
- Experience working in a lab environment is a must
- Experience developing drivers, and automation scripts for measurements and probers
- Experience analyzing data, developing scripts, using statistical tools for processing data
- Ability to work and collaborate with peers to improve efficiency and improve automated solutions
This position is contingent on the satisfactory completion of a background check; this position may require annual background checks.
Don't meet every requirement? At NY Creates we are dedicated to building a welcoming team. If you are excited about working for NY Creates but your experience doesn't exactly align perfectly with the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway, you might still be a perfect fit for this or another role.
Benefits
- Medical, Vision, and Dental
- Competitive Pay and PTO
- Flexible Heath Spending and Dependent Care Accounts
- Basic / Optional Life Insurance
- Post-Retirement Health Insurance
- Employer contribution of 7% of earnings to a Basic Retirement plan after meeting one year of service.
- Optional employee contributed retirement account.
Location: 257 Fuller Road, Albany, NY 12203
Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000
- Posted salary rates are determined upon experience and education
Additional Information:
NOTE: Some positions require access to export-controlled commodities, technical data, technology, software, or restricted programs where U.S. Government authorization may be required.
For positions requiring such access, offers of employment are contingent upon the employer being able to obtain the necessary authorization, including, if required, an export license from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security, the U.S. Department of State's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, or other government agencies. The decision to pursue an export license application is at The Research Foundation for SUNY's sole discretion. Proof of status may be required prior to employment in connection with necessary authorizations.
Employment is with the Research Foundation for SUNY. The Research Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply please call Human Resources at 518-437-8686.
About NY Creates:
NY Creates serves as a bridge for advanced electronics, leads projects that advance R&D in emerging technologies, and generates the jobs of tomorrow. NY Creates also runs some of the most advanced facilities in the world, boasts more than 3,000 industry experts and faculty, and manages public and private investments of approximately $25 billion - placing it at the global epicenter of high-tech innovation and commercialization.
Job Description:
Position Summary, Photonics Test Development Engineer
The position lies within Electronic Photonic Design and Automation (EPDA)/Design Enablement group based in Rochester, NY.
The role is for a hands-on individual contributor who will own and be responsible for test and measurement of photonic devices and circuits for internal and external customers. Since this position requires extensive interaction with customers, equipment vendors the engineer is expected to have very good communication and presentation skills. Prior experience working with customers and vendors is highly valued.
Key Responsibilities
- Measure photonic devices and circuits using test equipment including BERT, AWG, Digital Signal Analysis for eye diagrams, RF and Optical Spectrum Analyzers, Real Time Oscilloscopes, Lasers, Optical Power meters, Polarization control, automated wafer and die prober, manual die prober.
- Develop new measurement setups based on customer requirements
- Extract and analyze key performance parameters for both active and passive photonic devices from measured data including waveguides, edge couplers, grating couplers, photodiodes, modulators, lasers, SOAs, detectors, etc.
- Prepare reports summarizing the analysis of the results.
- Provide the above support across multiple projects simultaneously, maintaining both project schedules and measurement dependability.
- Perform the above in both ordinary lab spaces as well as clean room facilities. Follow all cleanliness and safety requirements.
- Work with customers to scope measurement projects, and perform measurements in a timely manner.
- Work with test equipment vendors for periodic maintenance, resolving equipment issues and developing new testing methodologies
- Other reasonable duties as assigned
Essential Functions
40% of time - Measure devices and circuits for internal and external customers. Develop equipment drivers, automation scripts for measurements.
20% of time - Interact with test equipment vendors for maintenance, equipment issues and collaboration for new testing techniques
20% of time - Meet with customers to understand the scope of their projects and provide periodic updates
10% of time - Documentation, presentations, reports, and contribution to publications
10% of time - Other duties as assigned
Requirements:
Minimum Qualifications, Photonics Test Development Engineer
- BS/MS/PhD with 3 - 10 years experience in a related technical area
- Experience measuring RF performance of electronic/photonics structures is a must including S-parameters, and eye-diagram measurements.
- Experience working in a lab environment is a must
- Experience developing drivers, and automation scripts for measurements and probers
- Experience analyzing data, developing scripts, using statistical tools for processing data
- Ability to work and collaborate with peers to improve efficiency and improve automated solutions
This position is contingent on the satisfactory completion of a background check; this position may require annual background checks.
Don't meet every requirement? At NY Creates we are dedicated to building a welcoming team. If you are excited about working for NY Creates but your experience doesn't exactly align perfectly with the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway, you might still be a perfect fit for this or another role.
Benefits
- Medical, Vision, and Dental
- Competitive Pay and PTO
- Flexible Heath Spending and Dependent Care Accounts
- Basic / Optional Life Insurance
- Post-Retirement Health Insurance
- Employer contribution of 7% of earnings to a Basic Retirement plan after meeting one year of service.
- Optional employee contributed retirement account.
Location: 257 Fuller Road, Albany, NY 12203
Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000
- Posted salary rates are determined upon experience and education
Additional Information:
NOTE: Some positions require access to export-controlled commodities, technical data, technology, software, or restricted programs where U.S. Government authorization may be required.
For positions requiring such access, offers of employment are contingent upon the employer being able to obtain the necessary authorization, including, if required, an export license from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Bureau of Industry and Security, the U.S. Department of State's Directorate of Defense Trade Controls, or other government agencies. The decision to pursue an export license application is at The Research Foundation for SUNY's sole discretion. Proof of status may be required prior to employment in connection with necessary authorizations.
Employment is with the Research Foundation for SUNY. The Research Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including individuals with disabilities and protected veterans.
In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), if you have a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to apply please call Human Resources at 518-437-8686.
See All 8 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 GlobalFoundries, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of August 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 Albany 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 August 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 8 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