Photonics Engineers

equipment design technology investigative imaging system computer component research optical engineer photonic prototypes

Laser Engineer, Optical Design Engineer, Optical Engineer, Optical Systems Engineer

What they do:
Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.
On the job, you would:
  • 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.

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology

  • product and service development
  • computers and electronics

Math and Science

  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
  • physics

Arts and Humanities

  • English language

Skills

Basic Skills

  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
  • reading work related information

Problem Solving

  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

People and Technology Systems

  • thinking about the pros and cons of different options and picking the best one
  • figuring out how a system should work and how changes in the future will affect it

Abilities

Verbal

  • read and understand what is written
  • communicate by writing

Ideas and Logic

  • make general rules or come up with answers from lots of detailed information
  • order or arrange things

Math

  • choose the right type of math to solve a problem
  • add, subtract, multiply, or divide

Visual Understanding

  • see hidden patterns

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include ideas, thinking, and figuring things out.

They do well at jobs that need:

  • Analytical Thinking
  • Attention to Detail
  • Dependability
  • Innovation
  • Integrity
  • Achievement/Effort

Technology

You might use software like this on the job:

Computer aided design CAD software

  • Autodesk AutoCAD Hot Technology
  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorks Hot Technology In Demand

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPoint Hot Technology In Demand

Analytical or scientific software

  • SAS Hot Technology
  • The MathWorks MATLAB Hot Technology In Demand

Education

Education: (rated 4 of 5)
bachelor's degree or
master's degree
usually needed

Get started on your career:

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Job Outlook

Average
New job opportunities are likely in the future.
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about photonics engineers.