Employment of optical engineers is expected to grow by 4 percent, about as fast as the average for all occupations, through 2028, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Applications that utilize optics technology are growing steadily and should provide opportunities in many different industries. The use of fiber optics in telecommunications is expanding, providing opportunities for engineers in the cable, broadcasting, computer, and telephone industries. New applications are being developed in many other areas, such as the medical and defense fields. The increasing use of automated equipment in manufacturing is also providing opportunities for optical engineers, particularly in applications involving robotics technology.
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