Photonics Engineers
Human Advantage 63%
Significant human skills needed
AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.1 / 10
Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.
Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.
Also Known As: Algorithm Developer, 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 +12 more
Core Tasks
- 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.
- 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.
- Design photonics products, such as light sources, displays, or photovoltaics, to achieve increased energy efficiency.
- Train operators, engineers, or other personnel.
- Analyze, fabricate, or test fiber-optic links.
- Design gas lasers, solid state lasers, infrared, or other light emitting or light sensitive devices.
- Create or maintain photonic design histories.
- Oversee or provide expertise on manufacturing, assembly, or fabrication processes.
- Determine commercial, industrial, scientific, or other uses for electro-optical applications or devices.
Supplemental Tasks (7)
- Design solar energy photonics or other materials or devices to generate energy.
- Design or redesign optical fibers to minimize energy loss.
- Develop photonics sensing or manufacturing technologies to improve the efficiency of manufacturing or related processes.
- Develop laser-processed designs, such as laser-cut medical devices.
- Design or develop new crystals for photonics applications.
- Design laser machining equipment for purposes such as high-speed ablation.
- Select, purchase, set up, operate, or troubleshoot state-of-the-art laser cutting equipment.
Education & Training
Job Zone 4 Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
Education: Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Experience: 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.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
Hot Technologies
Software (51)
Tools & Equipment (68)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Engineering Advanced Manufacturing
Zone 2
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists 79% match
Zone 4
Photonics Engineers You are here
Production & Automation Advanced Manufacturing
Zone 1
Laundry and Dry-Cleaning Workers 75% match
Zone 2
Non-Destructive Testing Specialists 79% match
Zone 4
Photonics Engineers You are here
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