Most commonly reported Work Activities

• Interacting With Computers Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems Analysing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Getting Information Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Analysing Data or Information Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Processing Information Compiling, coding, categorising, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Thinking Creatively Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Documenting/Recording Information Entering, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events Identifying information by categorising, estimating, recognising differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.

The Work

Photonics engineers are concerned with modulating light sources and controlling the light's wavelength, intensity, and duration. Engineers working in the laser and fibre optics field, design and modify laser equipment or components and may direct the testing of laser systems. They also use lasers for a variety of useful applications in fields such as telecommunications, medicine and construction industries.

Engineers who work with photonics spend much of their time researching new developments within their field. The field of photonics is growing rapidly, with many new discoveries being made every day. Photonics engineers must keep up to date with the findings in the research of other engineers. High-volume telecommunications firms as well as fibre optics manufacturing companies are the largest photonics engineer employers.

Certain photonics engineers are employed strictly to refine optical fibre purity, because impure optical fibres can be very inefficient and contribute to energy loss.

Most commonly reported Work Tasks

• Analyse system performance or operational requirements.
• Develop optical or imaging systems, such as optical imaging products, optical components, image processes, signal process technologies, or optical systems.
• Develop or test photonic prototypes or models.
• Design, integrate, or test photonics systems or components.
• Assist in the transition of photonic prototypes to production.
• Read current literature, talk with colleagues, continue education, or participate in professional organisations or conferences to keep abreast of developments in the field.
• Write reports or proposals related to photonics research or development projects.
• Conduct testing to determine functionality or optimisation or to establish limits of photonics systems or components.
• Determine applications of photonics appropriate to meet product objectives or features.
• Conduct research on new photonics technologies.

This occupation is typically suited for people with the following Career Interests:

Investigative

The Investigative person will usually find a particular area of science to be of interest. They are inclined toward intellectual and analytical activities and enjoy observation and theory. They may prefer thought to action, and enjoy the challenge of solving problems with sophiscticated technology. These types prefer mentally stimulating environments and often pay close attention to developments in their chosen field.

Realist

Realists are usually interested in 'things' - such as buildings, mechanics, equipment, tools, electronics etc. Their primary focus is dealing with these - as in building, fixing, operating or designing them. Involvement in these areas leads to high manual skills, or a fine aptitude for practical design - as found in the various forms of engineering.

Realists like to find practical solutions to problems using tools, technology and skilled work. Realists usually prefer to be active in their work environment, often do most of their work alone, and enjoy taking decisive action with a minimum amount of discussion and paperwork.

Creative

Creative people are drawn to careers and activities that enable them to take responsibility for the design, layout or sensory impact of something (visual, auditory etc). They may be atrracted to the traditional artistic pursuits such as painting, sculpture, singing, or music. Or they may show more interest in design activities, such as architecture, animation, or craft areas, such as pottery and ceramics.

Creative people use their personal understanding of people and the world they live in to guide their work. Creative people like to work in unstructured workplaces, enjoy taking risks and prefer a minimum of routine.

Photonics engineers typically come from a background in electronic engineering or physics. Relevant level 8 degree courses are available from a range of universities. However, most topics in Photonics are not covered at undergraduate level education so postgraduate study may be necessary to progress within this career.

Training & Development 

FET Centre Traineeship: Manufacturing, Engineering Operations & Technology, Cleanroom operations in centres around Ireland at NFQ Level 5-6 Search FET Courses

FET PLC Courses: Civil, Mechanical & Electronics Engineering, Digital Computing Systems & Electronics, Engineering and Electronic Technology, Engineering Technology with Electronics, Pre-University Mechatronics (Electronics), Engineering - Preliminary, Engineering Pre University, Engineering Technology at NFQ Levels 5-6 Search FET PLC Courses

Apprenticeship: Telecommunications and Data Network Technician, Electrical Instrumentation NFQ level 6 Search Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO Entry: General Engineering, Electronic or Mechanical engineering, Applied Physics and Instrumentation, Computer Science, Electronic Engineering, Software and Electronic Engineering, Physics (Common Entry), Engineering - Electronic Engineering with Computer Systems courses at NFQ Levels 7-8 Search CAO courses

Professional Development 

Postgraduate Study Options Engineering, ICT, Management NFQ level 9-10

Engineers Ireland To apply for the Engineering Technician title, you will need an accredited Level 6 qualification and three years post graduate experience. A list of Engineering Technician accredited programmes is available from Engineers Ireland.  

Tyndall Inst UCC provide a one year postgraduate M. Sc in Photonics, in conjunction with Tyndall National Institute. This course will also provide a foundation for undertaking a Ph.D focusing on photonics.

Engineers Ireland A list of Engineering career path subdivisions and accreditted programmes as you progress your career in Engineering

Photonics Ireland Individual companies may also provide internal training for engineering employees to specialise in the area of photonics.

Last Updated: April, 2023

Salary Range (thousands per year)* €32k - €75k

Salaries vary based on employer, location, experience, duties, and role.

Data Source(s):
IPIC/ Eirieri/ Payscale/ Salaryexplorer/ Morgan McKinley

Last Updated: July, 2024

* The lower figures typically reflect starting salaries. Higher salaries are awarded to those with greater experience and responsibility. Positions in Dublin sometimes command higher salaries.

View Salary information from Indeed.ie
Note: data not aways available

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2023).

Employment levels fell between 2021 and 2022, by approximately 3,000 persons, but remained above 2017 levels, resulting in a positive, but below average, annual average growth rate for the five-year period. Employment for this occupation was primarily in industry (accounting for a 60% share of employment). Employment permits issued were across a variety of technician roles (e.g. process, manufacturing, laboratory). The Recruitment Agency Survey identified vacancies for maintenance technicians in manufacturing with electrical/mechanical skills as difficult-to-fill.

Employers (Skills for Growth) experienced difficulties in filling a range of engineering technician roles, including aircraft technicians and manufacturing technicians, particularly for those with digital skills and knowledge of procedures/processes. There was a 3% increase in the number of online job adverts in 2022, driven by increases in electrical/electronic technicians and, to a lesser extent, laboratory technicians.

New apprenticeship registrations for a number of industry related technicians (including lab analysts) have risen strongly since the first of these programmes were introduced in 2017; by 2022 there were 314 new registrations across a range of apprenticeships (lab analyst, manufacturing technology, OEM engineer etc.) up from approximately 100 in 2017. Although demand seems to be lessening for these roles, issues with attracting suitable candidates remain for maintenance and laboratory technicians in particular, at least in the short-term.

• Tyndall National Institute

  • Lee Maltings Complex, Dyke Parade, Cork City, Ireland
  • 021 2346177
  • [email protected]
  • Click Here

• Engineers Ireland

  • 22 Clyde Road, Ballsbridge Dublin 4
  • (01) 665 1300
  • Click Here

• Smart Futures

  • Discover Science & Engineering, Wilton Park House, Wilton Place, Dublin, 2
  • Click Here