Photonics Engineers

What the job really is

Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.

At a glance

• Sector: Architecture & Engineering
• O*NET-SOC code: 17-2199
• O*NET job zone: 4 — considerable preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Write reports or proposals related to photonics research or development projects.
• Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in the field.
• 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.
• Conduct testing to determine functionality or optimization or to establish limits of photonics systems or components.
• Determine applications of photonics appropriate to meet product objectives or features.
• Conduct research on new photonics technologies.
• Design electro-optical sensing or imaging systems.
• Document photonics system or component design processes, including objectives, issues, or outcomes.

Tools and technology

Autodesk AutoCAD, C, C#, C++, Dassault Systemes SolidWorks, ESRI ArcGIS software, Facebook, Go, Linux, Microsoft .NET Framework, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Photonics Technicians
• Microsystems Engineers
• Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
• Computer Hardware Engineers
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
• Mechatronics Engineers
• Nanosystems Engineers
• Electrical Engineers

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 4 (considerable preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Photonics Engineers — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.