Optical Engineer
Uses the science of light to design and build devices through light and optical technology.
Overview
Optical engineers make use of optics (study of behaviour of light) to design and build devices through the use of light and optical technology. This requires them to understand and apply the science of light.
Where they work
- Aerospace industry
- Electronic and lighting industry
- Textiles sector
- Companies producing scientific instruments or Optomechanical equipment (microscopes, telescopes, lasers, sensors, fibre-optic cables)
- Government agencies among others
Work environment
You may be expected to work outdoors and in labs. You may work for 8 to 9 hours per day and 5 to 6 days per week. You may be required to work late and on weekends in a bid to complete research projects or write reports.
Opportunities for differently abled exist in this field.
Skills and interests
This career might suit you if…
- You like Science and Maths
- You can use a computer to solve a scientific problem
- You like to do experiments
Eligibility and education roadmap
Please check the duration of the course during enrolment.
Route 1
- 1Complete 10+2 in Science stream with Physics, Chemistry and Biology/Mathematics.
- 2Complete Bachelor's degree in Optical Instrumentation/Optics and Optoelectronics/Aerospace Engineering/Avionics/Electronics and Electrical Engineering and any related field
Alternative route 2
- 1Complete Bachelor's degree, followed by Master's in the same or related field.
Forms, exams and applications
Exam names above are as printed in the source card. Application windows, eligibility and syllabi change — always check the official notification for current dates.
Where to apply
The course is offered by Department of Engineering/Physics. This list of institutes is indicative only.
Government institutes
- Jawaharlal Nehru Architecture and Fine Arts University, Hyderabad, Telangana
- Delhi College of Engineering, New Delhi
- University of Delhi, New Delhi
- Indian Institute of Space Science and Technology, Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
- Indian Institute of Technology, New Delhi
- National Institute of Technology, Hamirpur, Himachal Pradesh
- Alagappa Chettiar College of Engineering and Technology, Sivaganga, Tamil Nadu
- Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, West Bengal
- Indian Institute of Technology, Kanpur, Uttar Pradesh
Private institutes
Please check if the institute is affiliated and accredited before applying.
- Swarrnim Startup and Innovation University, Gandhinagar, Gujarat
- PP Savani University, Surat, Gujarat
- Mangalam School of Architecture and Planning, Kottayam, Kerala
- BMS School of Architecture, Bengaluru, Karnataka
- SunRise University, Alwar, Rajasthan
- Smt Manoramabai Mundle College of Architecture, Nagpur, Maharashtra
- Anant National University, Ahmedabad, Gujarat
- Hindu College of Design, Architecture and Planning, Sonepat, Haryana
Distance learning
Indira Gandhi National Open University (IGNOU)
These institute lists are indicative examples from the source card, not a ranked or complete directory. Always verify accreditation on the institute's official website.
Career outcomes
Growth path
- 1Engineer
- 2Project Manager/Project Engineer
- 3Senior Product Manager/Senior Optical Engineer
Related careers to explore
Electronics and Communication Engineer
Designs, builds and tests the electronic equipment behind communication and broadcast systems.
Aeronautical Engineer
Designs, develops and builds safe, fuel-efficient aircraft, satellites, missiles and spacecraft.
Student action plan
What you can do this month
- Read this whole roadmap and note any subjects, exams or institutes you don't recognise yet.
- Talk to a teacher or school counsellor about how your current subjects connect to Science, Maths.
- Look for a school club, competition or online course related to researching.
- Shortlist 2–3 institutes from the list above and check their official website for current admission details.
- Save this career and compare it with 1–2 others you're considering.
Example from the field
Joshua Berrier — An optical engineer at the NASA Goddard Space Flight Center in Greenbelt, Maryland. He's served on more than 20 space flight projects such as the James Webb Space Telescope, Roman Space Telescope, and Parker Solar Probe. Currently, he's the AI&T lead for a space-qualified rover lidar which will be the first 3D imaging system of its kind designed to support wheeled vehicles on the lunar, Martian and other extraterrestrial surfaces.
SourceThis profile is shared for training/educational purposes only, as printed in the source card.
Sources and update notice
- Career card source: Exploring Career Paths with Career Cards, Volume 2, printed page 515 (NCERT / UNICEF India / PSSCIVE Bhopal, First Edition, April 2025).
- Income source: https://www.ambitionbox.com/profile/optical-engineer-salary
- Last reviewed on this site: 2026-08-21
The private-institute list on this card is made up almost entirely of architecture and planning schools, which do not teach optical engineering; it is reproduced as printed, but check each institute's actual course offering before applying.
Eligibility, fees, exam patterns and admissions change often. Always verify current details on official institute, exam-body or government websites before making decisions.