Join our team

Build the future of integrated photonics with a team of exceptional engineers and scientists.

Why Beacon Photonics

At Beacon Photonics, you’ll work on some of the most challenging problems in integrated photonics, developing technologies that enable quantum computing, secure communications, precision navigation, and advanced defense systems. We’re a team of experts who value technical excellence, collaborative innovation, and mission-focused work.

Here at Beacon, we combine startup agility with deep technical expertise and understanding of both commercial and defense markets. Our heterogeneous integration platform is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible with chip-scale optical systems, and we’re looking for talented individuals to help us realize this vision.

What we offer

Cutting-Edge Technical Work

Work at the forefront of photonics integration, developing technologies that address real challenges in quantum systems, advanced communications, and defense applications. You’ll tackle problems that require creative solutions spanning materials science, optical design, and advanced manufacturing.

Collaborative Environment

Join a team that values diverse perspectives and interdisciplinary collaboration. Our culture encourages knowledge sharing, mentorship, and collective problem-solving. Whether you’re an experienced expert or early in your career, you’ll work alongside talented colleagues who are passionate about advancing photonics.

Mission Impact

Your work will directly contribute to technologies that matter, enabling quantum computing breakthroughs, securing communications networks, improving navigation systems, and supporting national security. We focus on dual-use applications where innovation creates meaningful impact across commercial and defense sectors.

Growth Opportunity

As a growing startup, Beacon offers opportunities to shape our technical direction, contribute to strategic decisions, and grow with the company. You’ll have visibility into all aspects of the business and the chance to take on increasing responsibility as we scale.

Benefits & perks

Note: Customize this section based on actual benefits offered. Below are typical startup benefits

  • Competitive salary based on experience and market rates
  • Equity options with significant upside potential
  • Performance-based bonuses
  • Comprehensive health insurance (medical, dental, vision)
  • Unlimited paid time off
  • Flexible work arrangements
  • Paid holidays
  • Competitive salary based on experience and market rates
  • Equity options with significant upside potential
  • Performance-based bonuses
Open Roles

Integrated Photonics Engineer

Arlington, VA Full Time Engineering

Beacon Photonics is creating revolutionary optical microsystems to disrupt traditional laser markets. Founded by pioneers in the field of integrated photonics, we are a dynamic tech startup at the forefront of optical innovation. Our heterogeneous photonics technology enables high-performance products that provide unparalleled advantages in cost, size, and functionality for communications, sensing, and quantum systems. We are a dedicated group of world-class engineers and scientists devoted to realizing transformative capabilities and solving real-world problems.

We are seeking an exceptional Integrated Photonics Engineer to join our rapidly growing team. In this role, you will be responsible for the design, layout, and characterization of heterogeneous photonic integrated circuits to create next-generation laser components and systems. As a key team member, you will refine and deliver products and prototypes, propose and lead technical efforts, collaborate with cross-functional teams and state-of-the-art foundries, and report directly to senior leadership. To apply, please send your resume to careers@beaconphotonics.com with the position in the subject line.

 

Responsibilities:

  • Design, develop, and tape out cutting-edge photonic integrated circuits and systems
  • Simulate optical components and devices to predict and optimize performance
  • Analyze data, generate test reports, and synthesize results to inform future design iterations
  • Develop, implement, and refine new heterogeneous integration processes with external foundry partners to enable performance beyond today’s state of the art
  • Create scalable simulation, layout, and characterization procedures and workflows
  • Direct external vendors for prototype packaging and custom fabrication
  • Shape the company’s future by building capabilities, proposing and leading new efforts, and supporting ongoing development activities
  • Work closely with leadership to inform technical decisions and company direction

 

Requirements:

  • Master’s or Ph.D. degree in physics, electrical engineering, or similar field
  • 3+ years of professional experience with integrated photonics
  • Expertise with the design, tape out, and delivery of photonic integrated circuits
  • Deep familiarity of semiconductor devices and fabrication processes
  • Expertise with the simulation of photonic components and circuits using physics-based models and with commercial tools such as FDTD, EME, VPI, and Simulink
  • Hands-on experience characterizing passive and active photonic and electronic devices
  • Expertise in one or more applications of integrated photonics, such as communications, sensing, industrial processing, defense, and quantum technology
  • Demonstrated success in the preparation of technical proposals, publications, and patents
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong work ethic, and attention to detail

 

Desirable Skills and Experience:

  • Design of experiment methods and statistical data analysis
  • Scripting and automation tools such as Python and Matlab
  • Practical photonic integrated circuit packaging, including wirebonding and fiber attach
  • Experience with free-space optics, advanced laser measurements, and thermal modeling
  • Analog, digital, and RF electronics and laser instrumentation

 

Beacon Photonics is based in vibrant Northern Virginia, consistently ranked as one of the most desirable places to live in the country. We value innovation, collaboration, open and honest communication, and a passion for technology. Come build your future with us.

Our benefits include competitive compensation and employee stock ownership. We provide generous family medical, dental, and vision coverage and paid time off. Beacon is an equal-opportunity employer, committed to sustaining a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by law.

This position involves access to technology that may be subject to U.S. export controls. Such access is granted to U.S. citizens (born or naturalized), lawful permanent residents, certain categories of refugees and asylees, and those who can obtain appropriate export control licenses from the U.S. Departments of State and Commerce.

Open Roles

Process Engineer

Santa Barbara Full Time Engineering

Beacon Photonics is creating revolutionary optical microsystems to disrupt traditional laser markets. Founded by pioneers in the field of integrated photonics, we are a dynamic tech startup at the forefront of optical innovation. Our heterogeneous photonics technology enables high-performance products that provide unparalleled advantages in cost, size, and functionality for communications, sensing, and quantum systems. We are a dedicated group of world-class engineers and scientists devoted to realizing transformative capabilities and solving real-world problems.

We are seeking an exceptional Process Engineer to join our rapidly growing team. The ideal candidate will have extensive expertise in the hands-on fabrication of photonic and/or electronic integrated circuits and have a proven ability to apply this knowledge in practice. In addition, they will understand how to develop, execute, and transfer R&D fabrication processes into production-scale modules. As a key team member, you will refine and deliver prototypes, lead technical efforts, and collaborate with cross-functional teams and state-of-the-art foundries. To apply, please send your resume to careers@beaconphotonics.com with the position in the subject line.

Responsibilities:

  • Develop, carry out, and characterize fabrication processes at the UCSB Nanofabrication Facility on photonic integrated circuits at the wafer and die levels
  • Work with a team of design, test, and fabrication engineers to support a variety of commercial and R&D programs
  • Interact with cleanroom staff and equipment vendors to develop new processes
  • Shape the company’s future by building capabilities, leading new activities, and supporting ongoing research
  • Collaborate with a team of integrated photonics designers and foundry partners

Requirements:

  • B.S., M.S., or Ph.D. in electrical engineering, materials science, or related field
  • 3+ years of experience with hands-on microfabrication of photonic, electrical, or MEMS circuits
  • Experience in developing new fabrication processes and characterizing in-development devices
  • Expertise with cleanroom tools used for lithography, etching, deposition, metrology, and others
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills, strong work ethic, and attention to detail

Desirable Skills and Experience:

  • Experience working in the UCSB Nanofab facility
  • Familiarity with integrated photonic devices
  • Experience with die-to-die, die-to-wafer, or wafer-wafer bonding
  • Proficiency generating and editing GDS mask files
  • Experience developing processes for the integration of new materials with photonic circuits
  • Experience with the transfer of R&D processes to commercial foundry settings

Beacon Photonics has offices in Arlington, VA and Santa Barbara, CA. We value innovation, collaboration, open and honest communication, and a passion for technology. Come build your future with us! Our benefits include competitive compensation and employee stock ownership. We provide generous family medical, dental, and vision coverage, 401(k) matching, holidays, parental leave, and paid time off. Beacon is an equal-opportunity employer, committed to sustaining a diverse and inclusive workplace. We welcome applicants from all backgrounds regardless of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, veteran status, disability, or any other basis protected by law.

Estimated Salary Range: $120K – $185K

Actual compensation for the role will be commensurate with the candidate’s education, work experience, skills, incoming position, and responsibilities.

This position involves access to technology that may be subject to U.S. export controls. Such access is granted to U.S. citizens (born or naturalized), lawful permanent residents, certain categories of refugees and asylees, and those who can obtain appropriate export control licenses from the U.S. Departments of State and Commerce.

No current openings

We don’t have any open positions at the moment, but we’re always interested in connecting with talented photonics engineers and scientists. If you’re passionate about advancing integrated optical systems, we’d love to hear from you.

Send your resume and a note about your interests to careers@beaconphotonics.com

Don't see the right role?

We’re always looking for exceptional talent to join our team. If you’re passionate about photonics integration and want to work on challenging problems with real impact, we’d like to hear from you, even if we don’t have a specific opening posted.

Send your resume and a brief note about your background and interests to careers@beaconphotonics.com
Tell us what excites you about Beacon’s mission and how you’d contribute to our team.

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