Photonics Engineer

Overview and Key Facts

What Do They Do?

A photonics engineer could...

Overview Listen to this section

You can send emails and text messages around the world in a matter of seconds. Surgeons routinely perform laser surgery that results in less bleeding and faster healing time. Our Air Force defends our skies using electronics-based aircraft that can almost fly themselves! What is one of the connections among these advances? Photonics technology! Photonics is the science of using light and electronic devices to create tools that improve our lives. Isn't it amazing that light can solve so many different kinds of problems?

Do You Have the Skills and Characteristics of a Photonics Engineer?

1. Critical Thinking: ? Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
2. Writing: ? Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
3. Reading Comprehension: ? Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
4. 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.
5. Speaking: ? Talking to others to convey information effectively.

6. Active Learning: ? Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
7. Mathematics: ? Using mathematics to solve problems.
8. Science: ? Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
9. Judgment and Decision Making: ? Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
10. Complex Problem Solving: ? Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Core Tasks

Think about if you'd like the typical tasks a Photonics Engineer might do:

• 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.
• Write reports or proposals related to photonics research or development projects.
• Conduct testing to determine functionality or optimization or to establish limits of photonics systems or components.
• Determine applications of photonics appropriate to meet product objectives or features.
• Conduct research on new photonics technologies.
• 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.