17-2199.07

Photonics Engineers

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

Career Cluster:Advanced Manufacturing
Job Family:Architecture and Engineering
Job Zone:Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed
STEM:Research, Development, Design, and Practitioners
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Technology Tools

Autodesk AutoCADCC#C++Dassault Systemes SolidWorksESRI ArcGIS softwareFacebookGoLinuxMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft .NET FrameworkPerlRMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft Visual BasicMicrosoft WordPythonShell scriptThe MathWorks MATLABUNIX

Key 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.

Skills

Critical Thinking
75%
Reading Comprehension
72%
Writing
72%
Active Listening
69%
Speaking
66%
Mathematics
66%
Active Learning
66%
Science
63%
Complex Problem Solving
60%
Judgment and Decision Making
60%
Operations Analysis
56%
Technology Design
56%
Systems Analysis
53%
Systems Evaluation
53%
Instructing
50%
Monitoring
50%
Quality Control Analysis
50%
Coordination
50%
Learning Strategies
50%
Time Management
47%
Operation and Control
47%
Equipment Selection
47%
Operations Monitoring
47%
Troubleshooting
44%
Social Perceptiveness
44%
Persuasion
41%
Repairing
41%
Management of Personnel Resources
41%
Service Orientation
38%
Negotiation
38%
Programming
31%
Equipment Maintenance
28%
Management of Material Resources
25%
Management of Financial Resources
19%
Installation
6%

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
96%
Mathematics
89%
Physics
89%
Computers and Electronics
81%
Design
74%
English Language
58%
Mechanical
52%
Telecommunications
44%
Production and Processing
43%
Chemistry
43%
Administration and Management
32%
Administrative
29%
Customer and Personal Service
28%
Public Safety and Security
27%
Communications and Media
24%
Education and Training
24%
Law and Government
23%
Sales and Marketing
21%
Economics and Accounting
20%
Personnel and Human Resources
18%
Biology
15%
Transportation
12%
Geography
11%
Foreign Language
10%
Building and Construction
10%
Medicine and Dentistry
9%
Psychology
7%
History and Archeology
4%
Fine Arts
2%
Sociology and Anthropology
1%
Philosophy and Theology
1%
Therapy and Counseling
1%
Food Production
0%

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Abilities

Deductive Reasoning
75%
Inductive Reasoning
75%
Written Comprehension
75%
Information Ordering
75%
Mathematical Reasoning
72%
Oral Comprehension
72%
Written Expression
72%
Problem Sensitivity
69%
Oral Expression
69%
Fluency of Ideas
69%
Originality
69%
Near Vision
66%
Category Flexibility
66%
Number Facility
63%
Speech Clarity
63%
Visualization
56%
Speech Recognition
56%
Flexibility of Closure
56%
Perceptual Speed
50%
Far Vision
47%
Speed of Closure
47%
Selective Attention
47%
Visual Color Discrimination
47%
Memorization
44%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
41%
Finger Dexterity
41%
Control Precision
41%
Depth Perception
38%
Manual Dexterity
38%
Time Sharing
31%
Hearing Sensitivity
28%
Auditory Attention
22%
Reaction Time
19%
Glare Sensitivity
19%
Wrist-Finger Speed
19%
Rate Control
19%
Response Orientation
19%
Multilimb Coordination
16%
Trunk Strength
16%
Static Strength
10%
Extent Flexibility
3%
Peripheral Vision
0%
Sound Localization
0%
Night Vision
0%
Stamina
0%
Explosive Strength
0%
Spatial Orientation
0%
Speed of Limb Movement
0%
Dynamic Strength
0%
Gross Body Equilibrium
0%
Dynamic Flexibility
0%
Gross Body Coordination
0%

Work Activities

Working with Computers
89%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
87%
Getting Information
84%
Analyzing Data or Information
84%
Processing Information
79%
Thinking Creatively
79%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
76%
Documenting/Recording Information
76%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
71%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
71%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
69%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
65%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
64%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
64%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
63%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
60%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
59%
Scheduling Work and Activities
58%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
58%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
57%
Controlling Machines and Processes
52%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
50%
Developing and Building Teams
50%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
47%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
47%
Training and Teaching Others
47%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
47%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
44%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
43%
Coaching and Developing Others
42%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
40%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
37%
Selling or Influencing Others
34%
Handling and Moving Objects
32%
Performing Administrative Activities
28%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
28%
Staffing Organizational Units
27%
Assisting and Caring for Others
25%
Performing General Physical Activities
23%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
16%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
10%

Work Context

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

99%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

99%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

96%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

90%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

85%

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?

84%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

81%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

81%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

78%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

75%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

70%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

64%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

60%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

57%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

57%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

53%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

52%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

51%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

48%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

47%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

45%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

45%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

41%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

40%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

37%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

35%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

35%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

34%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

32%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

31%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

29%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

28%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

27%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

27%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

27%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

22%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

22%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

21%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

20%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

19%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

15%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

14%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

14%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

13%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

13%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

12%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

11%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

10%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

9%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

7%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

7%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

6%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

4%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

4%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

3%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

1%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

1%

Education

Bachelor's degree

52%

Master's degree

38%

Associate's degree

5%

Interests

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

82

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

80

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

52

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

29

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

12

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

7

Work Styles

Attention to Detail
92%
Innovation
82%
Intellectual Curiosity
82%
Dependability
75%
Achievement Orientation
71%
Cautiousness
71%
Adaptability
66%
Integrity
59%
Tolerance for Ambiguity
57%
Perseverance
54%
Initiative
48%
Self-Confidence
45%
Stress Tolerance
33%
Cooperation
28%
Leadership Orientation
24%
Self-Control
20%
Sincerity
16%
Social Orientation
16%
Optimism
11%
Humility
8%

Work Values

Achievement
78%
Independence
78%
Recognition
67%
Working Conditions
67%
Relationships
45%
Support
39%

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