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Industries & Professions / Optical Engineers

Optical Engineers

Optical engineers apply the concepts of optics to research, design, and develop applications in a broad range of areas. Optics, which involves the properties of light and how it interacts with matter, is a branch of physics and engineering. Optical engineers study the way light is produced, transmitted, detected, and measured to determine ways it can be used and to build devices using optical technology.
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Quick Facts
Alternate Title(s) Fiber Optics Engineers, Laser and Fiber Optics Engineers, Phototonics Engineers
Duties Design, integrate, or test systems or components that use the properties of light
Salary Range $25,000 to $100,000+
Work Environment Primarily Indoors
Best Geographical Location(s) Opportunities are available throughout the country, but are best in large, urban areas
Minimum Education Level
  • Bachelor's Degree
School Subjects
  • Computer Science
  • Mathematics
  • Physics
Experience Internship
Personality Traits
  • Curious
  • Problem-Solving
  • Technical
Skills
  • Math
  • Organizational
  • Scientific
Certification or Licensing Required
Special Requirements None
Employment Prospects Fair
Advancement Prospects Good
Outlook Little Change or More Slowly than the Average
Career Ladder
  • Sales and Marketing Manager-Optical Engineering
  • Optical Engineering Research Director
  • Optical Engineering Project Manager
  • Optical Engineer
  • Optics Technician

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