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.

Working Life

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.

Sample Education and Training Pathways
A number of courses are available throughout the country that focus on learning and skills that may be useful for this career. The examples and links below may guide you in your research. 

Further Education (FET)
Further Education & Training (FET) Courses are delivered by local ETBs, ranging in duration from several weeks up to 20 months. Courses are designed to meet the labour market needs and often include a large element of work experience.

Example search terms include: manufacturing, engineering operations, technology, cleanroom operations.

Search for FET Courses

PLC Courses (FET)
PLC courses are full-time courses, one or two years duration, with awards at Level 5 and 6 on the NFQ. They are offered nationally in Schools and Colleges of Further Education.

Example search terms include: civil, mechanical, electronics, engineering, digital computing systems and electronics, technology, pre-university mechatronics, preliminary, engineering pre university.

Search for PLC Courses

Apprenticeships: 
Apprenticeships are structured work-based training programs that combine on-the-job training with classroom instruction. They run from 2 – 4 years and are open to individuals of all ages, including school leavers, those seeking a career change, and existing employees who wish to upskill.

Examples: Telecommunications and Data Network Technician, Electrical Instrumentation.

Search for Apprenticeships

Higher Education CAO (Undergraduate) 
Higher Education courses at Levels 6 to 8 on the NFQ, delivered in Universities and Technological Universities & Institutes. Courses run from 2 – 5 years and places are allocated on a points-based system, processed by the Central Application Office.

Example search terms include: general engineering, electronic, mechanical, engineering, applied physics and instrumentation, computer science, software and electronic engineering, physics, computer systems.

Search for CAO Courses

Higher Education (Postgraduate)
Postgraduate courses are courses at Levels 9 and 10 on the NFQ and usually last 1 – 2 years full time, or longer if a PhD or part time. Entrants typically require an undergraduate award (Level 8).

Example search terms include: engineering, ICT, management.

Search for Postgraduate Courses

Professional Development 

Professional development (CPD) courses are specialised training, formal education, or advanced professional learning that improves skills, professional knowledge, competency, and overall effectiveness in the professional world.

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 career path subdivisions and engineering technician accredited programmes is available from Engineers Ireland as you progress your career in Engineering.  

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

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

Check the Useful Contacts tab on this page to see if there are any professional bodies listed who may provide training related to this career.

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

Note: The following information relates to occupations that include: Laboratory technicians, Electrical and electronic technicians, Engineering technicians, Quality assurance technicians, Planning, process and production technicians, Science, engineering and production technicians n.e.c.

This information has been derived from the Solas National Skills Bulletin (2024).

Employment growth was below average for this occupation with employment levels remaining almost unchanged between 2022 and 2023. A half of those employed were in industry, with the remainder spread across most other sectors. Online job adverts (Eurostat/CEDEFOP) were particularly prevalent for lab technicians followed by electrical/electronic technicians, while vacancies advertised through DSP were notable for mechanical, maintenance and electrical technicians.

Employment permits were issued across a number of technician roles including manufacturing, mechanical and maintenance. The Recruitment Agency Survey identified vacancies for maintenance and lab technicians as difficult-to-fill, while Skills for Growth data indicated issues with sourcing lab analysts and maintenance, QA/QC and process technicians. Skills in demand included environmental awareness and monitoring as well as health and safety. With output from new apprenticeships (e.g. lab analyst/technician, OEM engineer, wind turbine maintenance technician) along with other apprenticeship awards for these roles (e.g. manufacturing technology), supply may soon be sufficient to meet demand for these roles, particularly without any employment growth.

While output from new apprenticeships has begun to emerge, demand for this occupation remains strong with shortages persisting in the short term.

• Smart Futures

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

• 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