Photonics Engineer Visa Sponsorship Jobs in Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania's photonics engineering sector is anchored by defense and aerospace contractors in the Philadelphia suburbs, optics manufacturers in the Lehigh Valley, and research institutions like Penn State and Drexel University. Employers including Northrop Grumman, II-VI Incorporated (now Coherent), and L3Harris have active visa sponsorship histories for photonics engineer roles across the state.
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Get Access To All JobsPrimary Duties & Responsibilities
- Work on silicon photonics device design, simulation, and layout
- Run a variety of optical simulation tools, including Lumerical and Rsoft
- Run a variety of RF simulation tools, including HFSS, ADS, and CST
- Run a variety of CAD tools, including Cadence, Synopsis, and Python design environments
- Tape out silicon photonics design in external and internal fabs
- Work with module developers to design the optical subassemblies
- Work with foundries to define and optimize the device structures and processes
- Work with test engineering teams to perform characterization of silicon photonics devices
- Work with quality engineers to create test and qualification plans
Education & Experience
- PhD degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Optics and Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field
- 2 years of industrial experience in design and optimization of silicon/III-V photonic devices and photonic integrated circuits
Skills
- Strong experience on RF/SI simulation and optimization, from components such as high-speed modulators/PDs, and subsystems including PCB/TIA/driver/optical components, to transceiver systems
- Strong experience in photonic integrated circuits design CAD tools
- Strong tapeout experience with photonics foundries
- 5 years of experience in testing and characterization of optoelectronic devices and modules
- Excellent experience of design/optimization of high-speed opto-electronic devices (modulators, photodetectors, lasers)
- Good knowledge of high-speed analog circuitry (TIA, modulator drivers)
- In-depth understanding of optical transceiver modules
- Good knowledge of fiber optic and/or wireless communication systems and applications
- Good knowledge of module packaging in optical communications
- Good knowledge of digital electronics circuitry (microprocessors, FPGAs, SPI)
- Good knowledge of digital signal processing
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent teamwork skills and strong independence
- Self-motivated with innovative thinking
Working Conditions
- Authorized to work in US
Safety Requirements
All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.
Quality and Environmental Responsibilities
Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.
Culture Commitment
Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:
Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust
Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome
Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone
Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work
Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.
ABOUT US
Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.
JOB INFO
Job Identification: 2013554
Posting Date: 07/21/2026, 08:25 AM
Degree Level: Doctorate Degree
Job Schedule: Full time
Locations: 702 Electronic Drive, Horsham, PA, 19044, US (Hybrid)
Pay Scale: $100,625 - $172,250 per year
Primary Duties & Responsibilities
- Work on silicon photonics device design, simulation, and layout
- Run a variety of optical simulation tools, including Lumerical and Rsoft
- Run a variety of RF simulation tools, including HFSS, ADS, and CST
- Run a variety of CAD tools, including Cadence, Synopsis, and Python design environments
- Tape out silicon photonics design in external and internal fabs
- Work with module developers to design the optical subassemblies
- Work with foundries to define and optimize the device structures and processes
- Work with test engineering teams to perform characterization of silicon photonics devices
- Work with quality engineers to create test and qualification plans
Education & Experience
- PhD degree in Electrical and Computer Engineering, Optics and Optical Engineering, Physics, or related field
- 2 years of industrial experience in design and optimization of silicon/III-V photonic devices and photonic integrated circuits
Skills
- Strong experience on RF/SI simulation and optimization, from components such as high-speed modulators/PDs, and subsystems including PCB/TIA/driver/optical components, to transceiver systems
- Strong experience in photonic integrated circuits design CAD tools
- Strong tapeout experience with photonics foundries
- 5 years of experience in testing and characterization of optoelectronic devices and modules
- Excellent experience of design/optimization of high-speed opto-electronic devices (modulators, photodetectors, lasers)
- Good knowledge of high-speed analog circuitry (TIA, modulator drivers)
- In-depth understanding of optical transceiver modules
- Good knowledge of fiber optic and/or wireless communication systems and applications
- Good knowledge of module packaging in optical communications
- Good knowledge of digital electronics circuitry (microprocessors, FPGAs, SPI)
- Good knowledge of digital signal processing
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills
- Excellent teamwork skills and strong independence
- Self-motivated with innovative thinking
Working Conditions
- Authorized to work in US
Safety Requirements
All employees are required to follow the site EHS procedures and Coherent Corp. Corporate EHS standards.
Quality and Environmental Responsibilities
Depending on location, this position may be responsible for the execution and maintenance of the ISO 9000, 9001, 14001 and/or other applicable standards that may apply to the relevant roles and responsibilities within the Quality Management System and Environmental Management System.
Culture Commitment
Ensure adherence to company’s values (ICARE) in all aspects of your position at Coherent Corp.:
Integrity – Create an Environment of Trust
Collaboration – Innovate Through the Sharing of Ideas
Accountability – Own the Process and the Outcome
Respect – Recognize the Value in Everyone
Enthusiasm – Find a Sense of Purpose in Work
Coherent Corp. is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.
If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, you may contact us at talentacquisition@coherent.com.
ABOUT US
Coherent is a global leader in lasers, engineered materials and networking components. We are a vertically integrated manufacturing company that develops innovative products for diversified applications in the industrial, optical communications, military, life sciences, semiconductor equipment, and consumer markets. Coherent provides a comprehensive career development platform within an environment that challenges employees to perform at their best, while rewarding excellence and hard-work through a competitive compensation program. It's an exciting opportunity to work for a company that offers stability, longevity and growth. Come Join Us!
Note to recruiters and employment agencies: We will not pay for unsolicited resumes from recruiters and employment agencies unless we have a signed agreement and have required assistance, in writing, for a specific opening.
JOB INFO
Job Identification: 2013554
Posting Date: 07/21/2026, 08:25 AM
Degree Level: Doctorate Degree
Job Schedule: Full time
Locations: 702 Electronic Drive, Horsham, PA, 19044, US (Hybrid)
Pay Scale: $100,625 - $172,250 per year
Photonics Engineer Job Roles in Pennsylvania
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Search Photonics Engineer Jobs in PennsylvaniaPhotonics Engineer Jobs in Pennsylvania: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies sponsor visas for photonics engineers in Pennsylvania?
Coherent Corp. (formerly II-VI Incorporated), headquartered in Saxonburg, is one of the most active sponsors for photonics engineering roles in Pennsylvania. Defense contractors such as Northrop Grumman and L3Harris, with operations in the Philadelphia region, also have documented H-1B visa sponsorship histories for optical and photonics engineering positions. University-affiliated research labs at Penn State and Drexel University additionally hire international engineers through sponsorship.
Which visa types are most common for photonics engineer roles in Pennsylvania?
The H-1B is the predominant visa category for photonics engineers in Pennsylvania, as these roles typically qualify as specialty occupations requiring at least a bachelor's degree in photonics, optical engineering, or a closely related field. Some positions at defense contractors may also support O-1 visas for engineers with distinguished records of publications or patents. TN visa status is available to Canadian and Mexican nationals in qualifying engineering classifications under USMCA.
Which cities in Pennsylvania have the most photonics engineer sponsorship jobs?
The Philadelphia metropolitan area, including suburban counties like Montgomery and Chester, concentrates the highest number of photonics engineering opportunities tied to defense and telecommunications employers. The Lehigh Valley, anchored by Allentown and Bethlehem, hosts optics and laser manufacturing facilities with sponsorship activity. State College, home to Penn State's main campus, generates photonics roles through university research programs and affiliated technology spinoffs.
How to find photonics engineer visa sponsorship jobs in Pennsylvania?
Migrate Mate filters photonics engineer job listings specifically to employers in Pennsylvania with documented visa sponsorship activity, saving you from manually reviewing LCA disclosure data. Because photonics roles in this state span defense, telecommunications, and academic research, the employer type matters as much as the job title. Searching on Migrate Mate lets you focus on companies that have already demonstrated willingness to sponsor, particularly in the Philadelphia suburbs and Lehigh Valley corridors.
Are there state-specific considerations for photonics engineers seeking sponsorship in Pennsylvania?
Many photonics engineering positions at Pennsylvania defense contractors require security clearance eligibility, which can complicate sponsorship timelines for candidates on certain visa statuses. Prevailing wage levels for photonics engineers in Pennsylvania vary by metropolitan area; engineers can reference the OFLC Wage Search tool to understand wage expectations by location and experience level. Penn State's photonics programs also create a consistent pipeline of OPT-eligible candidates, meaning some employers in the state already have established sponsorship infrastructure for international hires.
What is the prevailing wage for sponsored photonics engineer jobs in Pennsylvania?
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.