![[Featured Image] Someone who works in optical engineering examines a prototype lens on a robotic arm.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/5hpksYO3ifrm1AsIIbL1vO/cfbe935cdbacf87c875bac180ff0bd6f/Finally-my-project-works-624908314_7008x4677.jpeg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
What Is Optical Engineering? (+ How to Become an Optical Engineer)
Use this article to explore the field of optical engineering and the career path of an optical engineer.
July 29, 2022
Article
Engineering
Learn more about the skills and certifications you need for a career as a computer engineer, optical engineer, electrical engineer, and more.
![[Featured Image] A controls engineer examines their computer in front of a wall of mechanical diagrams.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/4dU7xf6hJmuqI6ilcT9C2x/5b72fd4f43296b8c53073dbdbec3b787/GettyImages-1357844886.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured Image] A controls engineer works on machinery with tools in a manufacturing organization.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/3Acu9kfFPb8pfQ2c8GysNV/6ce0200f35cf46a9aac986f6580d920b/GettyImages-1202320092.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
Explore popular engineering courses
Status: Free
Georgia Institute of Technology
Skills you'll gain: Engineering Analysis, Mechanics, Torque (Physics), Engineering Calculations, Mechanical Engineering, Engineering, Civil Engineering, Structural Analysis, Physics
Rice University
Skills you'll gain: Communication Planning, Cost Management, Scope Management, Project Schedules, Earned Value Management, Scheduling, Stakeholder Management, Work Breakdown Structure, Organizational Structure, Estimation, Project Documentation, Requirements Management, Timelines, Change Management, Project Management, Budgeting, Project Management Life Cycle, Project Scoping, Stakeholder Communications, Project Planning
University of Colorado Boulder
Skills you'll gain: Model Based Systems Engineering, Failure Analysis, Systems Engineering, Requirements Management, Design Reviews, Cost Management, Scope Management, Engineering Management, Risk Management, Reliability, Root Cause Analysis, Program Management, Requirements Analysis, Project Design, Test Engineering, Project Management, Product Requirements, Systems Design, Systems Architecture, Test Planning
![[Featured Image] Two robotics engineers work together on a robotic arm in a warehouse.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/6AEApg42DVbYFikb9VqNKE/eb9fc3f2a0f3a8d5ab793d955df91f2a/Stocksy_txpe0666ad4RLr200_Large_2205470.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] A Master of Engineering student wearing glasses stands in front of a wall with design specifications on it. He's working on his laptop.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/uYAc46hbNoWkF8cErY4WU/be4a56b180e842344821983ebfae860b/GettyImages-1357844886.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] Two robotics engineers work on the development of an automated production line with robotic parts and applied software.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/1r7BfCWwce7cW3iqQeXX3m/b4a0fb80433bcaa02b947b8a6bbb4ccc/Stocksy_txpe0666ad4RLr200_Large_2205470.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] An electrical engineer works on a project with their laptop computer.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/43b5N2vPEIWvcqHHnAPs9W/a1c27d9ca50ba42bab5ef392064212e4/iStock-996179448.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] A mechanical engineering student works on a project in a lab.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/6dc3KgVGYQFDcwjHVvCjpp/00545e2d27302decb6abde2c21936f85/iStock-625895720.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] A civil engineer consults with a construction manager at a job site.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/3GgkKundG6WGpPHOPFBdDq/7cba9177de38af6c6fd9f30b7d377a91/Construction-workers-and-architect-looking-at-blueprints-on-construction-site-514311930_5413x3609__1_.jpeg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
![[Featured image] Two systems engineers collaborate in front of a laptop computer.](https://images.ctfassets.net/wp1lcwdav1p1/4BkysoGEn85QFYAJxcapMG/73d2a4b2457eca26fb6bfaee4d16e983/GettyImages-1300459314.jpg?w=330&h=216&q=60&fit=fill&f=faces&fm=jpg&fl=progressive)
Engineering covers a wide variety of skills and careers. With so many options and opportunities available, it can be tricky to know where to start. On Coursera, you'll find expert resources to support your goals, whether you're just starting out or are ready to take the next step in your career. Explore engineering topics, including:
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
US Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Occupational Outlook Handbook, Mechanical Engineers, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/mechanical-engineers.htm." Accessed January 29, 2024.
US Bureau of Labor Statistics. "Occupational Outlook Handbook, Architecture and Engineering Occupations, https://www.bls.gov/ooh/architecture-and-engineering/home.htm." Accessed January 29, 2024.