Use this article to explore the optical engineering field of optical and the career path you might pursue in becoming an optical engineer.
Optical engineering uses light to solve problems and create valuable devices. To accomplish this, optical engineers must be technically proficient and thoroughly understand optics, a branch of physics that deals with the science of light. If you're interested in optics and enjoy working with technology, a career in optical engineering could be an excellent fit.听
Optical engineering is a specialised branch of physics and engineering. It uses optics and engineering concepts to determine ways to use light to build devices. There are two primary branches of optics:
Geometrical. Geometrical optics, or ray optics, focuses on the particle nature of light or rays. This branch gained its name because light rays are conceived as geometrical lines that extend from their source. Rays help us understand the paths along which light propagates (or spreads) under certain conditions.听
Did you know? The beam produced from a flashlight is a good example of light鈥檚 particle nature and optical engineering. Tiny lenses underneath the light bulb redirect the paths along which light spreads. This manipulation of light rays creates the controlled beam that flashlights emit.
Physical optics, or wave optics, is the study of light's wave properties. Instead of considering light's particle nature, wave optics considers light an electromagnetic wave. Examples of light's wave properties include dispersion and polarisation.听聽
Did you know? If you have ever seen a rainbow, you have seen light's wave properties in action. When light enters a water droplet, each wavelength is reflected at a different angle鈥攄ispersing and reflecting white light into visible colours.
You likely encounter examples of optical engineering every day. The chart below outlines a few examples of imaging and non-imaging optics due to optical engineering.
Imaging optics | Non-imaging optics |
---|---|
Cameras | LED lighting |
Telescopes | Lasers |
Binoculars | Fibre-optic illumination |
Microscopes | Car headlights |
Optical engineers design and build optical systems and devices. They frequently work with computers, using specialised software to simulate scenarios and designs. The primary goal of optical engineering is to solve problems through the use of light and optical technology. Optical engineers spend most of their time researching, developing, and testing new devices and enhancing existing designs.
Optical engineers work in various industries. The following chart outlines several of these industries and five top employers for optical engineering roles. To determine the top employers, we looked at Glassdoor in India鈥檚 list of the in India as of November 2022.听
We further curated this list to eliminate companies with low employee ratings. Employees rated companies using a scale of one to five stars. Additionally, they used six categories to calculate their ratings: culture and values, diversity and inclusion, work/life balance, senior management, compensation and benefits, and career opportunities.
Company | Industry | Employee Rating | Average Optical Engineer Salary |
---|---|---|---|
Cisco | Enterprise Software and Network Solutions | 4.4/5 | 鈧16,00,000 - 鈧17,00,000 per year 1 |
Nokia | Telecommunications Services | 4.1/5 | 鈧5,00,000 per year 2 |
Honeywell | Computer Hardware Development | 4.0/5 | 鈧8,00,000 - 鈧9,00,000 per year 3 |
Visteon | Transportation Equipment Manufacturing | 3.5/5 | 鈧12,00,000 - 鈧18,70,000 per year 4 |
Jio | Cable, Internet, and Telephone Providers | 3.8/5 | 鈧1,00,000 - 鈧2,00,000 per year 5 |
According to Glassdoor, the average salary for optical engineers in India is 鈧6,62,500 annually. Additional wages may represent profit-sharing, commissions, or bonuses [].
While official statistics about the demand for optical engineers aren't available, the job board on can provide a glimpse into the market for skilled professionals. As of late November 2022, there were more than 1,900 open positions.
Further, it鈥檚 notable that the global advanced optics market continues growing. According to Fortune Business Insights, it will have a projected worth of USD 477.42 billion in 2028 and a compound annual growth rate of 9.62 percent between 2021 and 2028 []. Although this doesn鈥檛 speak directly to the job outlook, it suggests that demand should continue.听聽
Specific job responsibilities may vary depending on a company鈥檚 industry. The list below outlines some common duties for optical engineers in any industry.听
Researching the science behind products
Investigating ways to improve existing optical systems
Designing and testing optical devices
Maintaining instruments and materials聽
Strong understanding of physics
Proficient in mathematics
Problem-solving skills
Manual dexterity
Ability to use scientific equipment, such as spectrometers and wattmeters
Collaboration and communication skills
Familiarity with optical tools such as and
Detail oriented
The qualifications required to start a career in optical engineering vary. Some employers may accept entry-level optical engineers who hold a bachelor's degree, while others may look for candidates with a master's degree. Relevant areas of study include physics, mechanical engineering, and electrical engineering. One example of a degree aspiring optical engineers can pursue is a .
You can explore other ways to prepare for a career in optical engineering below.
You can use the essential skills checklist above to guide your efforts. For example, if you have an extensive background in engineering, you may focus on building your physics expertise. Someone who wants to elevate their understanding of modern quantum optics may consider earning an online Certificate in .
In contrast, someone with a degree in physics who needs more engineering experience might take an online engineering course to fill the gaps in their knowledge. Georgia Tech鈥檚 is a beginner-friendly Course that takes just 15 hours to complete.
Enhancing your CV is a crucial step for job seekers. To ensure recruiters notice your CV, try matching the language you use to describe your skills to those used in job listings. Often, employers use applicant tracking systems (ATS) to process potential candidates. These systems use keywords to filter CVs and applications. In other words, you have a better chance of being selected if your words match the words they鈥檝e input in the ATS.听
Another great way to demonstrate your expertise to employers is to stay current with industry trends and technologies in the optical engineering field. Follow industry leaders on social media, read relevant blogs, and watch YouTube videos. For instance, you can stay up-to-date on advancements in the field of optics by subscribing to the. You can also browse with the website. SPIE is an international non-profit organisation advancing scientific optics research and engineering applications.
Take the next step towards your career in optical engineering with the.
Glassdoor. 鈥, https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salary/Cisco-Systems-Optical-Engineer-Salaries-E1425_D_KO14,30.htm.鈥 Accessed April 5, 2024.
Glassdoor. 鈥, https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salary/Nokia-Optical-Engineer-Salaries-E3494_D_KO6,22.htm.鈥 Accessed April 5, 2024.
Glassdoor. 鈥, https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salary/Honeywell-Optical-Design-Engineer-Salaries-E28_D_KO10,33.htm.鈥 Accessed April 5, 2024.
Glassdoor. 鈥, https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salary/Visteon-Optical-Engineer-Salaries-E8638_D_KO8,24.htm.鈥 Accessed April 5, 2024.
Glassdoor. 鈥, https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salary/Jio-Optical-Engineer-Salaries-E694833_D_KO4,20.htm.鈥 Accessed April 5, 2024.
Glassdoor. 鈥, https://www.glassdoor.co.in/Salaries/india-optical-engineer-salary-SRCH_IL.0,5_IN115_KO6,22.htm?clickSource=searchBtn.鈥 Accessed April 5, 2024.听
Fortune Business Insights. 鈥, https://www.fortunebusinessinsights.com/advanced-optics-market-106605.鈥 Accessed April 5, 2024.听
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This content has been made available for informational purposes only. Learners are advised to conduct additional research to ensure that courses and other credentials pursued meet their personal, professional, and financial goals.