Photonics Engineer

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:

• 2006 NOC: Other Professional Engineers, n.e.c. (2148) 
• 2006 NOC-S: Other Professional Engineers, n.e.c. (C048) 
• 2011 NOC: Other professional engineers, n.e.c. (2148) 

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:

• work with clients to determine requirements for photonics technology and products
• design and develop products based on photonics technologies
• install photonics equipment
• test and monitor photonics equipment
• maintain and repair photonics equipment
• operate photonics equipment
• keep records and prepare reports
• stay up to date with the latest photonics technology.

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 maintaing 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:

• strong mathematics and science skills
• strong computer skills
• the ability to follow instructions and plans and work to exact specifications
• very strong attention to detail
• the ability to think creatively
• the ability to work well both independently and as part of a team
• strong communication skills.

Photonics engineers should enjoy working with cutting-edge technology and designing, developing and testing new products and equipment.

Photonics engineers may be employed by:

• engineering and consulting firms
• telecommunications firms
• manufacturing companies
• energy production and distribution companies
• universities.

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 in this occupation will be influenced by a variety of factors including:

• trends and events affecting overall employment (especially in the Professiona, Scientific and Technical Services industry)
• location in Alberta
• employment turnover (work opportunities generated by people leaving existing positions)
• occupational growth (work opportunities resulting from the creation of new positions that never existed before)
• size of the occupation.

Over 5,300 Albertans are employed in the Other professional engineers, n.e.c. occupational group. This group is expected to have an above-average annual growth of 1.8% from 2016 to 2020. As a result, 95 new positions are forecast to be created each year, in addition to job openings created by employment turnover. Note: As photonics engineers form only a part of this larger occupational group, only some of these newly created positions will be for photonics engineers.

Employment turnover is expected to increase as members of the baby boom generation retire over the next few years.

Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of Alberta (APEGA) website: www.apega.ca

For more information on career planning, education and jobs call the Alberta Supports Contact Centre toll-free at 1-877-644-9992 or 780-644-9992 in Edmonton, or visit an Alberta Works Centre near you.