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Optical Engineer, Photonics Specialist
In Canada, the federal government groups and organizes occupations based on a National Occupational Classification (NOC) system. This alis occupation may not reflect the entire NOC group it is part of. Data for the NOC group can apply across multiple occupations.
The NOC system is updated every 5 years to reflect changes in the labour market. Government forms and labour market data may group and refer to an occupation differently, depending on the system used. Here is how this occupation has been classified over time:
| Starting | $47.14 |
|---|---|
| Overall | $55.72 |
| Top | $72.17 |
Photonics is the science of generating, transmitting, amplifying and detecting light. Photonics technology includes lasers, fiber optics, macroscopic and microscopic imaging and a wide variety of other applications. This technology is used in telecommunications, medicine, manufacturing, robotics, solar power and more.
Photonics engineers:
Photonics engineers usually work a standard 40-hour week in an office environment or a laboratory. Some travel may be required when developing, installing or maintaining equipment for clients in their factories or laboratories. Photonics engineers may be required to lift or move objects or equipment that weigh up to 20 kilograms.
Photonics engineers need the following characteristics:
Photonics engineers should enjoy working with cutting-edge technology and designing, developing and testing new products and equipment.
Photonics engineers must have a four-year degree in science or engineering. Specialized courses in photonics are a benefit, but are not a necessity. Photonics engineers may enter the field of photonics with an educational background in such disciplines as physics, chemistry, biology, optical engineering, electrical engineering or other related areas. A doctoral degree in science or engineering is generally required for a career in university teaching or research.
The following schools offer programs and courses that meet this occupation’s educational requirements. Other eligible programs and courses may be available.
The following schools offer programs or courses that are related to this occupation but are not required to enter the field.
For a broad list of programs and courses that may be related to this occupation try searching using keywords.
Professional engineers design, construct, evaluate, advise, monitor and report on the performance of materials, equipment, systems, works, processes and structures.
Under Alberta’s Engineering and Geoscience Professions Act [pdf], you must be a registered member of the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) to practice as a Professional Engineer or engage in the practice of engineering. You do not have to register if you work under the direct supervision of a professional engineer and do not call yourself a Professional Engineer or use the word “engineer” in your job title.
Registration as a Professional Engineer in Alberta requires successful completion of:
A new Provisional Member category has been introduced. For official, detailed information about registration requirements, contact APEGA.
Engineers who are registered and in good standing with a regulatory organization elsewhere in Canada are eligible for registration in Alberta if the 2 jurisdictions require similar responsibilities and competencies.
For more information, see What if I am already certified in another province or territory in Canada? and the APEGA website.
To learn about certification for internationally educated engineers, see Professional Engineer Registration Process.
Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA)
1500 Scotia One, 10060 Jasper Avenue
Edmonton, Alberta T5J 4A2
Canada
Call: 780-426-3990
Toll-free in North America: 1-800-661-7020
Email: email@apega.ca
Website: www.apega.ca
Photonics engineers may be employed by:
Because photonics engineers often work in a multidisciplinary environment, they acquire knowledge and skills through work experience that may allow them to move into associated areas of science, engineering, sales, marketing or management.
Most photonics engineers begin as assistants to experienced engineers. As they gain experience, they may become supervisors or specialize in a particular aspect of laser or fiber optics technology. Some engineers advance to management positions. A few engineers with the necessary education can become research directors or principal engineers. Engineers may also advance by starting their own consulting or manufacturing companies.
Photonics engineers are part of the larger 2011 National Occupational Classification 2148: Other professional engineers. In Alberta, 86% of people employed in this classification work in the Professional, Scientific and Technical Services [pdf] industry.
The employment outlook [pdf] in this occupation will be influenced by a variety of factors including:
In Alberta, the 2148: Other professional engineers, n.e.c. occupational group is expected to have a below-average annual growth of 1.6% from 2019 to 2023. In addition to job openings created by employment turnover, 39 new positions are forecasted to be created within this occupational group each year.
Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.
| Wages* | Low (5th percentile) | High (95th percentile) | Average | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting | $32.16 | $60.75 | $47.14 | $47.11 |
| Overall | $40.50 | $71.16 | $55.72 | $54.79 |
| Top | $51.49 | $93.32 | $72.17 | $70.56 |
Swipe left and right to view all data. Scroll left and right to view all data.
* All wage estimates are hourly except where otherwise indicated. Wages and salaries do not include overtime hours, tips, benefits, profit shares, bonuses (unrelated to production) and other forms of compensation.
High Reliability, represents a CV of less than or equal to 6.00% and 30 survey observations and/or represents 50% or more of all estimated employment for the occupation.
| ALL INDUSTRIES | $112,155 |
|---|---|
| Public Administration | $101,023 |
| Health Care & Social Assistance | $100,316 |
Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) website: apega.ca
Get information and referrals about career, education, and employment options from Alberta Supports.
Updated Mar 05, 2021. The information contained in this profile is current as of the dates shown. Salary, employment outlook, and educational program information may change without notice. It is advised that you confirm this information before making any career decisions.