STEM OPT Photonics Engineer Jobs
Photonics Engineer roles qualify for the 24-month STEM OPT extension when your degree falls under an eligible CIP code in optics, photonics, or electrical engineering. Employers must be enrolled in E-Verify and sign your I-983 training plan before your extension begins. Your total OPT work authorization reaches 36 months.
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Get Access To All JobsINTRODUCTION
Our vision is to transform how the world uses information to enrich life for all.
Micron Technology is a world leader in innovating memory and storage solutions that accelerate the transformation of information into intelligence, inspiring the world to learn, communicate and advance faster than ever.
We are seeking experienced engineers for Principal, MTS, and SMTS roles. The level at which candidates are hired will be determined by their years of experience, demonstrated technical depth, and overall qualifications.
Principal Photonics Integration Engineer
The Advanced Packaging Technology Development (APTD) team is shaping the future of memory, storage, and photonics technologies that power AI, high-performance computing, and next-generation data infrastructure. We collaborate across research, device, process, packaging, and manufacturing organizations to develop innovative solutions that move quickly from concept to production. Join a team where technical challenges are complex, innovation is constant, and your work will directly influence Micron's technology roadmap.
As a Principal Photonics Integration Engineer, you will lead the development and integration of silicon photonics and heterogeneous integration technologies that enable high-performance optical connectivity solutions. This role combines process integration, advanced packaging, device development, and program leadership to bring new technologies from concept through manufacturing readiness. You will work across multidisciplinary teams to solve complex technical challenges while employing AI-enabled engineering tools to accelerate development and improve decision-making.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and optimize end-to-end process integration flows for silicon photonics technologies from concept through manufacturing readiness
- Lead integration and process development for photonic devices, optical interconnects, advanced packaging solutions, and heterogeneous integration architectures
- Drive process characterization, DOE execution, yield improvement, defect reduction, root cause investigations, and process optimization activities
- Partner with design, device, packaging, manufacturing, and supplier teams to support design rule development, tapeouts, and technology transfers
- Lead technical programs, technology roadmaps, and AI-enabled engineering initiatives that improve development efficiency and product performance
Minimum Qualifications:
- A PhD in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Photonics, Semiconductor Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience, is required along with over 3 years of applicable industry experience. Alternatively, a Master's degree or comparable experience with more than 5 years of relevant industry background is acceptable. Candidates holding a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience and upwards of 7 years in the industry will also be considered.
- Experience integrating silicon photonics processes in semiconductor development or manufacturing environments
- Strong knowledge of semiconductor process integration, wafer fabrication, process characterization, DOE methodology, and statistical analysis
- Experience with process flow architecture, device integration, design rule development, and tape out execution
- Demonstrated success leading multi-functional technical projects and using data-driven approaches to solve sophisticated engineering challenges
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with silicon photonics, III-V semiconductor technologies, and heterogeneous integration platforms
- Experience with advanced packaging technologies including hybrid bonding, wafer bonding, optical interposers, co-packaged optics, and optical packaging
- Knowledge of optical interconnect technologies for datacenter, networking, AI accelerator, HPC, or memory applications
- Experience applying AI, machine learning, advanced analytics, or workflow automation to engineering and manufacturing challenges
- Strong communication, program leadership, and project management skills with the ability to influence technical and business collaborators across organizations
As a world leader in the semiconductor industry, Micron is dedicated to your personal wellbeing and professional growth. Micron benefits are designed to help you stay well, provide peace of mind and help you prepare for the future. We offer a choice of medical, dental and vision plans in all locations enabling team members to select the plans that best meet their family healthcare needs and budget. Micron also provides benefit programs that help protect your income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury, and paid family leave. Additionally, Micron benefits include a robust paid time-off program and paid holidays. For additional information regarding the Benefit programs available, please see the Benefits Guide posted on micron.com/careers/benefits.
Micron is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
To learn about your right to work click here.
To learn more about Micron, please visit micron.com/careers.
For US Sites Only: To request assistance with the application process and/or for reasonable accommodations, please contact Micron’s People Organization at hrsupport_na@micron.com or 1-800-336-8918 (select option #3).
Micron Prohibits the use of child labor and complies with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and other international and industry labor standards.
Micron does not charge candidates any recruitment fees or unlawfully collect any other payment from candidates as consideration for their employment with Micron.
AI alert: Candidates are encouraged to use AI tools to enhance their resume and/or application materials. However, all information provided must be accurate and reflect the candidate's true skills and experiences. Misuse of AI to fabricate or misrepresent qualifications will result in immediate disqualification.
Fraud alert: Micron advises job seekers to be cautious of unsolicited job offers and to verify the authenticity of any communication claiming to be from Micron by checking the official Micron careers website in the About Micron Technology, Inc.
INTRODUCTION
Our vision is to transform how the world uses information to enrich life for all.
Micron Technology is a world leader in innovating memory and storage solutions that accelerate the transformation of information into intelligence, inspiring the world to learn, communicate and advance faster than ever.
We are seeking experienced engineers for Principal, MTS, and SMTS roles. The level at which candidates are hired will be determined by their years of experience, demonstrated technical depth, and overall qualifications.
Principal Photonics Integration Engineer
The Advanced Packaging Technology Development (APTD) team is shaping the future of memory, storage, and photonics technologies that power AI, high-performance computing, and next-generation data infrastructure. We collaborate across research, device, process, packaging, and manufacturing organizations to develop innovative solutions that move quickly from concept to production. Join a team where technical challenges are complex, innovation is constant, and your work will directly influence Micron's technology roadmap.
As a Principal Photonics Integration Engineer, you will lead the development and integration of silicon photonics and heterogeneous integration technologies that enable high-performance optical connectivity solutions. This role combines process integration, advanced packaging, device development, and program leadership to bring new technologies from concept through manufacturing readiness. You will work across multidisciplinary teams to solve complex technical challenges while employing AI-enabled engineering tools to accelerate development and improve decision-making.
Responsibilities:
- Develop and optimize end-to-end process integration flows for silicon photonics technologies from concept through manufacturing readiness
- Lead integration and process development for photonic devices, optical interconnects, advanced packaging solutions, and heterogeneous integration architectures
- Drive process characterization, DOE execution, yield improvement, defect reduction, root cause investigations, and process optimization activities
- Partner with design, device, packaging, manufacturing, and supplier teams to support design rule development, tapeouts, and technology transfers
- Lead technical programs, technology roadmaps, and AI-enabled engineering initiatives that improve development efficiency and product performance
Minimum Qualifications:
- A PhD in Electrical Engineering, Materials Science, Physics, Photonics, Semiconductor Engineering, or a related field, or equivalent experience, is required along with over 3 years of applicable industry experience. Alternatively, a Master's degree or comparable experience with more than 5 years of relevant industry background is acceptable. Candidates holding a Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience and upwards of 7 years in the industry will also be considered.
- Experience integrating silicon photonics processes in semiconductor development or manufacturing environments
- Strong knowledge of semiconductor process integration, wafer fabrication, process characterization, DOE methodology, and statistical analysis
- Experience with process flow architecture, device integration, design rule development, and tape out execution
- Demonstrated success leading multi-functional technical projects and using data-driven approaches to solve sophisticated engineering challenges
Preferred Qualifications:
- Experience with silicon photonics, III-V semiconductor technologies, and heterogeneous integration platforms
- Experience with advanced packaging technologies including hybrid bonding, wafer bonding, optical interposers, co-packaged optics, and optical packaging
- Knowledge of optical interconnect technologies for datacenter, networking, AI accelerator, HPC, or memory applications
- Experience applying AI, machine learning, advanced analytics, or workflow automation to engineering and manufacturing challenges
- Strong communication, program leadership, and project management skills with the ability to influence technical and business collaborators across organizations
As a world leader in the semiconductor industry, Micron is dedicated to your personal wellbeing and professional growth. Micron benefits are designed to help you stay well, provide peace of mind and help you prepare for the future. We offer a choice of medical, dental and vision plans in all locations enabling team members to select the plans that best meet their family healthcare needs and budget. Micron also provides benefit programs that help protect your income if you are unable to work due to illness or injury, and paid family leave. Additionally, Micron benefits include a robust paid time-off program and paid holidays. For additional information regarding the Benefit programs available, please see the Benefits Guide posted on micron.com/careers/benefits.
Micron is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship status, disability, protected veteran status, gender identity or any other factor protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.
To learn about your right to work click here.
To learn more about Micron, please visit micron.com/careers.
For US Sites Only: To request assistance with the application process and/or for reasonable accommodations, please contact Micron’s People Organization at hrsupport_na@micron.com or 1-800-336-8918 (select option #3).
Micron Prohibits the use of child labor and complies with all applicable laws, rules, regulations, and other international and industry labor standards.
Micron does not charge candidates any recruitment fees or unlawfully collect any other payment from candidates as consideration for their employment with Micron.
AI alert: Candidates are encouraged to use AI tools to enhance their resume and/or application materials. However, all information provided must be accurate and reflect the candidate's true skills and experiences. Misuse of AI to fabricate or misrepresent qualifications will result in immediate disqualification.
Fraud alert: Micron advises job seekers to be cautious of unsolicited job offers and to verify the authenticity of any communication claiming to be from Micron by checking the official Micron careers website in the About Micron Technology, Inc.
See all STEM OPT Photonics Engineer Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new STEM OPT Photonics Engineer Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding STEM OPT Authorization as a Photonics Engineer
Verify your CIP code before applying
Check that your degree's CIP code appears on the STEM Designated Degree Program list. Photonics programs often fall under optics (CIP 40.0809) or electrical engineering (CIP 14.1001), but your DSO confirms the exact code on your I-20.
Confirm E-Verify enrollment before accepting offers
Ask recruiters for their E-Verify company ID or look up employer enrollment status through the E-Verify employer search. An offer from a non-enrolled employer disqualifies you from the STEM OPT extension entirely.
Target defense and semiconductor employers filing LCAs
Photonics roles in defense optics, fiber communications, and semiconductor fabrication generate consistent LCA filings with DOL. Filter for employers with active filings in SOC code 17-2070 using OFLC Wage Search to surface companies actively hiring engineers at your level.
Draft your I-983 training plan around measurable goals
Your employer's supervisor must sign the I-983 listing specific learning objectives tied to your photonics work, such as laser system design milestones or optical testing protocols. Generic descriptions get flagged by USCIS during OPT extension adjudication.
Use Migrate Mate to find E-Verify employers hiring now
Search Migrate Mate for Photonics Engineer roles filtered to employers already enrolled in E-Verify. This cuts the screening step out of your job search and surfaces companies with active STEM OPT hiring history in optics and photonics.
File your STEM OPT extension 90 days before OPT ends
USCIS requires your I-765 application to arrive no earlier than 90 days before your current EAD expires. Late filing means a gap in work authorization. Your DSO must issue the updated I-20 recommending the extension before you submit.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does a photonics or optics degree qualify for the STEM OPT extension?
Yes, if your degree's CIP code appears on the STEM Designated Degree Program list. Photonics degrees commonly fall under CIP 40.0809 (optics and photonics) or 14.1001 (electrical engineering), both of which are STEM-eligible. Your DSO can confirm your exact CIP code on your I-20 before you apply for the extension.
What E-Verify requirement applies to my Photonics Engineer employer?
Any employer hiring you on STEM OPT must be enrolled in E-Verify and remain enrolled for the full duration of your extension. You can verify enrollment status through the E-Verify employer search tool before signing an offer. If an employer is not enrolled, they cannot legally employ you under the STEM OPT extension, regardless of how the role is structured.
What goes into the I-983 training plan for a Photonics Engineer role?
The I-983 must list specific, measurable training objectives tied to your photonics work, your compensation and hours, and a supervision plan. For a Photonics Engineer, this typically includes objectives around optical design, laser characterization, or systems integration. Both you and your employer's supervisor sign it, and USCIS reviews it as part of your extension application.
How does cap-gap protect me if my employer files an H-1B petition before my OPT ends?
If your employer files a timely H-1B visa petition for the following fiscal year and your OPT EAD expires before October 1, cap-gap automatically extends your work authorization through September 30. Your STEM OPT EAD and I-20 serve as your work authorization evidence during this period. USCIS does not issue a separate cap-gap document.
Where can I find Photonics Engineer jobs with employers who already support STEM OPT?
Migrate Mate lists Photonics Engineer openings filtered to employers enrolled in E-Verify, which is the baseline requirement for STEM OPT. You can also cross-reference the O*NET occupation profile for SOC code 17-2070 to identify the industries and job titles most associated with photonics work, then target employers with active DOL LCA filings in those sectors.