Photonics engineer
Also known as: photonic technology engineering expert, photonic engineer, photonic technology engineering specialist, engineer in photonics, laser engineer, photonics engineering consultant
About this occupation
Photonics engineers are concerned with the generation, transmission, transformation, and detection of light. They conduct research, design, assemble, test and deploy photonic components or systems in multiple application fields, from optical communications to medical instrumentation, material processing or sensing technology.
A specialisation of optical engineer.
Essential skills and knowledge
- test optical components
- photonics
- physics
- read engineering drawings
- engineering principles
- approve engineering design
- design drawings
- develop optical test procedures
- report analysis results
- design optical systems
- optics
- prepare production prototypes
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Fire-Prevention and Protection Engineers (O*NET 17-2111.02). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Advise architects, builders, and other construction personnel on fire prevention equipment and techniques and on fire code and standard interpretation and compliance.
- Design fire detection equipment, alarm systems, and fire extinguishing devices and systems.
- Inspect buildings or building designs to determine fire protection system requirements and potential problems in areas such as water supplies, exit locations, and construction materials.
- Review building plans to verify compliance with fire code.
- Prepare and write reports detailing specific fire prevention and protection issues, such as work performed, revised codes or standards, and proposed review schedules.
- Consult with authorities to discuss safety regulations and to recommend changes as necessary.
- Typical education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- Preparation
- Job Zone 4 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Investigative, Conventional
Top skills: Critical Thinking, Reading Comprehension, Speaking, Complex Problem Solving, Judgment and Decision Making, Active Listening
US median pay: US$115,160 a year (2025), 21,450 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Subjects this work relies on
How important each subject's knowledge is in the job itself, rated by people doing it (1 to 5).
- Design and TechnologyO*NET: Design + Engineering and TechnologyExtremely important (4.7)
- WoodworkO*NET: Building and ConstructionExtremely important (4.5)
- Technical DrawingO*NET: DesignVery important (4.5)
- Mathematics or StatisticsO*NET: MathematicsVery important (4.2)
- English or Literature in EnglishO*NET: English LanguageVery important (4.1)
- PhysicsO*NET: PhysicsVery important (3.9)
- ChemistryO*NET: ChemistryVery important (3.7)
- MetalworkO*NET: MechanicalVery important (3.5)
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Preparation needed
Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
- Most common education (US)
- Bachelor's Degree
- 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.
- Training
- Employees in these occupations usually need several years of work-related experience, on-the-job training, and/or vocational training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Fire Inspectors and Investigators
- Forest Fire Inspectors and Prevention Specialists
- Health and Safety Engineers, Except Mining Safety Engineers and Inspectors
- First-Line Supervisors of Firefighting and Prevention Workers
- Firefighters
- Construction and Building Inspectors
- Environmental Engineers
- Occupational Health and Safety Specialists
- Nuclear Engineers
- Security Management Specialists
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.