Career Overview
Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.
Also Known As
- Laser Engineer
- Optical Design Engineer
- Optical Engineer
- Optical Systems Engineer
Alternate Job Titles
- 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
- Laser Systems Engineer
- Optical Design Engineer
- Optical Engineer
- Optical Manufacturing Engineer
- Optical Network Engineer
- Optical Specialist
- Optical Systems Engineer
What You'll Do
In this role, your typical responsibilities include:
- Analyze system performance or operational requirements.
- Develop optical or imaging systems, such as optical imaging products, optical components, image processes, signal process technologies, or optical systems.
- Develop or test photonic prototypes or models.
- Design, integrate, or test photonics systems or components.
- Assist in the transition of photonic prototypes to production.
- Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in the field.
- Write reports or proposals related to photonics research or development projects.
Knowledge You'll Use
You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:
- Engineering and Technology
- Mathematics
- Physics
- Computers and Electronics
- Design
Essential Skills
Success in this career requires strong skills in:
- Critical Thinking
- Reading Comprehension
- Writing
- Active Listening
- Speaking
- Mathematics
- Active Learning
Key Abilities
This career requires key abilities in:
- Written Comprehension
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
- Information Ordering
- Oral Comprehension
- Written Expression
- Mathematical Reasoning
- Oral Expression
- Fluency of Ideas
- Originality
Work Style
People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:
- Attention to Detail
- Innovation
- Intellectual Curiosity
- Dependability
- Cautiousness
What Matters in This Career
This career tends to satisfy these work values:
- Achievement
- Independence
- Working Conditions
- Recognition
- Relationships
Education & Preparation
Typical Education: Bachelor's Degree
Related Work Experience Needed: Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
On-the-Job Training: Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
Education Details: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience Required: A considerable amount of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations. For example, an accountant must complete four years of college and work for several years in accounting to be considered qualified.
Technology You'll Use
Popular Technologies & Software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- C
- C#
- C++
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
- ESRI ArcGIS software
- Go
- Linux
- Microsoft .NET Framework
Tools & Equipment
- Argon-ion lasers
- Atomic force microscopes AFM
- Autocorrelators
- Bench refractometers
- Biosafety cabinets
- Chemical hoods
- Chemical mechanical polishing CMP systems
- Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering CARS microscopes
- Confocal fluorescence microscopes
- Contact lithography systems
- Cryostats
- Current monitors
- Deconvolution fluorescence microscopes
- Digital cameras
- Digital panel meters
Work Environment
- Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
- Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
- Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team
- Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
Salary & Job Market
Wages reported for the broader Engineers, All Other occupational group (BLS 2024), which includes Photonics Engineers.
| Salary Percentile | Annual Wage |
|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $62,840 |
| Median | $117,750 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | $183,510 |
Workers Employed Nationally: 150,750
Related Careers
If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:
Photonics Technicians
Education: Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)
Median Salary: $77,390
Microsystems Engineers
Education: Master's Degree
Median Salary: $117,750
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $127,590
Computer Hardware Engineers
Education: Bachelor's Degree
Median Salary: $155,020
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Education: Not specified
Median Salary: $77,180
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Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.