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Optical Engineer
Ever wondered who makes DVDs or how they are made?  Do you know anyone who has had laser eye surgery (LASIK) or from whence the procedure even originated?  Who determines how lenses are made that allow us to see planets in our solar system, in other solar systems in our galaxy, and solar systems in other galaxies?  If you would like to know the answer to these and other related questions and would like to use your gifts in Math and Science to find out, then you should pursue a career in Optical Engineering.

Optical Engineers (or Electro-Optical Engineers) perform research and plan the development and design of gas and solid state lasers, infrared, masers, and other light-emitting and light-sensitive devices.  Optical Engineering is the field of study that focuses on applications of optics and is a mix between engineering and physics, as both disciplines are imperative to this job.  They design components of optical instruments such as lenses, microscopes, telescopes, and other equipment that utilizes the properties of light.  Other devices include optical sensors and measurement systems, lasers, fiber optic communication systems, optical disc systems (CDs, DVDs, Blu-ray Disc), etc.  Applications range from night-vision goggles used by the military and police officers, infrared heat-sensing binoculars/lenses used by the military and police officers, and "heat-seeking" infrared-guided missiles used by the military all the way down to commercial applications such as Laser Tag toys and equipment.

Duties include but are not limited to:  designing electronic circuitry and optical components with specific characteristics to fit within specified mechanical limits; designing suitable mounts for optics and power supply systems; incorporating maintenance and repair methods for components and designs; developing test instrumentation and test procedures; conferring with engineering and technical personnel regarding fabrication and testing of prototype systems and modifying designs as required; conducting application analysis to determine commercial, industrial, scientific, medical, military, and other uses for electro-optical devices; and assisting with development of manufacturing, assembly, and fabrication processes.

High school students interested in studying Optical Engineering benefit from taking courses in Physics, Chemistry, Computer Science and Applications, and Mathematics—Algebra, Geometry, Trigonometry, and Calculus.  Students entering Optical Engineering Bachelor's of Science programs from high school with no previous Optical Engineering training should expect a period 4 to 5 years to complete said program.  A Professional Engineer's license (or PE) is required for those who wish to someday establish their own Optical Engineering consulting firm and to provide services directly to the public.  OEs typically pursue Electrical or Chemical Engineering licensure, since no Optical Engineering license currently exists.

Electronic circuitry and optical components designed by Optical Engineers must meet the specifications imposed on them and must fit within all specified mechanical limits, making their design work, analyses, and testing procedures crucial facets of their job.  Conferring and working with other engineering and technical staff members throughout the process to complete projects on time just might be the most challenging aspect of their job.

The demand for Optical Engineers is very high, due to the increased use of optics within engineering and a cross of various applications that utilize this technology such as optical diagnostics and laser surgery.  For those who have experience in this newer but highly-utilized technology field, moving up in their career should be seamless.
Job Description
Median Salary & Range
​Median Salary:  $81,000

Salary Range:  ~$57,320 - $126,520+
College Majors & Attainment Routes
The more prevalent routes to becoming an Optical Engineer have been to major in either Optical Engineering, Engineering Physics (Optical Engineering focus), Engineering Mathematics, Physics (Pre-Engineering), Electrical Engineering, Chemical Engineering, or Applied Mathematics, for many of their concepts, theories, and principles coincide.
Colleges That Provide Above Majors
​Colleges and universities that have Optical Engineering and related majors are:  Norfolk State University (Norfolk, Virginia); Delaware State University (Dover, Delaware); Howard University (Washington, DC); North Carolina A&T State University (Greensboro, North Carolina); Morgan State University (Baltimore, Maryland); Tuskegee University (Tuskegee, Alabama); Alabama A&M University (Normal, Alabama); Prairie View A&M University (Prairie View, Texas); Hampton University (Hampton, Virginia); Florida A&M University (Tallahassee, Florida); South Carolina State University (Orangeburg, South Carolina); Jackson State University (Jackson, Mississippi); Tennessee State University (Nashville, Tennessee); Southern University (Baton Rouge, Louisiana); Florida Memorial University (Miami Gardens, Florida); Morehouse College (Atlanta, Georgia); Benedict College (Columbia, South Carolina); Lincoln University (Lincoln University, Pennsylvania); and Oakwood University (Huntsville, Alabama).
Available Scholarships