Find Schools

Study Area & Zipcode

Photonics Engineer

Find Schools Near

What Do Photonics Engineer Do?

Example of Photonics Engineer Job Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.

List of Photonics Engineer Job Duties

  • Document photonics system or component design processes, including objectives, issues, or outcomes.
  • Conduct research on new photonics technologies.
  • Design or develop new crystals for photonics applications.
  • Select, purchase, set up, operate, or troubleshoot state-of-the-art laser cutting equipment.
  • Determine commercial, industrial, scientific, or other uses for electro-optical applications or devices.
  • Develop laser-processed designs, such as laser-cut medical devices.

Photonics Engineer Needed Skills

These are the skills Photonics Engineers say are the most useful in their careers:

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Mathematics: Using mathematics to solve problems.

Types of Photonics Engineer

  • Optical Design Engineer
  • Algorithm Developer
  • Electro-optics Engineer
  • Photonics Engineer
  • Optical Systems Engineer

Is There Job Demand for Photonics Engineers?

In the United States, there were 132,500 jobs for Photonics Engineer in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.4% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 8,500 new jobs for Photonics Engineer by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 9,500 job openings in this field each year.

undefined

The states with the most job growth for Photonics Engineer are Nevada, Utah, and North Dakota. Watch out if you plan on working in Alaska, Minnesota, or Vermont. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Do Photonics Engineers Make A Lot Of Money?

The typical yearly salary for Photonics Engineers is somewhere between $50,750 and $155,650.

undefined

Photonics Engineers who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or Virginia, make the highest salaries.

How much do Photonics Engineers make in different U.S. states?

State Annual Mean Salary
Alabama $115,710
Alaska $114,040
Arizona $94,450
Arkansas $71,510
California $107,700
Colorado $111,610
Connecticut $100,230
District of Columbia $132,530
Florida $82,970
Georgia $93,580
Hawaii $96,940
Idaho $110,270
Illinois $87,220
Indiana $73,340
Iowa $78,230
Kansas $82,060
Kentucky $79,690
Louisiana $90,580
Maine $85,800
Maryland $118,420
Massachusetts $109,220
Michigan $90,420
Minnesota $101,620
Mississippi $79,630
Missouri $86,850
Montana $79,590
Nebraska $82,760
Nevada $94,950
New Hampshire $99,070
New Jersey $114,990
New Mexico $114,790
New York $95,270
North Carolina $83,900
North Dakota $83,270
Ohio $93,370
Oklahoma $83,080
Oregon $90,720
Pennsylvania $96,550
Rhode Island $95,790
South Carolina $100,750
South Dakota $84,320
Tennessee $82,030
Texas $113,370
Utah $89,810
Vermont $81,960
Virginia $118,390
Washington $104,890
West Virginia $91,420
Wisconsin $86,600
Wyoming $97,040

What Tools & Technology do Photonics Engineers Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Photonics Engineers:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Python
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Microsoft Visio
  • The MathWorks MATLAB
  • Microsoft Visual Basic
  • National Instruments LabVIEW
  • C
  • Dassault Systemes CATIA
  • Wolfram Research Mathematica
  • Microsoft .NET Framework
  • Mathsoft Mathcad
  • C#
  • C++
  • Pattern recognition software
  • Spectroscopy software

How to Become a Photonics Engineer

What education is needed to be a Photonics Engineer?

undefined

How Long Does it Take to Become a Photonics Engineer?

undefined

Where Photonics Engineers Are Employed

undefined

Photonics Engineers work in the following industries:

undefined

Are you already one of the many Photonics Engineer in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:

References:

Image Credit: NASA via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

Featured Schools

Find Schools Near You

Our free school finder matches students with accredited colleges across the U.S.