Architecture & Engineering
Photonics Engineers
Also called: Algorithm Developer, Laser Engineer, Optical Design Engineer, Optical Engineer
US median pay
$122,930
per year, 2025
Job growth 2025–35
+3.7%
about average or slower
Openings a year (US)
8,800
166,700 employed
Typical entry education
Bachelor's degree
Preparation 4/5 · Considerable preparation
What this job is
Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.
What they do day to day
- 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.
Skills and knowledge that matter most
Skills
- Judgment and Decision Making3.4/5
- Complex Problem Solving3.4/5
- Technology Design3.2/5
- Operations Analysis3.2/5
- Systems Evaluation3.1/5
- Systems Analysis3.1/5
- Quality Control Analysis3.0/5
- Instructing3.0/5
Knowledge
- Engineering and Technology4.8/5
- Physics4.6/5
- Mathematics4.6/5
- Computers and Electronics4.2/5
- Design4.0/5
- English Language3.3/5
Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).
Education and preparation
Preparation level 4 of 5 — Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience.
Typical entry education (BLS): Bachelor's degree.
Highest education of people in this job:
- Bachelor's degree52%
- Master's degree38%
Who this job suits
Mostly Realistic
Hands-on work with tools, machines, plants or animals
Investigative
Ideas, research and solving problems
Conventional
Organising data, details and procedures
Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.