Skip to content

O*NET-SOC 17-2199.07

Photonics Engineers

Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.

From O*NET 30.3

Tasks

From O*NET 30.3, by importance, as O*NET OnLine lists them

Free · O*NET 30.3
  1. Analyze system performance or operational requirements.Core18195
  2. Develop optical or imaging systems, such as optical imaging products, optical components, image processes, signal process technologies, or optical systems.Core18200
  3. Develop or test photonic prototypes or models.Core18199
  4. Design, integrate, or test photonics systems or components.Core18194
  5. Assist in the transition of photonic prototypes to production.Core18202
  6. Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organizations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in the field.Core18205
  7. Write reports or proposals related to photonics research or development projects.Core21055
  8. Conduct testing to determine functionality or optimization or to establish limits of photonics systems or components.Core18196
  9. Determine applications of photonics appropriate to meet product objectives or features.Core18198
  10. Conduct research on new photonics technologies.Core18193
  11. Design electro-optical sensing or imaging systems.Core18189
  12. Document photonics system or component design processes, including objectives, issues, or outcomes.Core21056
  13. Design photonics products, such as light sources, displays, or photovoltaics, to achieve increased energy efficiency.Core19664
  14. Train operators, engineers, or other personnel.Core18206
  15. Analyze, fabricate, or test fiber-optic links.Core18188
  16. Design gas lasers, solid state lasers, infrared, or other light emitting or light sensitive devices.Core18197
  17. Create or maintain photonic design histories.Core18203
  18. Oversee or provide expertise on manufacturing, assembly, or fabrication processes.Core18204
  19. Determine commercial, industrial, scientific, or other uses for electro-optical applications or devices.Core18192
  20. Design solar energy photonics or other materials or devices to generate energy.Supplemental19665
  21. Design or redesign optical fibers to minimize energy loss.Supplemental19663
  22. Develop photonics sensing or manufacturing technologies to improve the efficiency of manufacturing or related processes.Supplemental19666
  23. Develop laser-processed designs, such as laser-cut medical devices.Supplemental18191
  24. Design or develop new crystals for photonics applications.Supplemental19662
  25. Design laser machining equipment for purposes such as high-speed ablation.Supplemental18190
  26. Select, purchase, set up, operate, or troubleshoot state-of-the-art laser cutting equipment.Supplemental18187

Technology Skills

From O*NET 30.3, 52 examples in 16 categories, 25 Hot Technology

Free · O*NET 30.3

Analytical or scientific software

  • Adept Scientific GRAMS
  • BPM_CAD
  • Finite element analysis FEA software
  • Mathsoft Mathcad
  • Pattern recognition software
  • Photon Design FIMMPROP
  • Photon Design PICWave
  • SASHot Technology
  • Spectroscopy software
  • The MathWorks MATLABHot TechnologyIn Demand
  • Wolfram Research Mathematica

Computer aided design CAD software

  • Apollo Photonics APSS
  • Autodesk AutoCADHot Technology
  • Computer-aided drafting or design software
  • Dassault Systemes CATIA
  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorksHot TechnologyIn Demand
  • Optical Research Associates LightTools
  • Optiwave OptiBPM
  • Optiwave OptiFDTD
  • Optiwave OptiSPICE
  • Photon Design CrystalWave
  • Photon Design FIMMWAVE
  • Photon Design OmniSim
  • ZemaxIn Demand

Development environment software

  • CHot Technology
  • Formula translation/translator FORTRAN
  • GoHot Technology
  • Microsoft .NET FrameworkHot Technology
  • Microsoft Visual BasicHot Technology
  • National Instruments LabVIEWIn Demand

Object or component oriented development software

  • C#Hot Technology
  • C++Hot TechnologyIn Demand
  • Oracle JavaHot Technology
  • PerlHot Technology
  • PythonHot TechnologyIn Demand
  • RHot Technology

Program testing software

  • Debugging software

Geographic information system

  • ESRI ArcGIS softwareHot Technology
  • ESRI software
  • QGIS

Web page creation and editing software

  • FacebookHot Technology

Operating system software

  • LinuxHot Technology
  • Shell scriptHot Technology
  • UNIXHot Technology

Map creation software

  • Mapping software

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft ExcelHot Technology

Office suite software

  • Microsoft Office softwareHot Technology

Electronic mail software

  • Microsoft OutlookHot Technology

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPointHot Technology

Process mapping and design software

  • Microsoft VisioHot Technology

Word processing software

  • Microsoft WordHot Technology

Data base user interface and query software

  • Structure query language SQL

Detailed Work Activities

From O*NET 30.3, under their work activities; open one for the AI skills Workforce Automation maps to it

Free · O*NET 30.3

Getting Information

  • Research advanced engineering designs or applications.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events

  • Identify new applications for existing technologies.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

  • Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Analyzing Data or Information

  • Analyze operational data to evaluate operations, processes or products.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Making Decisions and Solving Problems

  • Select tools, equipment, or technologies for use in operations or projects.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge

  • Update technical knowledge.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work

  • Prepare detailed work plans.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Handling and Moving Objects

  • Fabricate devices or components.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Controlling Machines and Processes

  • Operate industrial equipment.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment

  • Design industrial processing systems.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Design energy production or management equipment or systems.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Create physical models or prototypes.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Design electronic or computer equipment or instrumentation.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Documenting/Recording Information

  • Prepare research or technical reports.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Write reports or evaluations.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Prepare proposal documents.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Maintain operational records or records systems.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Document technical design details.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Training and Teaching Others

  • Train personnel on proper operational procedures.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

  • Direct industrial production activities.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Monitoring and Controlling Resources

  • Purchase materials, equipment, or other resources.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Job Zone

From O*NET 30.3

Free · O*NET 30.3

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Workforce Automation analysis, not part of the source

WFA coverage: AI skills for this job

WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

Pilot mapping: these skill links come from our seed list and haven’t been reviewed yet. Expect them to change as each one is checked.

DWAs covered by an AI skill0 of 21
Distinct tools0
Level mix
  • No tools yet

Equivalents

NICE work roles, with their DCWF equivalents

Mapped to this job by the ETO-CSET NICE/O*NET crosswalk (2024); roles from NICE Framework Components v2.2.0, DCWF equivalents from DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

Free · NICE Framework Components v2.2.0 and DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

No NICE work role maps to this job.