Photonics Career Pathways
Table of Contents
Assembly & Production
Assembly and Production jobs include tasks like bonding optics, cleaning components, and putting mechanical assemblies together for photonics products like lasers, semiconductors, and more.
Data Science & Remote Sensing
Data Science combines math, statistics, algorithms, machine learning, and A.I. to analyze complex data sets and obtain valuable information that helps businesses make decisions, assists in strategic planning, and more. Specialties include data analytics and remote sensing used for geographic information systems (GIS).
Photonics Engineering
By leveraging light energy like lasers and fiber optics, Photonics Engineers create advanced high-tech devices and improve existing technology through rapid data communications, advanced sensing, and modern imaging.
Research
When the term "scientist" is used, it refers to roles that are focused on research and development, rather than assembly or production. The work of Photonics Scientists is more specialized and complex compared to the technician and engineering roles.
Photonics is the science of using light to build technology, similar to how electronics use electricity.
Visit our photonics education/training page to see a comprehensive list of Montana photonics programs.
Assembly & Production
Education:
Entry-level assembly and production jobs typically require only a high school diploma to get started and can lead to career progression as photonics technicians or other technical roles. These jobs require good hand-eye coordination and the ability to handle very precise, expensive components. People with skills like model building, knitting, or cross-stitching tend to do well in this type of detailed, repetitive assembly work.
High-Growth Jobs:
Emerging high-growth roles in assembly and production include electro-optics assembly technician, semiconductor processing technician, and photonics technician. Read on to learn more about these rapidly growing careers.
Suggested Montana Careers
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Median MT Salary: $40,000 - $60,000
MT Growth Rate: 23%
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Median MT Salary: $43,000
Growth Rate: 13% (nationally)
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Median MT Salary: $52,000 - $85,000
MT Growth Rate: 17%
Core Skills
Technical Skills
Blueprint reading
Computer-aided design (CAD) software for developing materials and products.
Dexterity and hand-eye coordination
Knowledge of cleanroom procedures, safe manufacturing processes, and basic semiconductor device physics.
Understanding of circuitry, electronics, math, and operational procedures for heavy machinery
Writing documentation
Soft Skills
Communication
Critical thinking
Detail-oriented
Organization
Patience
Problem-solving
Teamwork
Data Science & Remote Sensing
In-demand Specialties:
Clinical Data
Digital Forensics
Geographical Information Systems (GIS)
Machine Learning
Market Research
Education:
The minimum requirement for many data science and remote sensing jobs is a bachelor’s degree in a relevant subject such as computer science, data analytics, IT, mathematics, or statistics.
High-Growth Jobs:
Emerging high-growth roles in data science and remote sensing include data analyst, drone pilot, geographic information systems (GIS) technician, and remote sensing technician. Read on to learn more about these rapidly growing careers.
Suggested Montana Careers
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Median MT Salary: $40,000 - $80,000
MT Growth Rate: 13%
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Median MT Salary: $40,000 - $80,000
Growth Rate: 14% (nationally)
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Median MT Salary: $48,000
Growth Rate: 9% (nationally)
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Median MT Salary: $55,000 - $94,000
MT Growth Rate: 17%
Core Skills
Technical Skills
Cloud-based computing such as Amazon Web Services
Data analysis or scientific software like R and SAS
Data mining software like Google Analytics
Extensive knowledge of Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules
Geographic Information Systems software like ArcGIS
Mechanical knowledge of machines and tools for repairs and updates
Proficiency in computer programming languages like Python and SQL
Spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel
Strong math skills
Writing reports to explain findings
Soft Skills
Analytical
Communication
Critical-thinking
Detail-oriented
Problem-solving
Teamwork
Photonics Engineering
In-demand Specialties:
Biophonotonics
Laser Engineering
Optoelectronics
Quantum Optics
Sales Engineering
Education:
Entry-level positions require at least a bachelor’s degree, typically in either physics or electrical engineering with an optics/photonics focus. A variety of engineering backgrounds are needed to support the industry.
High-Growth Jobs:
Emerging high-growth roles in photonics engineering include chemical engineer, customer service engineer, electrical engineer, engineering technician, mechanical engineer, photonics engineer, photonics supply chain manager, photonics technician, remote sensing technician, and sales engineer. Read on to learn more about these rapidly growing careers.
Suggested Montana Careers
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Median MT Salary: $40,000 - $80,000
MT Growth Rate: 13%
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Median MT Salary: $49,000 - $98,000
MT Growth Rate: 12%
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Median MT Salary: $51,000 - $73,000
MT Growth Rate: 8% - 23%
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Median MT Salary: $52,000 - $85,000
MT Growth Rate: 17%
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Median MT Salary: $79,390
MT Growth Rate: 25%
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Median MT Salary: $81,770
MT Growth Rate: 20%
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Median MT Salary: $85,000
MT Growth Rate: 22%
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Median MT Salary: $90,000 - $125,000
MT Growth Rate: 24%
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Median MT Salary: $101,420
MT Growth Rate: 21%
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Median MT Salary: $80,000-$175,000
MT Growth Rate: 50%
Core Skills
Technical Skills
Analytical or scientific software like Minitab
Computer-aided design (CAD) software for developing materials and products.
Dexterity and understanding of circuitry, electronics, mechanics, and semiconductors
Knowledge of computer programming languages Python, JavaScript, Java, PHP, C#, Ruby, C, or C++
Project management software like Microsoft Project or Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
Query languages like SQL to work with databases
Strong foundation in biology, chemistry, and math
Writing documentation
Soft Skills
Analytical
Communication
Critical thinking
Detail-oriented
Leadership
Organization
Problem-solving
Teamwork
Research
Education:
The minimum educational requirement for photonics research positions is a master’s in physics, photonics, or a related field, but most employers prefer that candidates have their PhD in photonics or physics.
High-Growth Jobs:
Photonics research scientist is an emerging high-growth roles. Read on to learn more about this rapidly growing career.
Suggested Montana Careers
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Median MT Salary: $120,000 - $200,000+
Growth Rate: 26% (nationally)
Core Skills
Technical Skills
Ability to read blueprints, sketches, and designs
Computer-aided design (CAD) software for developing materials and products.
Data analysis or scientific software like R and SAS
Dexterity and understanding of circuitry, math, mechanics, and various tools
Familiarity with environmental and safety regulations and policies
Project management software like Microsoft Project or Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management
Spreadsheet software like Microsoft Excel
Writing documentation
Soft Skills
Comfort with heights
Communication
Customer service
Critical thinking
Detail-oriented
Problem-solving
Teamwork
Do you have a helpful resource you’d like to suggest we add to this guide? Do you have information you are searching for, or other feedback? The Montana High Tech Business Alliance would love to hear from you. Please reach out to us at communications[at]mthightech.org.