What does an electro optical engineer do?
An electro-optical engineer performs engineering tasks related to electronic and optical devices, creates optical designs, and assists users of laser optics. The essential skills that an electro-optical engineer should possess to perform his/her or her responsibilities include good mathematical and speaking skills and the ability to concentrate to create complex electrical systems and electronic components and products. The education requirements for the job include a college degree in electrical engineering, physics, or a related field.
Electro optical engineer responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real electro optical engineer resumes:
- Apply technical knowledge in electromagnetic theory and microwave technology to plan and manage projects concern with ground-base radar systems.
- Perform multiple augments installing and adding new devices/servers along with adding configurations for video streaming using Unix and checking router configurations.
- Evaluate manufacturers' specifications for the approval of components, perform first article approval of proprietary components and troubleshoot design failures.
Electro optical engineer skills and personality traits
We calculated that 9% of Electro Optical Engineers are proficient in System Performance, C++, and Data Analysis. They’re also known for soft skills such as Concentration, Initiative, and Speaking skills.
We break down the percentage of Electro Optical Engineers that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- System Performance, 9%
Size of new products is significantly reduced with even improved system performance.
- C++, 7%
Integrated system hardware for sensor control and wrote data acquisition software in C++.
- Data Analysis, 6%
Developed MATLAB and Excel-based data analysis tools to accelerate data review turnaround times.
- Remote Sensing, 6%
Served as mission optical engineer on airborne remote sensing data collection platform.
- RF, 5%
Modeled Q-switched laser pulse, gas impedance, RF phase correction, and RF impedance match.
- LiDAR, 5%
Developed Matlab simulation of LIDAR.
"system performance," "c++," and "data analysis" are among the most common skills that electro optical engineers use at work. You can find even more electro optical engineer responsibilities below, including:
Concentration. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for an electro optical engineer to have is concentration. Their role and responsibilities require that "electrical and electronics engineers design and develop complex electrical systems and electronic components and products." Electro optical engineers often use concentration in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "provide supports for nasa customer to measure targeted atmospheric gas concentrations. "
Initiative. Another essential skill to perform electro optical engineer duties is initiative. Electro optical engineers responsibilities require that "electrical and electronics engineers must apply their knowledge to new tasks in every project they undertake." Electro optical engineers also use initiative in their role according to a real resume snippet: "led initiative to standardize css, themes and javascript for cross browser and cross platform support. "
Speaking skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of electro optical engineers is speaking skills. This skill is critical to many everyday electro optical engineer duties, as "electrical and electronics engineers work closely with other engineers and technicians." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "represented ypg at off-post irsp and etmg group meetings pertaining to radar issues. "
Writing skills. For certain electro optical engineer responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "writing skills." The day-to-day duties of an electro optical engineer rely on this skill, as "electrical and electronics engineers develop technical publications related to equipment they develop, including maintenance manuals, operation manuals, parts lists, product proposals, and design methods documents." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what electro optical engineers do: "assisted integration and test engineers in writing test procedures and in debugging standalone prototypes and systems. "
Math skills. Another common skill required for electro optical engineer responsibilities is "math skills." This skill comes up in the duties of electro optical engineers all the time, as "electrical and electronics engineers must use the principles of calculus and other advanced math in order to analyze, design, and troubleshoot equipment." An excerpt from a real electro optical engineer resume shows how this skill is central to what an electro optical engineer does: "developed a visual c++ (mfc) based application to calculate real time statistics for gps sessions. "
The three companies that hire the most electro optical engineers are:
- Raytheon Technologies18 electro optical engineers jobs
- Boeing7 electro optical engineers jobs
- Draper5 electro optical engineers jobs
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Compare different electro optical engineers
Electro optical engineer vs. Pcb designer
PCB designers are professionals who use computer software programs to design printed circuit boards (PCBs), an electronic circuit that supports electronic components such as transistors, diodes, and capacitors. These designers must design and implement various circuit boards and perform revisions to apply changes that are based on the specifications of customers and engineers. They need to collaborate with the companies that fabricate and assemble PCBs to discuss the quality, cost-effective, and timely deliveries of PCBs. PCB designers must also use AutoCAD software to design schematics for the PCB systems.
These skill sets are where the common ground ends though. The responsibilities of an electro optical engineer are more likely to require skills like "system performance," "c++," "data analysis," and "remote sensing." On the other hand, a job as a pcb designer requires skills like "dfm," "pcb layout," "schematic capture," and "ipc standards." As you can see, what employees do in each career varies considerably.
Pcb designers earn the highest salaries when working in the telecommunication industry, with an average yearly salary of $90,002. On the other hand, electro optical engineers are paid more in the telecommunication industry with an average salary of $105,570.The education levels that pcb designers earn slightly differ from electro optical engineers. In particular, pcb designers are 20.6% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree than an electro optical engineer. Additionally, they're 5.8% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Electro optical engineer vs. Engineering trainee
An engineering trainee is responsible for shadowing engineers in their duties and performing administrative tasks as needed. Engineering trainees assist the engineers in inspecting construction sites and conducting field research. They also identify cost-efficient materials and resources that meet quality standards and client specifications. An engineering trainee must have excellent communication and organizational skills, especially in writing reports, attending meetings, and ensuring that all reports are submitted for management's reviews, such as contracts from suppliers and vendors.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real electro optical engineer resumes. While electro optical engineer responsibilities can utilize skills like "system performance," "data analysis," "remote sensing," and "lidar," engineering trainees use skills like "excellent interpersonal," "fire protection," "boilers," and "geotechnical."
Engineering trainees may earn a lower salary than electro optical engineers, but engineering trainees earn the most pay in the energy industry with an average salary of $63,253. On the other hand, electro optical engineers receive higher pay in the telecommunication industry, where they earn an average salary of $105,570.engineering trainees earn lower levels of education than electro optical engineers in general. They're 8.2% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 5.8% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Electro optical engineer vs. Senior pcb designer
Controls designers both design and draft systems of hydraulic, pneumatic, and electrical controls for equipment and machines. The designers make diagrams of the logic system for timing and sequence control. They illustrate and describe details for installation and maintenance, such as bearing lubrication and lubrication types. It is part of their job to review schematics with the representatives of customers to answer questions during robot system installation. Also, they may design energy conversion controls.
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, an electro optical engineer is likely to be skilled in "system performance," "c++," "data analysis," and "remote sensing," while a typical senior pcb designer is skilled in "schematic capture," "pcb layout," "analog," and "mentor graphics."
When it comes to education, senior pcb designers tend to earn lower degree levels compared to electro optical engineers. In fact, they're 23.1% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 5.8% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Electro optical engineer vs. Controls designer
Types of electro optical engineer
Updated January 8, 2025
