Photonics Engineers

Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.

SOC: 17-2199.07

Common Job Titles

Laser Engineer
Optical Design Engineer
Optical Engineer
Optical Systems Engineer

What You'll Need to Succeed

AI-generated

Key competencies for this occupation at a glance

KnowledgeDesign photonic devices and systems specializing in laser and fiber optic technologies using CAD software and optical simulation tools to meet technical specifications.
Advanced
KnowledgeFormulate novel solutions to light propagation and manipulation challenges integrating knowledge of physics, mathematics, and engineering to advance photonic applications.
Advanced
KnowledgeAnalyze optical system performance data and spectroscopic measurements using interferometers, spectrometers, and optical spectrum analyzers to evaluate compliance with design parameters.
Proficient
KnowledgeEvaluate photonic component designs against optical physics principles and engineering standards in laboratory and manufacturing environments to ensure quality and functionality.
Proficient
Hands-onOperate advanced photonic instrumentation including femtosecond lasers, scanning electron microscopes, and optical test equipment following safety protocols and calibration procedures in laboratory settings.
Proficient
Hands-onExecute optical fiber cleaving, alignment, and component assembly procedures using microprobe stations and precision positioning equipment to achieve nanometer-level tolerances.
Proficient
KnowledgeApply computational modeling and simulation software such as MATLAB, LabVIEW, and optical design tools to predict system behavior and optimize photonic device performance.
Proficient
KnowledgeInterpret complex technical specifications and research findings for interdisciplinary teams including physicists, engineers, and manufacturing personnel.
Proficient
MindsetIntegrate cross-functional input from research, production, and quality assurance stakeholders to balance technical innovation with manufacturing feasibility and cost constraints.
Proficient
KnowledgeSynthesize emerging research in optics, photonics, and nanotechnology through continuous learning to maintain expertise in rapidly evolving light-based technologies.
Proficient

Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics

Annual wage data for Photonics Engineers (2024)

Region

Compare with Region

Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)

150,750

Wage Distribution by Percentile

U.S.

Metric	U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less	$62,840
10% of workers earn the following or more	$183,510
Workers on average earn	$121,720

+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)

Skills & Requirements

Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance

Engineering and Technology4.8/5
Physics4.6/5
Mathematics4.6/5
Computers and Electronics4.2/5
Design4.0/5

Tools & Technology

Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation

In-Demand Technology

Frequently requested by employers in job postings

Autodesk AutoCAD
C
C#
C++
Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
ESRI ArcGIS software
Facebook
Go
Linux
Microsoft .NET Framework
Microsoft Excel
Microsoft Office software
Microsoft Outlook
Microsoft PowerPoint
Microsoft Visio
Microsoft Visual Basic
Microsoft Word
Oracle Java
Perl
Python
SAS
Shell script
The MathWorks MATLAB
UNIX

Technology Skills

Adept Scientific GRAMS
Apollo Photonics APSS
BPM_CAD
Computer-aided drafting or design software
Dassault Systemes CATIA
Debugging software
ESRI software
Finite element analysis FEA software

Tools & Equipment

Argon-ion lasers
Atomic force microscopes AFM
Autocorrelators
Bench refractometers
Biosafety cabinets
Chemical hoods
Chemical mechanical polishing CMP systems
Coherent anti-Stokes Raman scattering CARS microscopes