Photonics Engineers

17-2199.07

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

Occupation-Specific Information

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.
• 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.
• Design gas lasers, solid state lasers, infrared, or other light emitting or light sensitive devices.
• Create or maintain photonic design histories.
• 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.

Technology Skills

• Analytical or scientific software - Adept Scientific GRAMS; BPM_CAD; Finite element analysis FEA software; Mathsoft Mathcad; Pattern recognition software; Photon Design FIMMPROP; Photon Design PICWave; SAS 🔥; Spectroscopy software; The MathWorks MATLAB ; Wolfram Research Mathematica
• Computer aided design CAD software - Apollo Photonics APSS; Autodesk AutoCAD 🔥; Computer-aided drafting or design software; Dassault Systemes CATIA; Dassault Systemes SolidWorks ; Optical Research Associates LightTools; Optiwave OptiBPM; Optiwave OptiFDTD; Optiwave OptiSPICE; Photon Design CrystalWave; Photon Design FIMMWAVE; Photon Design OmniSim; Zemax
• Data base user interface and query software - Structure query language SQL
• Development environment software - C 🔥; Formula translation/translator FORTRAN; Go 🔥; Microsoft .NET Framework 🔥; Microsoft Visual Basic 🔥; National Instruments LabVIEW
• Electronic mail software - Microsoft Outlook 🔥
• Geographic information system - ESRI ArcGIS software 🔥; ESRI software; QGIS
• Map creation software - Mapping software
• Object or component oriented development software - C# 🔥; C++ ; Oracle Java 🔥; Perl 🔥; Python
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software
• Operating system software - Linux 🔥; Shell script 🔥; UNIX 🔥
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint 🔥
• Process mapping and design software - Microsoft Visio 🔥
• Program testing software - Debugging software
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel
• Web page creation and editing software - Facebook 🔥
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word 🔥

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - 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.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - 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.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Analyze operational data to evaluate operations, processes or products.
• Design electronic or computer equipment or instrumentation.
• Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.
• Create physical models or prototypes.
• Prepare detailed work plans.
• Update technical knowledge.
• Prepare research or technical reports.
• Write reports or evaluations.
• Prepare proposal documents.
• Identify new applications for existing technologies.
• Research advanced engineering designs or applications.
• Train personnel on proper operational procedures.
• Fabricate devices or components.
• Maintain operational records or records systems.
• Document technical design details.
• Direct industrial production activities.
• Design energy production or management equipment or systems.
• Design industrial processing systems.
• Select tools, equipment, or technologies for use in operations or projects.
• Operate industrial equipment.
• Purchase materials, equipment, or other resources.