Integrated Photonics, the technology that uses light to power and transmit information, is transforming industries from telecommunications to healthcare. As the demand for high-speed, energy-efficient devices grows, Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs), also known as photonic chips, are paving the way for a new era in tech. Similar to electronic circuits but with photons instead of electrons, PICs enable the miniaturisation and acceleration of processes across sectors, making them a cornerstone of future innovations.

With a global PIC market poised to reach 65 billion by 2030, there’s a pressing need for skilled professionals who are passionate about contributing to this field. Whether you’re a student, a recent graduate, or an experienced engineer looking for a career pivot, opportunities in PICs span across design, research, development, packaging, and manufacturing.

Understanding Photonic Integrated Circuits (PICs)

Photonic Integrated Circuits combine multiple optical functions—like lasers, detectors, and modulators—onto a single chip. This integration results in smaller, faster, and more efficient devices, opening new possibilities in applications such as high-speed internet, advanced medical diagnostics, and data processing.

In this article, we discuss the pathways to a career in integrated photonics, whether you are a bachelor's student or an established engineer. We highlight the work PhotonDelta is doing to help create a robust PIC industry. 

Read more about PICs here.

Why start a career in PICs:

Building a career in PICS represents a chance to make a mark in a relatively new industry. It offers the opportunity to make a significant impact on sustainable and energy-efficient technologies and solutions. This booming sector has tremendous growth potential across various application areas. Furthermore, you'll get to work in an interdisciplinary and innovative environment.

Finding your path to a career in Integrated Photonics as a student

A recommended route into PICs is through degrees in engineering, optics, or telecommunications. Programs in electrical engineering, applied physics, and optical sciences offer a strong foundation, with many universities now offering specialised courses in photonics. Further, Mechanical Engineering or Materials Engineering backgrounds are strong favoured in the PIC industry because topics like packaging and assembly of the PIC are very important.

For engineers who have completed bachelor's degrees, pursuing a master's in a Photonics program is a solid way to establish a degree in photonics. 

PhotonDelta and Optics Netherlands recently launched the 'MasterPlus Programme in Optics and Photonics' (MPOP). This initiative, in collaboration with Delft University of Technology (TU Delft), Eindhoven University of Technology (TU/e), and the University of Twente (UT), introduces a specialisation within existing master's programs in Applied Physics and Electrical Engineering. MPOP aims to bridge academic expertise with industry needs, offering students the flexibility to attend courses across different campuses and engage in inter-university activities. 

Participants will have opportunities for internships with leading companies like ASML, Signify, SMART Photonics, and LioniX International, as well as collaborations with research institutes such as SRON and imec. The program seeks to address the growing demand for skilled professionals in the optics and photonics sector, contributing to the Netherlands' position as a global innovation hub in this field. Learn more about the program here.

For those already in the workforce, there are various reskilling programs supported by the industry, allowing professionals from other technical backgrounds to leverage their existing skills while gaining new, PIC-specific knowledge.

Exploring Career Roles in PICs

Whether coming through traditional education routes or via reskilling programs PIC careers offer diverse roles for innovators and problem-solvers alike:

• Photonics Engineers design and develop the optical components that power PICs.

• Research Scientists push the boundaries of photonics knowledge through experimentation.

• System Designers integrate PICs into broader applications, such as telecom systems.

• Product Managers and Application Engineers work closely with clients to adapt PIC solutions to specific needs.

PhotonDelta’s Role in Shaping Careers in PICs

PhotonDelta supports a global end-to-end ecosystem of photonic chip companies that designs, develops, and manufactures innovative solutions that contribute to a better world.

They promote the global adoption of photonic integrated chips by engaging with a diverse range of industries and the academic community. 

PhotonDelta's Human Capital Program aims to bridge the gap between current and future talent and the needs of the integrated photonics industry. The program focuses on two main objectives:

1. Increasing the attractiveness of a career in integrated photonics: This involves creating a strong industry brand, raising awareness among students at various educational levels, building a community of photonic chip enthusiasts, and implementing marketing activities to attract both national and international talent.

2. Expanding the quality and size of the integrated photonics talent pool: PhotonDelta supports educational institutions and training providers to offer comprehensive study programs and reskilling courses. Initiatives include summer schools, challenge-based learning, specialised master's programs, hackathons, and online training sessions.

3. Creating employee engagement and loyalty, contributing to talent retention within the industry

4. By creating an environment where professionals can learn, collaborate, and grow, the industry sets the foundation for long-term success and positions itself as a leader in the global photonics sector. PhotonDelta initiates expert communities and industry partner meetings to ensure that employees feel welcome and appreciated, keeping talents in the industry. 

To achieve these goals, PhotonDelta curates and creates pivotal talent market data to inform strategic initiatives. It serves as a connector within its ecosystem, facilitating collaboration among companies, research institutes, and educational institutions. Through strategic investments, PhotonDelta aims to accelerate scalable initiatives that attract and retain talent in the integrated photonics industry. 

They endeavour to foster a strong photonics community and promote career development in PICs through several key initiatives:

• Collaborations with Academic Institutions: PhotonDelta partners with universities and technical schools to develop curricula and summer schools tailored to integrated photonics, ensuring students receive industry-relevant education.

• Career Opportunities through PhotonJobs: The PhotonJobs platform connects job seekers with leading photonics companies looking for skilled engineers, researchers, and developers.

• Talent outreach activities: PhotonDelta organizes and participates in several activities to introduce talent with a career in the Photonic Chip Industry such as career events, supporting student teams and study associations and offering an introduction to the world of (integrated) photonics already at a young age.    

Building a Sustainable Future in Photonics

PhotonDelta’s long-term goal is to create a sustainable talent pipeline for the photonic chip ecosystem by developing comprehensive programs across all educational levels. Through partnerships with industry leaders and educational institutions, PhotonDelta supports the growth of a skilled workforce ready to meet the demands of the evolving photonics landscape.

By joining this exciting field, you can play a role in transforming how the world uses light to shape the future of technology. Whether through PhotonDelta's training programs, industry events, or job platform, there are many pathways to a fulfilling career in photonics. Take the first step today and become part of the photonic chip revolution.

The Global Photonics Engineering Contest is now live!

The Global Photonics Engineering Contest invites engineers, innovators, and startups to push the boundaries of Photonic Integrated Circuits (PIC) and create applications that address complex engineering challenges and push the boundaries of the industry. Whether you’re in semiconductors, data & telecom, medtech, or agritech, we want to see your breakthrough idea that can harness the power of PICs to change the world.

• Prize: €50,000 worth of services from the PhotonDelta ecosystem to to make your idea market-ready + a chance to receive up to €2 million in pre-seed funding.
• Audience: Open to all engineers, researchers, OEMs, hardware manufacturers, startups/scale-ups, research teams, and students working on innovative PIC applications.
• Early Bird Opportunity: All submissions received by 31st December 2024, will receive personalized feedback from PhotonDelta engineers.
• End date: March 3rd 2025

ENTER THE CHALLENGE NOW