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Photonics Engineers
Overview
Salary
Demand
Core Tasks
Technology Skills
Tools Used
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Top 10 Skills
Top 10 Abilities
Top 10 Work Activities
Detailed Work Activities
Work Context
Education
Majors
Interests
Top 10 Work Styles
Work Values
Related Careers
Overview
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
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.
Education
Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.
Job Training
Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
Examples
Many of these occupations involve coordinating, supervising, managing, or training others. Examples include real estate brokers, sales managers, database administrators, graphic designers, chemists, art directors, and cost estimators.
Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.
Salary Salary
Salary at 10th Percentile: $55K
Salary at 25th Percentile: $75K
Median Salary: $103K
Salary at 75th Percentile: $134K
Salary at 90th Percentile: $166K
Demand
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.
Conduct testing to determine functionality or optimization or to establish limits of photonics systems or components.
Write reports or proposals related to photonics research or development projects.
Conduct research on new photonics technologies.
Determine applications of photonics appropriate to meet product objectives or features.
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.
Create or maintain photonic design histories.
Design gas lasers, solid state lasers, infrared, or other light emitting or light sensitive devices.
Oversee or provide expertise on manufacturing, assembly, or fabrication processes.
Determine commercial, industrial, scientific, or other uses for electro-optical applications or devices.
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.
Technology Skills
Technology
Example
Hot Technology
Tools Used
Tool
Example
Top 10 Knowledge Required
Engineering and Technology
97%
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Mathematics
92%
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Physics
92%
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.
Computers and Electronics
85%
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Design
80%
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
English Language
67%
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Mechanical
62%
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Telecommunications
55%
Knowledge of transmission, broadcasting, switching, control, and operation of telecommunications systems.
Chemistry
54%
Knowledge of the chemical composition, structure, and properties of substances and of the chemical processes and transformations that they undergo. This includes uses of chemicals and their interactions, danger signs, production techniques, and disposal methods.
Production and Processing
54%
Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Top 10 Skills
Critical Thinking
80%
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Reading Comprehension
78%
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Writing
78%
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Active Listening
75%
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.
Active Learning
73%
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Mathematics
73%
Using mathematics to solve problems.
Speaking
73%
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Science
70%
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Complex Problem Solving
68%
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Judgment and Decision Making
68%
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Top 10 Abilities
Deductive Reasoning
80%
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Inductive Reasoning
80%
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
Information Ordering
80%
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
Written Comprehension
80%
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
Mathematical Reasoning
78%
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
Oral Comprehension
78%
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
Written Expression
78%
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Fluency of Ideas
75%
The ability to come up with a number of ideas about a topic (the number of ideas is important, not their quality, correctness, or creativity).
Oral Expression
75%
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
Originality
75%
The ability to come up with unusual or clever ideas about a given topic or situation, or to develop creative ways to solve a problem.
Top 10 Work Activities
Interacting With Computers
91%
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
90%
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Analyzing Data or Information
87%
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Getting Information
87%
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Processing Information
84%
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Thinking Creatively
84%
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Documenting/Recording Information
81%
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
81%
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
77%
Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
77%
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Detailed Work Activities
Analyze operational data to evaluate operations, processes or products.
Design electronic or computer equipment or instrumentation.
Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.
Create physical models or prototypes.
Prepare detailed work plans.
Update technical knowledge.
Prepare research or technical reports.
Write reports or evaluations.
Prepare proposal documents.
Identify new applications for existing technologies.
Research advanced engineering designs or applications.
Train personnel on proper operational procedures.
Fabricate devices or components.
Maintain operational records or records systems.
Document technical design details.
Direct industrial production activities.
Design energy production or management equipment or systems.
Design industrial processing systems.
Select tools, equipment, or technologies for use in operations or projects.
Operate industrial equipment.
Purchase materials, equipment, or other resources.
Work Context
Electronic Mail
How often do you use electronic mail in this job?
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
How often does this job require working indoors in environmentally controlled conditions?
Face-to-Face Discussions
How often do you have to have face-to-face discussions with individuals or teams in this job?
Work With Work Group or Team
How important is it to work with others in a group or team in this job?
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?
Contact With Others
How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?
Freedom to Make Decisions
How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?
Structured versus Unstructured Work
To what extent is this job structured for the worker, rather than allowing the worker to determine tasks, priorities, and goals?
Telephone
How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?
Consequence of Error
How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not readily correctable?
Education
Majors based on the broader career Engineers, All Other
Major
Interests
Investigative
100%
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Realistic
77%
Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Artistic
58%
Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Conventional
58%
Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Enterprising
24%
Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
Social
19%
Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Top 10 Work Styles
Analytical Thinking
92%
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
Attention to Detail
88%
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
Achievement/Effort
80%
Job requires establishing and maintaining personally challenging achievement goals and exerting effort toward mastering tasks.
Dependability
80%
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Innovation
80%
Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
Integrity
80%
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Adaptability/Flexibility
77%
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Persistence
76%
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Stress Tolerance
73%
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high stress situations.
Initiative
71%
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Work Values
Achievement
81%
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Independence
81%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Recognition
72%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status.
Working Conditions
72%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions.
Relationships
53%
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Support
48%
Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical.
