What they do
Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.
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Also called: |
Algorithm Developer, Laser Engineer, Optical Design Engineer, Optical Engineer, Optical Specialist, Optical Systems Engineer, Optoelectronics Engineer, Research and Development Engineer (R and D Engineer), Research Engineer
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Wages
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Engineers, All Other* |
Vermont - 2023 |
Percentile1 | Hourly | Yearly |
10% |
$ 35.54 |
$73,920 |
25% |
$ 43.69 |
$90,870 |
Median |
$ 48.31 |
$100,490 |
75% |
$ 63.85 |
$132,810 |
90% |
$ 80.58 |
$167,600 |
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Average |
$ 53.65 |
$111,590 |
* You're seeing information for "Engineers, All Other" because it includes "Photonics Engineers" for which wage information is not available. |
1 What are Percentile Wages? |
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More at CareerOneStop |
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Industries of Employment
Engineers, All Other* |
United States - 2020 |
Industry | Percent of total |
- Professional, scientific, and technical services
| 26% |
- Federal government, excluding postal service
| 21% |
- Transportation equipment manufacturing
| 7% |
- Computer and electronic product manufacturing
| 6% |
| 6% |
* You're seeing information for "Engineers, All Other" because it includes "Photonics Engineers" for which industries of employment information is not available. |
More at BLS |
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Knowledge
People in this career often know a lot about: |
- Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
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- Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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- Physics
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
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- Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
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- Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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Skills
People in this career often have these skills: |
- Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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- Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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- Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
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- Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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- Active Learning
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
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Interests
People in this career often prefer these work environments: |
- Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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- Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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- Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
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What are your interests? Take the O*NET Interest Profiler |
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Work Styles
People in this career will do well at jobs that need: |
- Analytical Thinking
Job requires analyzing information and using logic to address work-related issues and problems.
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- Attention to Detail
Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
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- Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
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- Innovation
Job requires creativity and alternative thinking to develop new ideas for and answers to work-related problems.
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- Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
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Tasks
On the job, you would: |
- Analyze system performance or operational requirements.
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- Develop optical or imaging systems, such as optical imaging products, optical components, image processes, signal process technologies, or optical systems.
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- Develop or test photonic prototypes or models.
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- Design, integrate, or test photonics systems or components.
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- Assist in the transition of photonic prototypes to production.
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More at O*NET |
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Related Occupations
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Career Video
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Projected Employment
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Engineers, All Other* |
Vermont |
2020 employment |
275 |
2030 employment |
286 |
Annual percent change (compounded) |
0.4% |
Annual projected job openings (due to change and separations) |
19 |
* You're seeing information for "Engineers, All Other" because it includes "Photonics Engineers" for which projected employment information is not available. |
More at Occupational Projections |
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Education and Experience:
Engineers, All Other* |
- Typical education needed for entry
Bachelor's degree
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- Work experience in a related occupation
None
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- Typical on-the-job training needed to attain competency
None
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* You're seeing information for "Engineers, All Other" because it includes "Photonics Engineers" for which education and experience information is not available. |
Based on BLS Education and Training Classifications |
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Physical Work Activity
Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials. |
- Physical activity is Somewhat Important
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Low | | High |
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Compare Occupations at O*NET |
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Job Zone
Considerable Preparation Needed |
- Specific Vocational Preparation Range
(7.0 to < 8.0) - A typical worker will require
over 2 years up to and including 4 years
of training to achieve average performance in this occupation.
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Based on O*Net Job Zones and SVP |
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Education Level
How much education do most people in this career have? |
Education level | | Percent of U.S. Workers |
Doctoral or professional degree or post-MA certificate | | 5% |
Master's degree or post-BA certificate | | 38% |
Bachelor's degree | | 52% |
Associate's degree | | 5% |
Certificate or some college, no degree | | 0% |
High school diploma or equivalent | | 0% |
Less than high school diploma | | 0% |
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Licensing
Vermont may require an occupational license: |
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Select a license for details |
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Abilities
People in this career often have talent in: |
- Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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- Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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- Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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- Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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- Mathematical Reasoning
The ability to choose the right mathematical methods or formulas to solve a problem.
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Work Activities
In general, what you might do: |
- Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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- Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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- Analyzing Data or Information
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
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- Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
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- Processing Information
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
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More at O*NET |
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Detailed Work Activities
What you might do in a day: |
- Analyze operational data to evaluate operations, processes or products.
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- Design electronic or computer equipment or instrumentation.
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- Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.
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- Create physical models or prototypes.
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- Prepare detailed work plans.
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More at O*NET |
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Other Resources
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- CareerOneStop
resource for job seekers, students, businessess and career professionals
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- O*NET Online
nation's primary source of occupational information
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