Photonics Engineers
Medium48.01%
Salary Range
Low (10th %)$62,130
Median$111,970
High (90th %)$177,020
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Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.
The automation risk for the occupation "Photonics Engineers" is assessed at 48.0%, which is just below the base risk of 49.0%. This moderate level of risk reflects a unique balance between tasks that can be easily automated and those requiring substantial human expertise. Photonics engineers work with the generation, manipulation, and detection of light, especially through lasers and optical systems, making their field one that combines routine engineering processes with complex, creative problem-solving. As automation technology advances, especially in data analysis and system modeling, machines become increasingly proficient at handling certain technical responsibilities traditionally held by engineers. The top three most automatable tasks for Photonics Engineers include analyzing system performance or operational requirements, developing optical or imaging systems, and developing or testing photonic prototypes or models. These tasks are often governed by established engineering principles and patterns, which renders them more susceptible to automation through sophisticated algorithms and simulation software. Companies can utilize artificial intelligence tools to analyze large sets of performance data, simulate optical paths, and even iterate over designs more efficiently than a human engineer in some cases. These efficiencies drive up the automation risk for parts of the role that are routine and follow predictable frameworks. Despite this, several core tasks remain resistant to automation, anchoring the profession's necessity for human intervention. Tasks such as selecting, purchasing, setting up, operating, or troubleshooting state-of-the-art laser cutting equipment, designing specialized laser machining equipment for high-speed ablation, and developing new crystals for photonics applications represent significant bottlenecks for automation. Each of these requires high-level originality and adaptive thinking, as evidenced by their bottleneck skills of originality at 3.8% and 4.6%. These skills are deeply creative and context-sensitive, making them difficult for AI or robotic systems to replicate fully, which helps maintain both the demand for photonics engineers and moderates the overall automation risk in the field.
Filter by Automatable Status
Analyze system performance or operational requirements.
Partially Automatable
Develop optical or imaging systems, such as optical imaging products, optical components, image processes, signal process technologies, or optical systems.
Partially Automatable
Develop or test photonic prototypes or models.
Partially Automatable
Design, integrate, or test photonics systems or components.
Partially Automatable
Assist in the transition of photonic prototypes to production.
Partially Automatable
Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in the field.
Partially Automatable
Write reports or proposals related to photonics research or development projects.
Partially Automatable
Conduct testing to determine functionality or optimization or to establish limits of photonics systems or components.
Partially Automatable
Determine applications of photonics appropriate to meet product objectives or features.
Partially Automatable
Conduct research on new photonics technologies.
Partially Automatable
Design electro-optical sensing or imaging systems.
Partially Automatable
Document photonics system or component design processes, including objectives, issues, or outcomes.
Partially Automatable
Design photonics products, such as light sources, displays, or photovoltaics, to achieve increased energy efficiency.
Partially Automatable
Train operators, engineers, or other personnel.
Partially Automatable
Analyze, fabricate, or test fiber-optic links.
Partially Automatable
Create or maintain photonic design histories.
Partially Automatable
Oversee or provide expertise on manufacturing, assembly, or fabrication processes.
Partially Automatable
Determine commercial, industrial, scientific, or other uses for electro-optical applications or devices.
Partially Automatable
Design solar energy photonics or other materials or devices to generate energy.
Partially Automatable
Design or redesign optical fibers to minimize energy loss.
Partially Automatable
Develop laser-processed designs, such as laser-cut medical devices.
Partially Automatable
Design or develop new crystals for photonics applications.
Partially Automatable
Design laser machining equipment for purposes such as high-speed ablation.
Partially Automatable
Select, purchase, set up, operate, or troubleshoot state-of-the-art laser cutting equipment.
Partially Automatable
Design gas lasers, solid state lasers, infrared, or other light emitting or light sensitive devices.
Partially Automatable
Develop photonics sensing or manufacturing technologies to improve the efficiency of manufacturing or related processes.
Partially Automatable
Reading ComprehensionActive ListeningScienceCritical ThinkingActive LearningLearning StrategiesComplex Problem SolvingOperations MonitoringEquipment MaintenanceJudgment and Decision MakingManagement of Material ResourcesMonitoringSocial PerceptivenessCoordinationPersuasionNegotiationInstructingService OrientationWritingSpeakingMathematicsOperations AnalysisTechnology DesignEquipment SelectionInstallationProgrammingOperation and ControlTroubleshootingRepairingQuality Control AnalysisSystems AnalysisSystems EvaluationTime ManagementManagement of Financial ResourcesManagement of Personnel Resources
Arm-Hand SteadinessAuditory AttentionCategory FlexibilityControl PrecisionDeductive ReasoningDepth PerceptionDynamic FlexibilityDynamic StrengthExplosive StrengthExtent FlexibilityFar VisionFinger DexterityFlexibility of ClosureFluency of IdeasGlare SensitivityGross Body CoordinationGross Body EquilibriumHearing SensitivityInductive ReasoningInformation OrderingManual DexterityMathematical ReasoningMemorizationMultilimb CoordinationNear VisionNight VisionNumber FacilityOral ComprehensionOral ExpressionOriginalityPerceptual SpeedPeripheral VisionProblem SensitivityRate ControlReaction TimeResponse OrientationSelective AttentionSound LocalizationSpatial OrientationSpeech ClaritySpeech RecognitionSpeed of ClosureSpeed of Limb MovementStaminaStatic StrengthTime SharingTrunk StrengthVisual Color DiscriminationVisualizationWrist-Finger SpeedWritten ComprehensionWritten Expression
Administration and ManagementAdministrativeEconomics and AccountingSales and MarketingPersonnel and Human ResourcesProduction and ProcessingFood ProductionComputers and ElectronicsEngineering and TechnologyDesignBuilding and ConstructionMechanicalMathematicsPhysicsChemistryBiologyPsychologySociology and AnthropologyHistory and ArcheologyFine ArtsPhilosophy and TheologyPublic Safety and SecurityLaw and GovernmentTelecommunicationsCommunications and MediaTransportationForeign LanguageEnglish LanguageEducation and TrainingTherapy and CounselingCustomer and Personal ServiceGeographyMedicine and Dentistry
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or SurroundingsGetting InformationIdentifying Objects, Actions, and EventsInspecting Equipment, Structures, or MaterialsEstimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or InformationJudging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or PeopleProcessing InformationEvaluating Information to Determine Compliance with StandardsAnalyzing Data or InformationMaking Decisions and Solving ProblemsThinking CreativelyUpdating and Using Relevant KnowledgeHandling and Moving ObjectsControlling Machines and ProcessesOperating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or EquipmentWorking with ComputersRepairing and Maintaining Electronic EquipmentDocumenting/Recording InformationDrafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and EquipmentInterpreting the Meaning of Information for OthersCommunicating with Supervisors, Peers, or SubordinatesCommunicating with People Outside the OrganizationEstablishing and Maintaining Interpersonal RelationshipsAssisting and Caring for OthersSelling or Influencing OthersRepairing and Maintaining Mechanical EquipmentOrganizing, Planning, and Prioritizing WorkResolving Conflicts and Negotiating with OthersPerforming for or Working Directly with the PublicCoordinating the Work and Activities of OthersDeveloping and Building TeamsTraining and Teaching OthersGuiding, Directing, and Motivating SubordinatesCoaching and Developing OthersProviding Consultation and Advice to OthersPerforming Administrative ActivitiesStaffing Organizational UnitsMonitoring and Controlling ResourcesScheduling Work and ActivitiesDeveloping Objectives and StrategiesPerforming General Physical Activities
Wolfram Research MathematicaMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft Visual BasicSASMapping softwareZemaxCAdept Scientific GRAMSBPM_CADComputer-aided drafting or design softwareOptiwave OptiBPMPattern recognition softwareMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordFacebookPythonAutodesk AutoCADC#Microsoft OutlookC++LinuxMicrosoft .NET FrameworkOracle JavaPerlShell scriptDassault Systemes CATIADassault Systemes SolidWorksGoFormula translation/translator FORTRANNational Instruments LabVIEWESRI ArcGIS softwareMathsoft MathcadDebugging softwareQGISFinite element analysis FEA softwareOptiwave OptiFDTDOptiwave OptiSPICEPhoton Design CrystalWavePhoton Design FIMMWAVEPhoton Design OmniSimPhoton Design PICWaveThe MathWorks MATLABESRI softwareMicrosoft VisioMicrosoft Visual BasicMapping softwareCZemaxAutodesk AutoCADC#Microsoft WordFacebookStructure query language SQLC++Microsoft OutlookLinuxMicrosoft .NET FrameworkPerlDassault Systemes CATIADassault Systemes SolidWorksGoFormula translation/translator FORTRANESRI ArcGIS softwareMathsoft MathcadWolfram Research MathematicaDebugging softwareQGISBPM_CADOptiwave OptiFDTDOptiwave OptiBPMPattern recognition softwareOptiwave OptiSPICEPhoton Design FIMMWAVEPhoton Design OmniSimApollo Photonics APSSOptical Research Associates LightToolsPhoton Design FIMMPROPESRI softwareSpectroscopy softwarePythonFinite element analysis FEA softwareOracle JavaShell scriptNational Instruments LabVIEWStructure query language SQLSASThe MathWorks MATLABUNIXUNIXAdept Scientific GRAMSComputer-aided drafting or design softwarePhoton Design CrystalWavePhoton Design PICWaveOptical Research Associates LightToolsApollo Photonics APSSPhoton Design FIMMPROPSpectroscopy softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPoint
Chemical Engineers
Medium50.90%
Design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering.
Computer Hardware Engineers
Medium46.34%
Research, design, develop, or test computer or computer-related equipment for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use. May supervise the manufacturing and installation of computer or computer-related equipment and components.
Electrical Engineers
Medium51.39%
Research, design, develop, test, or supervise the manufacturing and installation of electrical equipment, components, or systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use.
Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
Medium47.85%
Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls.
Radio Frequency Identification Device Specialists
Medium48.06%
Design and implement radio frequency identification device (RFID) systems used to track shipments or goods.
Mechanical Engineers
Medium50.83%
Perform engineering duties in planning and designing tools, engines, machines, and other mechanically functioning equipment. Oversee installation, operation, maintenance, and repair of equipment such as centralized heat, gas, water, and steam systems.
Mechatronics Engineers
Medium50.13%
Research, design, develop, or test automation, intelligent systems, smart devices, or industrial systems control.
Microsystems Engineers
Medium45.90%
Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.
Robotics Engineers
Medium49.96%
Research, design, develop, or test robotic applications.
Nanosystems Engineers
Medium47.02%
Design, develop, or supervise the production of materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition, applying principles of nanoscale physics and electrical, chemical, or biological engineering.
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
Medium35.83%
Operate, install, adjust, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.
Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium44.30%
Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.
Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
Medium46.60%
Operate, test, maintain, or adjust unmanned, automated, servomechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May operate unmanned submarines, aircraft, or other equipment to observe or record visual information at sites such as oil rigs, crop fields, buildings, or for similar infrastructure, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. May assist engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.
Robotics Technicians
Medium42.51%
Build, install, test, or maintain robotic equipment or related automated production systems.
Nanotechnology Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium51.17%
Implement production processes and operate commercial-scale production equipment to produce, test, or modify materials, devices, or systems of unique molecular or macromolecular composition. Operate advanced microscopy equipment to manipulate nanoscale objects. Work under the supervision of nanoengineering staff.
Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Medium48.38%
Apply theory and principles of mechanical engineering to modify, develop, test, or adjust machinery and equipment under direction of engineering staff or physical scientists.
Calibration Technologists and Technicians
Medium50.00%
Execute or adapt procedures and techniques for calibrating measurement devices, by applying knowledge of measurement science, mathematics, physics, chemistry, and electronics, sometimes under the direction of engineering staff. Determine measurement standard suitability for calibrating measurement devices. May perform preventive maintenance on equipment. May perform corrective actions to address identified calibration problems.
Photonics Technicians
Medium49.31%
Build, install, test, or maintain optical or fiber optic equipment, such as lasers, lenses, or mirrors, using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment.
Materials Scientists
Medium49.08%
Research and study the structures and chemical properties of various natural and synthetic or composite materials, including metals, alloys, rubber, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, and glass. Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications. Includes glass scientists, ceramic scientists, metallurgical scientists, and polymer scientists.
Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
Medium43.09%
Repair, test, adjust, or install electronic equipment, such as industrial controls, transmitters, and antennas.