LASER ENGINEERS (EMERGING PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS IN THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY)

LASER ENGINEERS

(EMERGING PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS IN THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY)

THE JOB
COMPENSATION
REQUIREMENTS

LASER ENGINEERS
(EMERGING PROFESSIONAL OCCUPATIONS IN THE TELECOMMUNICATIONS INDUSTRY)
California Occupational Guide Number 2005-A (part)
Interest Area:  Emerging Occupations
1995

THE JOB


Laser Engineers conduct research, and develop and design lasers and the 
instruments that use lasers.  In the telecommunications field they research 
and design gas lasers and related equipment needed to send messages via 
fiber optic cable transmission.  They study the limitations and uses of 
lasers, find new applications for them, and oversee the building, testing, 
and operation of lasers and their controls, sometimes leading a sizable 
staff.  They also work with lenses, scanners, prisms, filters, and mirrors.  
Laser Engineers are also used in the medical profession, by the military, 
and in manufacturing.

COMPENSATION


Wages of Laser Engineers vary by geographical location and by the number of 
employees they supervise, however their earnings tend to mirror those of 
Electrical/Electronic Engineers.


Nationwide Wage Range:
     New, no experience:     $33,500 - $51,000/yr.
     Level 2:                $39,200 - $61,200/yr.
     Level 3:                $43,000 - $67,000/yr.
     Level 4:                $54,000 - $84,000/yr.

REQUIREMENTS


Job Skills Needed:

 -- Knowledge of physics and electro-optic technology, laser theory, 
    programming in BASIC, "C", or PASCAL, calculus, and logic analysis
 -- Knowledge of digital and analog technologies
 -- Computer assisted design (CAD) skills
 -- Ability to write technical material, work independently and with 
    others, to assign tasks and to evaluate others' work


Training/Requirements:

 -- Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Physics or other 
    optics-related majors required
 -- Masters or PhD sometimes preferred
 -- Ongoing coursework to keep up with changing technologies
 -- Military security clearance sometimes required
 -- Solid background in materials handling and metallurgy often required

Source:  State of California, Employment Development Department,
         Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
         (916)  262-2162

 Home   Other Emerging Professional Occupations in Telecommunications