How to Become a Photonics or Laser Engineer

Photonics engineering deals with the technology of lasers and fiber optics. Photonics engineers can seek jobs with telecommunications firms and optics manufacturers. There are a number of college degree programs for photonics and laser engineering.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics does not have specific job and salary information for photonics and laster engineering. Rather, this career goes under the “Engineers, all other” category. Nonetheless, as many of these engineers actually have other types of engineering degrees, it is expected that the jobs available in laser and photonics engineering will be similar to the high-salary jobs of other engineering occupations.

There are not so many actual college degree programs for photonics engineering. As such, many students opt for a more common engineering program like mechanical, civil, or electrical engineering. This is good preparation for both photonics engineering jobs plus initial training for acceptance into master’s degree programs.

Another option is to major in optical engineering. This field also focuses on the properties of and uses of light. Optical engineers have enough related knowledge that they may get a job as a photonics or laser engineer. However, it is always wise to earn at least a master’s degree in photonics for those seeking this specific engineering job.

There are a few universities in the United States that have graduate programs for photonics. One example is Boston University, which has two different master’s degrees in this field. The GradSchools website has a list of additional programs at the graduate level.

Once you have your education, you can expect to find engineering jobs dealing with lasers and fiber optics at companies that create fiber-optic cable, laser devices, and other equipment. Online, you can also use sites like Photonics Jobs to hunt down employment opportunities.

Resources:

Boston University Photonics Degree Program

GradSchools: Graduate Programs in Photonics Engineering

Photonics Jobs Employment Postings


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