Photonics Engineers

Career summary

Photonics is the science of controlling and transmitting light. This is often accomplished by using laser or fiber optic technology.

Lasers and fiber optics technology has many uses:

• In medicine, surgeons use lasers for delicate surgery
• In manufacturing, lasers are used for sensing, marking, and cutting
• The military uses lasers to aim weapons accurately
• In telecommunications, lasers are used in computer networks

Most photonics engineers create new systems and devices that use optics and photonics. They develop prototypes (or models) and test their designs. Engineers in this field spend a lot of time testing system performance to make sure a system or product works effectively and efficiently.

Photonics engineers usually specialize in one of three areas:

• Solving problems relating to light sources in fiber optics
• Refining the purity of optical fibers
• Lasers and laser optics

Because this is a growing field, photonics engineers also spend a lot of time keeping up to date with new developments in optics and laser technology.

Related careers

This career is part of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Computer Engineers
• Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• Energy Engineers
• Materials Engineers
• Mechanical Engineers
• Physicists

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to photonics engineers.

• Create optical or imaging systems. This includes optical imaging products, components, processes, and photonic crystals.
• Test system performance or requirements.
• Write reports or research proposals.
• Make experimental photonics ready for day to day use.
• Develop and test photonic systems that perform faster or use less energy.
• Perform tests to find the capabilities of systems or parts.
• Design solar energy photonics, optical sensing, or imaging systems.
• Read new reports, talk with colleagues, train, or go to conferences to learn about changes in the field.
• Reduce power use in factories by testing new photonic sensors for use in making products.

Common work activities

Photonics engineers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Use computers
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Get information needed to do the job
• Analyze data or information
• Process information
• Think creatively
• Document and record information
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Provide information or drawings about devices, equipment, or structures
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Evaluate information against standards
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Schedule work and activities
• Communicate with people outside the organization
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Control machines and processes
• Provide advice and consultation to others
• Develop and build teams

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, photonics engineers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of interaction with others.
• Communicate with people daily by telephone, e-mail, and in person.
• Write letters and memos on a weekly basis.
• Work as part of a project team.
• Are somewhat responsible for work outcomes or the work done by others.
• Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of other workers.

Physical work conditions

• Usually work indoors.
• Sometimes wear protective or safety attire.
• May work within a few feet of others, such as when sharing an office.

Work performance

• Must make sure that their work is exact and accurate. Errors can cost time and money and delay the completion of a project.
• Rarely consult a supervisor before making a decision or setting tasks and goals.
• Meet strict weekly and monthly deadlines. This makes the work atmosphere somewhat competitive.
• Monthly make decisions that impact coworkers and their company.

Hours/travel

• Usually work a standard work week, but overtime is common when deadlines are near.

Physical demands

Photonics engineers frequently:

• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for photonics engineers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Understand the speech of another person.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for photonics engineers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.

Skills and abilities

Photonics engineers need to:

Communicate

• Understand written information.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Understand spoken information.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Listen to others and ask questions.

Reason and problem solve

• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.

Use math and science

• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.
• Use math skills to solve problems.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.
• Use scientific methods to solve problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Use several methods to learn or teach new things.
• Teach others how to do something.

Work with things

• Design equipment and technology to meet user needs.
• Analyze needs and requirements when designing products.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Engineering Physics
• Laser and Optical Engineering

Other programs of study to consider

• Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
• Engineering, General
• Laser and Optical Technology
• Pre-Engineering

Training

To work as a photonics engineer, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• have at least a bachelor's degree; and
• have a license.

Education after high school

Photonics engineers need at least a bachelor's degree in photonics or optical engineering. Some work in this field with a degree in electronic engineering or physics. Engineering programs take four to five years to complete.

It is becoming common for workers in this field to receive a master's degree in photonics engineering. Because this field is complex, some employers favor advanced degrees.

Work experience

You should consider participating in an internship with an engineering firm while you are in college. An internship offers you a chance to apply what you have learned in the classroom to a work situation. It also allows you to build skills and make contacts with people in the field.

Many laser and fiber optics engineering companies have their own testing labs. Getting a summer job in an "in house" laboratory is a good way to gain experience and make contacts.

On-the-job training

It is common for newly hired photonics engineers to receive some on-the-job training. This varies by employer, and can last anywhere from one to six months.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum  may be different from your state's graduation requirements . Photonics engineers use math and science frequently. Try to take math classes through Trigonometry and science classes through Physics.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Blueprint Reading
• Computer Applications
• Computer Science
• Electronics

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups  that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers require that photonics engineers have at least a bachelor's degree in engineering. Many employers will require a master's degree. Employers also look for people with strong communication, computer, and technical skills. Certification or licensing may also be required.

Costs to workers

Some workers may wish to join a professional association, which may have annual dues.

Licensing/certification

Engineers employed in responsible positions in government or in firms offering services to the public, or who stamp their work as being done by an engineer, must be licensed by the Washington State Department of Licensing.

Getting a license as an engineer-in-training requires:

• an engineering degree from a school approved by the Accrediting Board for Engineering Technology (ABET), or four years of practice in engineering working under a licensed engineer, or a combination of education and work experience; and
• passing a written exam.

Professional engineer licensing requirements include:

• completion of the engineer-in-training requirements;
• four additional years of active practice in engineering working under a licensed engineer or a combination of work experience and education; and
• passing a written exam.

Engineers who wish to be licensed as professional engineers must pay $65 to the State for an initial national exam application. After State approval, engineers must pay for the registration examination from the National Council of Examiners for Engineers and Surveyors. The license renewal fee is $116 every two years. Not all engineers in Washington must be licensed.

For licensing information, contact:

Washington State Department of Licensing
Board of Registration for Professional Engineers and
Land Surveyors Licensing Program 
PO Box 9025
Olympia, WA 98507-9025
360.664.1575

For information on testing, contact:

National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying 
PO Box 1686
Clemson, SC 29633-1686
800.250.3196

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Wages

Currently, there is no specific statewide wage information available for photonics engineers. However, this occupation is part of the larger group called "all other engineers."

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The engineer's level of training, experience, and responsibility also affect wages.

Photonics engineers who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Some employers also provide a retirement plan.

National wage information is not available specifically for photonics engineers. However, they are part of the larger group of "all other engineers."

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

#Currently, there is no specific statewide outlook information available for photonics engineers. However, this occupation is part of the larger group called "all other engineers.”

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Engineering firms
• Federal government agencies

National outlook

Demand for photonics engineers varies by industry. The demand for new products and systems that use optics and photonics is expected to grow. This will create job opportunities for photonics engineers. Opportunities will be best for engineers with strong communication, computer, and technical skills.

Employment and outlook information is not available specifically for photonics engineers. However, they are part of the larger group of "all other engineers."

Other resources

American Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) 
(This website provides a list of engineering-related programs accredited by ABET)
415 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
410.347.7700

Discover Engineering 

eGFI - Dream Up the Future 

Engineer Girl! 
National Academy of Engineering

Engineering Your Future 

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 
3 Park Avenue, 17th Floor
New York, NY 10016
212.419.7900

International Society for Optics and Photonics 
PO Box 10
Bellingham, WA 98227
888.504.8171
360.676.3290

National Academy of Engineering 
500 Fifth Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
202.334.3200

National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering 

National Science Foundation 
2415 Eisenhower Avenue
Alexandria, Virginia 2231

Photonics Society 
(society of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers)

Society of Women Engineers 
130 East Randolph Street, Suite 3500
Chicago, IL 60601
877.793.4636

Technology Student Association 
1904 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1540
888.860.9010

The Optical Society 
2010 Massachusetts Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20036

Washington State Science & Engineering Fair 

References

Career cluster

• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Career path

• Investigative (Science)

O*Net  occupation

• Photonics Engineers (17-2199.07) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 4 - Considerable preparation needed. A minimum of two to four years of work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

Holland occupational clusters

• Investigative/Realistic/Artistic
• Investigative/Realistic/Conventional