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Photonic Development Scientist

TOPTICA Photonics
Pittsford, NY Intern
POSTED ON 4/17/2026
AVAILABLE BEFORE 5/16/2026
What can you expect in the role of Photonic Development Scientist?

  • Drawing on personal experience to direct the development of photonic devices at TOPTICA
  • Contributing to the design and specifications of products from R&D to Engineering to manufacturability of integrated photonic-based devices
  • Analyzing system performance or operational requirements to assess functionality of photonics systems and/or components
  • Developing and characterizing early photonic prototypes including coupling of PICs to gain chips and fibers and characterization of PIC performance
  • Working with Product Management to adequately vet markets for potential TOPTICA products
  • Assessing partners and establishing the best supply chain
  • Coordination with other subsidiaries and global R&D resources to leverage existing capabilities
  • Working with internal and external resources focused on electrical, mechanical, and controls design to achieve system-level performance goals
  • Specifying and outfitting dedicated manufacturing space with all necessary workstations, fixturing and instrumentation for design and testing of photonics systems or components
  • Ensuring that products conform to TPI’s high standard of performance, quality, and reliability
  • Designing or developing new materials and processes for photonics applications
  • Working in concert with service to support products after delivery
  • Periodic travel to TOPTICA headquarters in Germany, TOPTICA worldwide offices, distributors, and customers to stay abreast of developments in the field

Must-haves: What you’ll need for this role?

  • PhD with focus in Photonic Integrated Circuits, Semiconductor Device Physics and Quantum and Nonlinear Photonics
  • Demonstrated significant skill simulating integrated photonic devices in Lumerical
  • Strong ability to assemble overall circuits and generate layouts for fabrication in any of a number of packages (Nazca, GDSFactory, etc.)
  • Knowledge of fabrication techniques and limitations necessary to efficiently work with fabrication partners
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Desire to remain active in the field and community via trade shows, conference presentations, workshops, and peer-reviewed publications

What would be a plus in this role?

  • First-hand photonic fabrication experience
  • Experience designing for low-loss silicon nitride films
  • Experience integrating gain material with PICs (laser diodes, SOAs, etc.)

What We Offer

  • Medical Coverage: TOPTICA provides 100% employer-paid medical insurance through Excellus with a fully funded HRA for in-network expenses
  • Dental Coverage: Employees receive 100% employer-paid dental coverage through Excellus Dental with a $600 annual HRA
  • Life Insurance: TOPTICA offers a basic term life policy through Unum equal to two times the employee’s salary (up to $300,000) at no cost, effective after 30 days
  • Long-Term Disability Insurance: Employees are covered by a Unum long-term disability policy that provides partial income if disabled, effective after 30 days
  • Retirement Plan: Full-time employees can participate in the 401(k) plan, with company matching up to 6% after six months
  • Paid Time Off: Employees receive 7 sick days, 3 personal days, and accrue vacation starting at 10 days per year, increasing to 15 days after two years
  • Observed Holidays: Employees receive 12 paid U.S. federal holidays each year
  • Company Shutdown: TOPTICA observes a year-end shutdown between Christmas and New Year’s.
  • Possible Salary: $90,000 - $150,000 on an annualized basis

Salary : $90,000 - $150,000

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