Photonics Engineers — Tasks

Task statements

• Write reports or proposals related to photonics research or development projects.
• 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.
• 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.