Potential careers in photonics
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Application sectors
Photonics engineers can adapt seamlessly to the multiple facets of the highly-innovative technologies and evolutions within this specialised field. Their training enables them to operate in a wide variety of application sectors:
- information and communication (optical telecommunications, data storage, etc.),
- displaying, lighting and imaging (flat screens, projectors, car lighting systems, etc.),
- life sciences (medical imaging, surgery, ophthalmology, biophotonics, etc.),
- defence (laser-guiding, infrared applications, etc.),
- transport (aeronautics, space exploration, etc.),
- environment (metrology, satellite images, photovoltaics, etc.),
- instrumentation and scientific equipment,
- art and shows (holography, 3D images, etc.),
- fundamental and applied research.
Engineer categories
Within the aforementioned sectors, ENSSAT photonics students can operate professionally as research engineers, studies and development engineers, production engineers, advisor engineers, technical sales engineers, project managers, consultants, etc.
With a research Master’s, they can study towards a PhD and work as researchers for public organisations (either as researchers or teacher-researchers) or for companies (small/medium-sized companies, major corporations, etc.).
Research engineer
This job consists of developing new concepts for the implementation of a technology strategy. Once verified, the next stage of their work is to deal with patent right registration requirements before introducing the technology concept to relevant application end users. In addition to their technology observation activities, their role entails directly helping companies to introduce and circulate scientific and technical information.
Studies and development engineer
Working for a company with an R&D (research and development) department, they perfect new concepts in order to develop the company’s strategic technology systems. They ensure the relevant technological solutions are correctly implemented in production units. With a PhD, they can be entrusted more rapidly with greater responsibilities within companies.
Production engineer
They plan and organise the work of the different teams involved in the process of manufacturing an industrial product. They operate in a supervisory capacity for the entirety of the production process.
Technical sales engineer
They act as the intermediary between the company and their customers, promoting products and negotiating agreements. In addition to their acute commercial awareness, they also boast the advantage of having considerable technological expertise. They also deal with post-sales customer service and train end users.