Optical Engineers: Job Description, Education, Skills and Duties, Earnings and Outlook
Submitted by: paula
Job Overview Scientists and physicists conduct studies and experiments to understand the properties of light and how it operates. In the 20th century, lasers and fiber optics were developed. Fiber optic technology was developed when it was explored that light move through glass fiber. Those who study how light is produced, detected, measured and transmitted to be used in building devices using optical technology is known as optical engineers.
Education, Knowledge and Trainings Required
To be an optical engineer, the minimum education level one must have is Bachelor’s degree in Engineering. To prepare for this degree, applicant needs to concentrate in Chemistry, Physics, Physical Science, Calculus, Geometry, Trigonometry, Algebra, Computer Science, Social Studies, Composition and English. It normally takes four to five years to complete Engineering programs. Those who are aspiring a high-level position are required to take Master’s or Doctorate degrees. Licensing is required. Those who already have a four year engineering experience and have completed accredited engineering curriculum should pass the written exam to be a Professional Engineer (PE). For those without any engineering experience, they may take the Fundamentals of Engineering Examination to be certified as Engineer Interns, Intern Engineers or Engineers in Training (EIT). This certification has a validity of ten years. After gaining experience as an EIT, they can take the Principles and Practice of Engineering Exam to be a licensed PE.
Skills and Abilities
Success as an optical engineer will depend on strong foundation in Physics and Mathematics. They should be curious about things or be inquisitive.
It is important to have an analytical mind. Optical engineers are up to challenges and should know how to come up with solutions for different problems they will encounter in this profession. They need to be precise, methodical and keen observers. They should know how to work on their own but can easily adjust when working with other people.
Duties
Optical engineers develop and design circuitry for things that use optical technology. It is their responsibility to create and design instruments that will measure and test the performance of optics systems. They are also involved in testing developing applications for lasers and laser system in construction, medicine, defense or telecommunication. They should be knowledgeable in using different types of equipment like digital energy meters, laser power meters, spectrometers, leak detectors, spectrum analyzers and wattmeter.
Earnings and Job Outlook
The salary of an optical engineer is similar to that of the electronics and electrical engineers, although they can expert to be paid higher because of their expertise. Engineers are in demand so those who are planning to be optical engineers will have big opportunities in the future. Telecommunications are now using fiber optics which is one of the reason that optical engineers are in demand.
Paula Hiz is a researcher and a human resource specialist who helps newly graduates, job applicants and post graduate professionals be aware of their job opportunities and available trainings for skills and practice upgrading.
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