Photonics Engineers
Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.
At a Glance
Photonics Engineers earns a median of $117,750/yr with +2.1% projected growth. Typical entry: Bachelor's degree. Top skills: Engineering and Technology, Mathematics, Working with Computers.
$117,750/yr
+2.1%
9
Bachelor's degree
Skills & Requirements
Skills (12)
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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.
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Knowledge (6)
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.
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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.
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.
Abilities (18)
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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).
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
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.
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).
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.
The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.
The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.
Technology (25)
Work Activities (20)
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
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.
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
Work Styles (2)
A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.
Careers with Overlapping Skills
These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.
Aerospace Engineers
Architecture and Engineering · 206 shared skills
Software Quality Assurance Analysts and Testers
Computer and Mathematical · 206 shared skills
Computer User Support Specialists
Computer and Mathematical · 205 shared skills
Geographic Information Systems Technologists and Technicians
Computer and Mathematical · 205 shared skills
Information Technology Project Managers
Computer and Mathematical · 205 shared skills
Computer Systems Analysts
Computer and Mathematical · 205 shared skills
Computer Systems Engineers/Architects
Computer and Mathematical · 205 shared skills
Computer Programmers
Computer and Mathematical · 205 shared skills
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