Photonics Engineering
Photonics Engineering
(OP)
I am considering going into photonics engineering. It looks very interesting to me (fiber optics and lasers), and it seems like a nice niche field that is experiencing growth.
I've done some research on it, but I wanted to see if there were any photonic engineers here that could give me any insight on what the profession is like.
I've done some research on it, but I wanted to see if there were any photonic engineers here that could give me any insight on what the profession is like.





RE: Photonics Engineering
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Photonics Engineering
Here's an article I found that gives a general perspective on photonics engineering. Not sure how accurate the source is however.
http://c
It says "The employment outlook for photonics engineers is excellent. Currently there is a shortage, and the demand for trained personnel in this field is expected to remain high."
RE: Photonics Engineering
If you are sharp, quick and intuitive - experience and brains will always win out - may take some time.
RE: Photonics Engineering
I'm not hellbent on photonics engineering, but it is one of my top choices. I just don't want to get a degree in something that has few employment opportunities. Or maybe this economy has gotten me too paranoid?
And also, I'd like to hear if anyone knows what photonics engineers do exactly
RE: Photonics Engineering
I've known a couple who did stuff like mess with lasers and select catalog lenses for PMTs.
I don't think I've ever caught one actually designing a lens.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Photonics Engineering
They want a PhD but would settle for 'an experienced MS'. Maybe they'll be hiring again after you get out of school and get, say, ten years' experience. ... but who will hire you to give you that experience?
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Photonics Engineering
Or, if I'm not going to get a PhD, maybe I should I go into a branch of electrical engineering instead? EE is my other top choice.
I appreciate the responses MikeH.
RE: Photonics Engineering
I've gotten a fair amount of work that way; fixing mechanical stuff that was royally screwed up by an EE. ... or, worse, a math major.
Getting the numbers right doesn't count if you solved the wrong equation.
Mike Halloran
Pembroke Pines, FL, USA
RE: Photonics Engineering
... Sorry, I'm rambling. Anyways, the reason why they only hire PhD's is because most of the interest in Photonics is in either research or academia. The ones that graduate with their Master's, in my experience, have a choice to either endenture themselves to academia and research, or jump ship.