Photonics Engineer Visa Sponsorship Jobs in California
California is one of the most active states for photonics engineer visa sponsorship, driven by defense contractors, semiconductor firms, and laser technology companies concentrated in Silicon Valley, San Diego, and the Los Angeles basin. Major employers including II-VI Incorporated, Lumentum, Coherent, and UCSB-affiliated startups regularly file Labor Condition Applications for photonics roles.
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Get Access To All JobsWho We Are
Applied Materials is the global leader in materials science and engineering solutions that are at the foundation of virtually every new semiconductor chip and advanced display in the world. The equipment that we create and service is essential to advancing AI and accelerating the commercialization of next-generation semiconductor chips. Join us and push the boundaries of materials science and engineering in a company at the foundation of the electronics industry. The work we do together advances the world’s technology.
What We Offer
Salary:
$138,000.00 - $190,000.00
Location:
Santa Clara, CA
You’ll benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages you to learn, develop, and grow your career as you take on challenges and drive innovative solutions for our customers. We empower our team to push the boundaries of what is possible—while learning every day in a supportive leading global company.
At Applied Materials, we care about the health and wellbeing of our employees. We’re committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth and care for you at work, at home, or wherever you may go.
Job Mission
We are looking to hire a highly motivated, hands-on technical individual to join our CTO Quantum program. The role will help define, develop, and evaluate novel photonic and optical technologies, including metasurface, integrated photonic, and inspection/metrology concepts, that enable scalable quantum systems on advanced substrates. You will connect photonic simulation, layout, fabrication, and measurement data to run feasibility studies, show new capabilities, and support technical decisions as quantum technologies move from lab demonstrations to manufacturable platforms.
Key Responsibilities
- Independently execute engineering projects and contribute to research and development of new technologies.
- Define experiments (including DOE) and determine the type of meaningful data required to support evaluation and technical decisions.
- Identify and troubleshoot design, process, and measurement problems.
- Interface with design, process, metrology, and mask teams.
- Apply advanced principles, theories, and concepts, and contribute to the development of new methods and capabilities.
- Prepare and deliver technical readouts and share new ideas with the team.
- Own electromagnetic simulation of nanophotonic, metasurface, and integrated photonic components, including convergence validation, parameter sweeps, and optical-loss analysis.
- Design thin-film optical stacks (e.g., anti-reflection coatings) and evaluate material and geometry tradeoffs.
- Translate optimized designs into fabrication-ready GDSII layouts using scripted/parameterized layout generation; run design rule checks and support tape-out verification.
- Support mask data preparation and computational lithography activities (OPC/RET, model calibration data, and verification).
- Correlate simulation with metrology and optical test data; evaluate process-variation impact and convert results into design and process guidelines.
- Build automated Python/MATLAB pipelines for data processing, statistical analysis, and reporting; present simulation, layout, and verification readouts to the team.
Tools & Software
Photonics Simulation:
- Required: FDTD (e.g., Ansys Lumerical FDTD) and RCWA (e.g., RSoft DiffractMOD, S4, or in-house)
- Transfer-matrix / thin-film tools (e.g., Essential Macleod, TFCalc, or custom code)
- Preferred: Lumerical MODE/CHARGE, COMSOL Multiphysics, or RF/electro-optic solvers
Layout / Mask Data:
- Required: GDSII/OASIS layout and scripting (e.g., KLayout, gdsfactory/gdstk)
- Preferred: Cadence Virtuoso; Siemens Calibre or Synopsys tools for DRC, OPC/RET, and MDP
Data Processing:
- Python (NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib), MATLAB, Linux/scripting
Functional Knowledge
Demonstrates conceptual and practical expertise in own discipline and basic knowledge of related disciplines.
Business Expertise
Has knowledge of best practices and how own area integrates with others; is aware of the competition and the factors that differentiate them in the market.
Leadership
Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience; may lead small projects with manageable risks and resource requirements.
Problem Solving
Solves complex problems; takes a new perspective on existing solutions; exercises judgment based on the analysis of multiple sources of information.
Impact
Impacts a range of project activities within own team and other related teams; works within broad guidelines and policies.
Interpersonal Skills
Explains difficult or sensitive information; works to build consensus.
- Strong problem solving and creative thinking skills
- Solid foundation in optics/photonics, electromagnetics, and semiconductor processing
- Quick learner, comfortable with both computational and hands-on lab work
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Qualifications
Education: Ph.D. in Applied Physics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics/Photonics, Materials Science and Engineering, or equivalent (completed by start date).
Years of Experience: 0–2 years post-Ph.D.; relevant industry internship experience is a plus.
Required
- Ph.D. research in nanophotonic, metasurface, or integrated photonic device simulation and design
- Hands-on experience with FDTD and/or RCWA simulation
- Programming skills (Python and/or MATLAB) for simulation automation and quantitative data analysis
- Familiarity with GDS layout generation and scripting
Preferred
- Cleanroom fabrication experience (e.g., e-beam lithography, dry etch)
- Optical characterization and measurement-system experience
- Experience with OPC/RET, mask data preparation, or DRC rule decks
- Experience with active/passive PIC devices, wafer-level metrology, or quantum-technology
Additional Information
Time Type: Full time
Employee Type: New College Grad
Travel: Yes, 10% of the Time
Relocation Eligible: No
The salary offered to a selected candidate will be based on multiple factors including location, hire grade, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and with consideration of internal equity of our current team members. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, candidates may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and a stock award program, as applicable.
For all sales roles, the posted salary range is the Target Total Cash (TTC) range for the role, which is the sum of base salary and target bonus amount at 100% goal achievement.
Applied Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
In addition, Applied endeavors to make our careers site accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us via e-mail at Accommodations_Program@amat.com, or by calling our HR Direct Help Line at 877-612-7547, option 1, and following the prompts to speak to an HR Advisor. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
Who We Are
Applied Materials is the global leader in materials science and engineering solutions that are at the foundation of virtually every new semiconductor chip and advanced display in the world. The equipment that we create and service is essential to advancing AI and accelerating the commercialization of next-generation semiconductor chips. Join us and push the boundaries of materials science and engineering in a company at the foundation of the electronics industry. The work we do together advances the world’s technology.
What We Offer
Salary:
$138,000.00 - $190,000.00
Location:
Santa Clara, CA
You’ll benefit from a supportive work culture that encourages you to learn, develop, and grow your career as you take on challenges and drive innovative solutions for our customers. We empower our team to push the boundaries of what is possible—while learning every day in a supportive leading global company.
At Applied Materials, we care about the health and wellbeing of our employees. We’re committed to providing programs and support that encourage personal and professional growth and care for you at work, at home, or wherever you may go.
Job Mission
We are looking to hire a highly motivated, hands-on technical individual to join our CTO Quantum program. The role will help define, develop, and evaluate novel photonic and optical technologies, including metasurface, integrated photonic, and inspection/metrology concepts, that enable scalable quantum systems on advanced substrates. You will connect photonic simulation, layout, fabrication, and measurement data to run feasibility studies, show new capabilities, and support technical decisions as quantum technologies move from lab demonstrations to manufacturable platforms.
Key Responsibilities
- Independently execute engineering projects and contribute to research and development of new technologies.
- Define experiments (including DOE) and determine the type of meaningful data required to support evaluation and technical decisions.
- Identify and troubleshoot design, process, and measurement problems.
- Interface with design, process, metrology, and mask teams.
- Apply advanced principles, theories, and concepts, and contribute to the development of new methods and capabilities.
- Prepare and deliver technical readouts and share new ideas with the team.
- Own electromagnetic simulation of nanophotonic, metasurface, and integrated photonic components, including convergence validation, parameter sweeps, and optical-loss analysis.
- Design thin-film optical stacks (e.g., anti-reflection coatings) and evaluate material and geometry tradeoffs.
- Translate optimized designs into fabrication-ready GDSII layouts using scripted/parameterized layout generation; run design rule checks and support tape-out verification.
- Support mask data preparation and computational lithography activities (OPC/RET, model calibration data, and verification).
- Correlate simulation with metrology and optical test data; evaluate process-variation impact and convert results into design and process guidelines.
- Build automated Python/MATLAB pipelines for data processing, statistical analysis, and reporting; present simulation, layout, and verification readouts to the team.
Tools & Software
Photonics Simulation:
- Required: FDTD (e.g., Ansys Lumerical FDTD) and RCWA (e.g., RSoft DiffractMOD, S4, or in-house)
- Transfer-matrix / thin-film tools (e.g., Essential Macleod, TFCalc, or custom code)
- Preferred: Lumerical MODE/CHARGE, COMSOL Multiphysics, or RF/electro-optic solvers
Layout / Mask Data:
- Required: GDSII/OASIS layout and scripting (e.g., KLayout, gdsfactory/gdstk)
- Preferred: Cadence Virtuoso; Siemens Calibre or Synopsys tools for DRC, OPC/RET, and MDP
Data Processing:
- Python (NumPy, SciPy, Matplotlib), MATLAB, Linux/scripting
Functional Knowledge
Demonstrates conceptual and practical expertise in own discipline and basic knowledge of related disciplines.
Business Expertise
Has knowledge of best practices and how own area integrates with others; is aware of the competition and the factors that differentiate them in the market.
Leadership
Acts as a resource for colleagues with less experience; may lead small projects with manageable risks and resource requirements.
Problem Solving
Solves complex problems; takes a new perspective on existing solutions; exercises judgment based on the analysis of multiple sources of information.
Impact
Impacts a range of project activities within own team and other related teams; works within broad guidelines and policies.
Interpersonal Skills
Explains difficult or sensitive information; works to build consensus.
- Strong problem solving and creative thinking skills
- Solid foundation in optics/photonics, electromagnetics, and semiconductor processing
- Quick learner, comfortable with both computational and hands-on lab work
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Qualifications
Education: Ph.D. in Applied Physics, Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optics/Photonics, Materials Science and Engineering, or equivalent (completed by start date).
Years of Experience: 0–2 years post-Ph.D.; relevant industry internship experience is a plus.
Required
- Ph.D. research in nanophotonic, metasurface, or integrated photonic device simulation and design
- Hands-on experience with FDTD and/or RCWA simulation
- Programming skills (Python and/or MATLAB) for simulation automation and quantitative data analysis
- Familiarity with GDS layout generation and scripting
Preferred
- Cleanroom fabrication experience (e.g., e-beam lithography, dry etch)
- Optical characterization and measurement-system experience
- Experience with OPC/RET, mask data preparation, or DRC rule decks
- Experience with active/passive PIC devices, wafer-level metrology, or quantum-technology
Additional Information
Time Type: Full time
Employee Type: New College Grad
Travel: Yes, 10% of the Time
Relocation Eligible: No
The salary offered to a selected candidate will be based on multiple factors including location, hire grade, job-related knowledge, skills, experience, and with consideration of internal equity of our current team members. In addition to a comprehensive benefits package, candidates may be eligible for other forms of compensation such as participation in a bonus and a stock award program, as applicable.
For all sales roles, the posted salary range is the Target Total Cash (TTC) range for the role, which is the sum of base salary and target bonus amount at 100% goal achievement.
Applied Materials is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, citizenship, ancestry, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, disability, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law.
In addition, Applied endeavors to make our careers site accessible to all users. If you would like to contact us regarding accessibility of our website or need assistance completing the application process, please contact us via e-mail at Accommodations_Program@amat.com, or by calling our HR Direct Help Line at 877-612-7547, option 1, and following the prompts to speak to an HR Advisor. This contact is for accommodation requests only and cannot be used to inquire about the status of applications.
Photonics Engineer Job Roles in California
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Search Photonics Engineer Jobs in CaliforniaPhotonics Engineer Jobs in California: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for photonics engineers in California?
California-based employers with consistent H-1B visa filing histories for photonics roles include Lumentum, II-VI Incorporated (now Coherent Corp.), Viavi Solutions, Broadcom, and Intel. Defense contractors such as Raytheon and Northrop Grumman also sponsor in Southern California, though some positions require U.S. citizenship or permanent residency due to security clearance requirements. Sponsorship patterns vary by product line and project type.
Which visa types are most common for photonics engineer roles in California?
The H-1B is the most frequently used visa for photonics engineers in California, as the role typically qualifies as a specialty occupation requiring at least a bachelor's degree in photonics, optical engineering, electrical engineering, or physics. O-1A visas are an option for engineers with demonstrated extraordinary ability. Some employers also support EB-2 or EB-3 green card sponsorship after initial H-1B approval. USCIS has detailed criteria for each category.
Which cities in California have the most photonics engineer sponsorship jobs?
San Jose and the broader Silicon Valley corridor lead in photonics engineering sponsorship activity, anchored by semiconductor and fiber optics companies. San Diego has a strong cluster tied to defense photonics, LIDAR, and biophotonics firms. Los Angeles and the South Bay area host aerospace and defense employers. Santa Barbara benefits from proximity to UC Santa Barbara, a nationally recognized photonics research university that feeds local industry hiring.
How to find photonics engineer visa sponsorship jobs in California?
Migrate Mate lists photonics engineer roles in California filtered by visa sponsorship history, drawing on DOL Labor Condition Application data to surface employers who have actively sponsored international engineers. You can search by city, employer, or visa type to narrow results to active California opportunities. This makes it faster to identify companies already familiar with the H-1B process for photonics and optical engineering positions specifically.
What state-specific factors should photonics engineers know about sponsorship in California?
California employers must post LCA public access files and meet DOL prevailing wage requirements specific to the metropolitan statistical area where the role is located, which means wage levels in San Jose or San Diego may differ significantly from national averages. Engineers can check location-specific prevailing wages using the OFLC Wage Search tool. California also has state labor laws that interact with H-1B employment terms, so employers and candidates should be aware of both federal and state obligations.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored photonics engineer jobs in California?
U.S. employers sponsoring a visa must pay at least the prevailing wage, which is what workers in the same role, area, and experience level typically earn. The Department of Labor sets this rate to make sure companies aren't hiring foreign workers simply because they'd accept lower pay than a U.S. worker. It varies by job title, location, and experience. You can look up current prevailing wage rates for any occupation and location using the OFLC Wage Search page.