Photonics Engineers
Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.
Also known as: Algorithm Developer, Display Engineer, DWDM Optical Network Engineer (Dense Wavelength Division Multiplexing Optical Network Engineer), Electro-optical Engineer, Electro-optics Engineer, Engineer, Fiber Optics Engineer, Laser Engineer, ...
Annual Salary
Median annual wage (May 2024)
Job Outlook
Projected growth, 2024–2034 (About average)
What You'd Do
- Analyze, fabricate, or test fiber-optic links.
- Design electro-optical sensing or imaging systems.
- Determine commercial, industrial, scientific, or other uses for electro-optical applications or devices.
- Conduct research on new photonics technologies.
- Design, integrate, or test photonics systems or components.
- Analyze system performance or operational requirements.
- Conduct testing to determine functionality or optimization or to establish limits of photonics systems or components.
- Design gas lasers, solid state lasers, infrared, or other light emitting or light sensitive devices.
- Determine applications of photonics appropriate to meet product objectives or features.
- Develop or test photonic prototypes or models.
- Develop optical or imaging systems, such as optical imaging products, optical components, image processes, signal process technologies, or optical systems.
- Assist in the transition of photonic prototypes to production.
- Create or maintain photonic design histories.
- Oversee or provide expertise on manufacturing, assembly, or fabrication processes.
- Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in the field.
- Train operators, engineers, or other personnel.
- Design photonics products, such as light sources, displays, or photovoltaics, to achieve increased energy efficiency.
- Write reports or proposals related to photonics research or development projects.
- Document photonics system or component design processes, including objectives, issues, or outcomes.
- Select, purchase, set up, operate, or troubleshoot state-of-the-art laser cutting equipment.
Top Skills
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Knowledge Areas
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation by education level
Technology & Tools
Software and tools commonly used in this role
In-Demand Technologies
Other Tools
Work Styles
Personality traits and work styles important for this career
Key Abilities
Cognitive, physical, and sensory abilities important for this role
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Work Activities
General types of job behaviors occurring on this job
Importance scale: 1 (low) – 5 (high)
Work Environment
Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work
Related Careers
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Salary data: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2024. Outlook data: BLS Employment Projections, 2024–2034.
This page includes information from the O*NET 30.2 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license.