Photonics is the science of using light to build technology, similar to how electronics use electricity. Our list of 10 Hot Montana Photonics Jobs for 2024 highlights high-growth photonics roles, based on workforce data, to guide students, job-seekers, and community leaders in exploring Montana’s future in this field. Graphic designed by Melissa Paulsen.

October 10, 2024

By Christina Henderson and Melissa Paulsen

Our most popular article in 2023 was our special report on Hot Montana Tech Jobs. In 2024, we’re adding a new list for photonics—the science of using light to build technology, like how electronics use electricity. This report was produced in partnership with the Montana Photonics and Quantum Alliance.

What Photonics Is:

• Emerging Technologies. Think lasers, fiber-optics, sensors, cryogenic microscopes, thermal cameras, robots, drones, and self-driving vehicles.

• Diverse Opportunities. Start on this path in high school, through on-the-job training, or with a certificate, 2-year, 4-year, or advanced degree, through local education programs.

• Interdisciplinary Fields. Merge interests in electronics, applied physics, chemistry and biochemistry, math, electrical and computer engineering, programming, materials science, data science, and quantum science.

Why It Matters:

• The Future is Here. Jobs in photonics are in demand and growing fast. Montana has been a photonics pioneer for 30+ years. More than 40 photonics companies operate in Montana, employing approximately 1,000 workers at an average salary of more than $72,000.

• Montana is a Photonics Tech Hub. In 2023, Montana was named a federal Tech Hub for smart photonic sensor systems, and in July 2024 received a $41 million grant to help create 10,000 more photonics jobs over the next 10 years.

• Applications are Everywhere. Photonics technologies are used in diverse fields like medicine, manufacturing, consumer electronics, telecommunications, IT, energy, environmental monitoring, aerospace, agriculture, construction, wildfire fighting, and the military.

This list highlights high-growth photonics roles, based on workforce data, to guide students, job-seekers, and community leaders in exploring Montana’s future in this field.

10 Hot Montana Photonics Jobs for 2024

10. Electro-optics Assembly Technician

9. Photonics Technician

8. Remote Sensing Technician

7. Drone Pilot

6. Photonics Engineer

5. Photonics Research Scientist

4. Customer Service Engineer

3. Data Analyst

2. Operations Manager

1. Sales Engineer

10. Electro-optics Assembly Technician

Average MT Salary: $40,000-$60,000

Projected MT Job Growth: 23%, (7% U.S.)

Electro-optics Assembly Technician is an entry-level position that can lead to career progression as a photonics technician or into other technical roles. Other titles for this job include Electromechanical Equipment Assembler, Optical-Mechanical Assembly Technician, or Electronics Assembler.

This role involves tasks like bonding optics, cleaning components, and putting mechanical assemblies together for photonics products. It requires good hand-eye coordination and the ability to handle very precise, expensive components. People with skills like model building, knitting, or cross-stitching tend to do well in this type of detailed, repetitive assembly work.

The starting salary range for Electro-optic Assembly Technicians is $40,000 in Montana, with the top end being around $60,000. Job growth in Montana is 23%, much higher than the national growth rate of 7%.

Gallatin College and Accelerate Montana are key feeder programs for developing the skills needed for this assembler role. Additionally, Salish Kootenai College in Pablo received $8.0 million in funding from the Headwaters Tech Hub (HTH-STEP) to lead rapid training efforts in photonics and optics.

Accelerate Montana has launched an Electro-optics Assembly Technician Rapid Training Pilot Program in partnership with the Montana Photonics and Quantum Alliance.

Participants in the 9-week program learn about photonic laser systems, microscopes and optical tools, laser assembly and operation, soldering, and optical adhesives and bonding. The training consists of online and in-person learning and is an excellent option for anyone looking to start a career in a growing field. Fill out the interest form to join an upcoming cohort.

9. Photonics Technician

Average MT Salary: $52,000 - $85,000

Projected MT Job Growth: 17%, (4% U.S.)

Photonics Technicians build, install, test, or maintain optical or fiber optic equipment, such as lasers, lenses, or mirrors, using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment. They are responsible for aligning resonators, adding new wavelengths, working with nonlinear optics, and increasing the complexity of laser systems.

Other titles for this job include Laser Technician, Electro-optic Technician, Manufacturing Engineering Technician, or Electronics Technician.

The starting salary range for Photonics Technicians in Montana is $52,000 to $72,000, with the top end being over $80,000. The projected growth rate for this role in Montana is 17%, much higher than the U.S. rate of 4%.

There is a clear career progression path for Photonics Technicians:

• They can move into management, overseeing a team of technicians.

• They can also transition into more specialized, custom one-off engineering roles.

The skills needed include strong hand-eye coordination, the ability to work with precision laser components, and a willingness to do detailed, repetitive work.

This role requires a 2-year degree, typically from Gallatin College or a similar program. Gallatin College MSU in Bozeman has had 100% job placement for graduates of their Lasers and Photonics Technician program.

Students completing the Associate of Applied Science (AAS) in Photonics and Laser Technology at Gallatin College will learn the scientific principles of optics, fiber-optics, and lasers as well as the processes and equipment for incorporating these devices in electronic and electro-optics systems. The hands-on curriculum prepares students to become entry-level technicians who work on products or devices in a range of sectors: including manufacturing, communications, defense, homeland security, medical, information technology, energy, environmental monitoring, lighting, displays, and entertainment.

8. Remote Sensing Technician

Average MT Salary: $40,000 - $80,000

Projected MT Job Growth: 13%, (6% U.S.)

Remote Sensing Technician is an emerging field as Montana’s photonics industry starts to utilize remote sensing technologies like LiDAR. The role involves processing and analyzing data from photonic sensing devices, like those used in drones and other remote sensing applications.

By applying remote sensing technologies, Remote Sensing Technicians assist scientists, surveyors, or engineers in areas such as natural resources, urban planning, or homeland security. They typically collect geospatial data using technologies such as aerial photography, light and radio wave detection systems, digital satellites, or thermal energy systems and then verify the integrity and accuracy of the data.

The Remote Sensing Technician role ties into environmental engineering work being done in Montana as the remote sensing data can be used for applications like precision agriculture and roadway monitoring.

Remote Sensing Technicians typically have a four-year degree in data analytics or a related field and leverage knowledge of geography, computers and electronics, math, and engineering. They also need skills in customer service, critical thinking, and attention to detail. Building skills through robotics or drone programs can also be useful in this field.

7. Drone Pilot

Average MT Salary: $40,000 - $80,000

Projected Job Growth: 14% (nationally)

From capturing aerial videography for the latest film, to helping Montana farmers conduct field surveys and conducting prescribed burns for the U.S. Forest Service, skilled Drone Pilots are in high demand.

Sometimes called Uncrewed Aerial Vehicle (UAV) Operators, Drone Pilots control a drone’s flight path, conduct safety tests, oversee vehicle performance and system capabilities, and collect environmental data. They may also operate cameras, troubleshoot equipment, and assist with surveying. Familiarity with specialized tools like surveying equipment and GIS software is paramount for success.

Drone Pilots can work in an array of industries including media arts, agriculture, real estate, national security, transportation, construction, engineering, surveying and mapping for government agencies, parcel delivery, and freelance gigs. Entry-level drone pilot jobs require passing the Federal Aviation Administration’s (FAA) remote pilot certification test to obtain a Part 107 license.

Many Drone Pilots work on part-time contracts, making this a great side hustle. Drone piloting could also be added as a complementary skill set to other engineering or technical degrees.

Montana offers various training opportunities and certifications to help aspiring pilots quickly get their foot in the door. Missoula-based Accelerate Montana is launching a rapid training drone certification course taught by certified drone instructors. Fill out the interest form to join the next cohort.

Montana Technological University in Butte offers both an undergraduate and graduate certificate in Uncrewed Aerial Systems (UAS) Development and Analytics, which can be a great addition to a degree in engineering, biology, or environmental sciences. The 15-credit UAS Development and Analytics certificate transcends the basic skills required to pilot a drone by teaching how to incorporate the collected data into research.

Salish Kootenai College also offers a 15-credit certificate in Unmanned Aerial Systems (UAS) Operations to prepare students for a fruitful career in the fast-growing UAS industry.

6. Photonics Engineer

Average MT Salary: $90,000-$125,000 (for Electrical Engineers)

Projected MT Job Growth: 24%, (9% U.S.)

By leveraging light energy like lasers and fiber optics, Photonics Engineers create advanced high-tech devices and improve existing technology through rapid data communications, advanced sensing, and modern imaging. The problems solved by optical/photonics engineers are seen as the most complex and challenging, requiring very specialized expertise.

Optics and photonics engineers are in strong demand worldwide, including in Bozeman, Montana. Given the interdisciplinary nature of the field, Photonics Engineers may have varied job titles such as Electrical Engineer, Optical Engineer, Laser Engineer, Software Engineer, or Systems Engineer.

Entry-level engineering positions require at least a bachelor’s degree, typically in either physics or electrical engineering with an optics/photonics focus. A variety of engineering backgrounds are needed to support the industry. The pay scale for Photonics Engineers can vary depending on demand for one’s area of expertise.

The average salary range for Electrical Engineers in Montana is $90,000-$125,000; the growth rate for Electrical Engineers is 24% in Montana, much higher than the national growth rate of 9%.

In-demand Skills:

• To achieve success as an engineer, candidates need a strong foundation in math and science, technical ability, and a strong work ethic.

• Good engineers also have interpersonal skills like communication, collaboration, and problem-solving.

• Having a background in integrated photonics, machine learning, programming, data science, semiconductor engineering, or quantum computing can be helpful.

• Becoming licensed as a Professional Engineer (PE) after graduation can give you an advantage in the competitive job market, and it may be required for some higher-level positions.

In-demand Degrees:

• Electrical Engineers and Software Engineers tend to be at the higher end of the pay scale initially, due to higher demand in the Bozeman job market where there is competition from tech companies.

• Optical Engineers potentially start lower but can reach the highest salaries over time.

• Mechanical Engineers are part of the overall engineering team working on photonics projects, but they are typically at the lower end of the pay scale compared to other engineering disciplines as there is a larger pool of Mechanical Engineers available.

Bozeman has one of the highest per-capita concentrations of optics and photonics companies, making the Optical Technology Center (OpTeC) at Montana State University a great resource for budding Photonics Engineers. OpTeC provides opportunities for students, faculty, industry, and other interested partners to learn and work together to find solutions to practical problems and discover new applications for optical technology. MSU’s Optics/Photonics faculty includes specialists in electrical engineering, physics, chemistry, agriculture, and computer science.

Montana State University’s Norm Asbjornson College of Engineering in Bozeman provides a minor, master’s, and PhD track in optics and photonics. MSU is preparing to roll out a new bachelor’s degree in Optical and Photonics Engineering in the next few years. The program will add new faculty in integrated photonics and a photonics sensor systems training lab. The foundations of the program include math, probability and statistics, physics, and chemistry as well as components of electrical engineering like circuits, optics, and lasers.

Montana Tech in Butte teaches undergraduate and graduate programs in electrical engineering, and the University of Montana in Missoula offers a minor and undergraduate degree in physics.

5. Photonics Research Scientist

Average MT Salary: $120,000 to over $200,000

Projected Job Growth: 26% (nationally)

Montana is growing into a hub for quantum and photonics technology, leading to an increased need for Photonics Research Scientists. When the term "scientist" is used, it refers to roles that are focused on research and development, rather than assembly or production. Their work is more specialized, and complex compared to the technician and engineering roles discussed earlier.

Photonics Research Scientists can pull very high salaries, in the range of $120,000 to over $200,000. Research scientist positions represent the top end of the pay scale in the photonics industry, as they are doing the cutting-edge work that enables future product design and technological advancements in industries like telecommunications, healthcare, manufacturing, and more.

The Bozeman area has historically had a lot of photonics research centered at Montana State University and its Spectrum Lab, which has driven demand for these high-level scientist roles.

Quantum Photonics Scientists perform a similar role but specialize in quantum computing and secure communications. Quantum science is an emerging area of specialization in Montana’s photonics sector. In December 2023, the U.S. Air Force provided a 20-month $26.7 million grant to Montana State University in Bozeman to establish MSU’s Applied Quantum CORE facility.

The minimum educational requirement for photonics research positions is a master’s in physics, photonics, or a related field, but most employers prefer that candidates have their PhD in photonics or physics. Some core qualities and skills required for research positions include:

• having extensive knowledge of physics and scientific principles

• strong attention to detail and mathematical prowess

• an ability to solve complex problems with persistence and creativity

4. Customer Service Engineer

Average MT Salary: $49,000 - $98,000

Projected MT Job Growth: 12%, (6% U.S.)

The Customer Service Engineer in the photonics industry is a technical expert who helps clients troubleshoot, install, and maintain complex photonic and laser systems. This position is distinct from the previous core engineering roles and represents a career path for both technicians and engineers.

Customer Service Engineers combine deep technical knowledge with excellent communication and customer service skills, making it an ideal role for someone who enjoys problem-solving and working directly with people. Customer Service Engineers often travel to client sites, including internationally.

In addition, Customer Service Engineers bridge the gap between the internal technical teams and the external customers, requiring a unique blend of technical and customer service abilities. The Customer Service Engineer role comes with a 20-25% pay increase compared to a standard technician or engineer position.

Current salary data shows that the average annual pay for Customer Service Engineers is around $70,000, with a typical range between $49,000 and $98,000 depending on experience and specific responsibilities. The job growth for similar technical positions in Montana is projected at around 12%, which is higher than the U.S. average of 6%.

Qualifications:

• Technicians with 10+ years of experience working on photonics systems can transition into customer service engineering roles. This allows them to leverage their deep technical knowledge to troubleshoot and support customers.

• Engineers with 4-year degrees can also move into customer service engineering.

Skills Needed:

• A strong understanding of optics, electronics, and mechanical systems.

• Familiarity with diagnostic tools and software is also essential.

• A solid foundation in customer service, active listening, and technical troubleshooting will help engineers thrive in this role.

3. Data Analyst

Average MT Salary: $55,000–$94,000

Projected MT Job Growth: 17%, (36% U.S.)

Data Analyst, also Data Scientist, is an emerging and important role within Montana’s broader photonics ecosystem. The Data Analyst plays a key role in interpreting complex datasets to help companies make informed decisions.

The role of a Data Analyst is to take the raw data from photonic devices and sensors and turn it into actionable information for customers and applications. This may include environmental engineering work, as Data Analysts may process data related to precision agriculture, infrastructure monitoring, and other real-world use cases.

Data Scientist roles pay between $55,000 and $94,000 on average in Montana and are projected to grow 17% in Montana and 36% nationally.

Skills needed include proficiency in data analysis tools (Excel, SQL, Python, or R), data visualization (Power BI, Tableau), and strong critical thinking. Analysts should also have a strong grasp of statistics and be comfortable working with large data sets.

Many companies in Montana’s photonics sector are already heavily focused on the data analysis side of the business, rather than just selling hardware. As the photonics industry continues to evolve, the demand for skilled data analysts to support these technologies is expected to grow.

Educational programs like the University of Montana's Master of Science in Business Analytics program, a minor, bachelor’s, or master’s degree in Data Science at Montana State University, or a bachelor’s degree in Data Science at Montana Tech can prepare students to work in this growing field.

2. Operations Manager

Average MT Salary: $85,000

Projected MT Job Growth: 22%, (6% U.S.)

Operations Managers in the photonics industry are responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operations of a company, ensuring that manufacturing and production processes run smoothly and efficiently. This includes managing staff, budgets, and workflow while working to optimize production quality and cost control. Most of these roles require a four-year bachelor's degree.

Key responsibilities include procurement, inventory management, and coordinating with the engineering and manufacturing teams. This job requires more technical expertise compared to a general business manager, as the Operations Manager needs to understand the photonics manufacturing processes. Operations Managers also serve as a crucial point of contact between the engineering/technical teams and the overall business operations. Sometimes Operations Managers are brought in from outside the industry, but they tend to struggle more compared to those with direct photonics experience.

Skills required include leadership, project management, supply chain management, and a solid understanding of photonics technology. Strong organizational and communication skills are also essential. Operations Managers often progress to executive roles, such as Director of Operations or Chief Operating Officer.

1. Sales Engineer

Average MT Salary: $80,000-$175,000

Projected MT Job Growth: 50%, (6% U.S.)

Sales Engineer is a high-demand, high-earning role within Montana’s photonics industry. Also known as Account Manager or Technical Sales Representative, these individuals sell business goods or services. This role requires a technical background equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in engineering.

Sales Engineer is a critical and high-paying career path for those with the right blend of technical and customer-facing skills. Combining deep technical knowledge with sales expertise, Sales Engineers work with clients to understand their needs, recommend appropriate photonic systems, and help close deals.

Compensation for Sales Engineers can be very lucrative, with starting salaries around $80,000 plus significant commission potential, with some individuals earning as high as $300,000. Projected growth for sales engineer roles in Montana is 50%, much higher than the 6% projected nationally.

The Sales Engineer role bridges the gap between the internal technical teams and the external customers. Required skills include a thorough knowledge of photonics systems, excellent communication, and solid problem-solving and negotiation skills. Sales Engineers often work closely with product development teams and travel for client meetings.

Sales Engineers may come from technical backgrounds like engineering, but they don't necessarily need a formal engineering degree. The ability to rapidly learn complex technology is more important. Educational backgrounds in engineering, optics, or physics, paired with sales training, are ideal for this role. Sales Engineers have the potential to move into senior sales management or product strategy roles, offering strong career growth opportunities.

Check out live Montana photonics jobs on the free MT Photonics & Quantum Alliance jobs board.

Sources: Special thanks to Jason Yager, Executive Director of the Montana Photonics & Quantum Alliance, Jeremy Crowley, Director of Autonomous Aerial Systems Office, University of Montana, and Joe Shaw, Distinguished Professor and Director of the Optical Technology Center at Montana State University for providing information about programs and careers.

To identify in-demand photonics roles in Montana, our team at the Montana High Tech Business Alliance pored over workforce data from the U.S. Department of Labor, job board data from the Montana Photonics and Quantum Alliance, research studies, and online job listings to create a list of high-paying photonics jobs projected to grow quickly in the next few years. Sources include the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Outlook Handbook, Indeed, Glassdoor, Zippia, ZipRecruiter, LinkedIn, Find Career Bootcamps, Salary.com, and Career Basecamps.

Your feedback on this report is welcome. Please contact communications[at]mthightech.org with comments.

About the Publisher: Launched in 2014, the Montana High Tech Business Alliance is a nonpartisan nonprofit association of more than 200 high tech and manufacturing companies and affiliates creating high-paying jobs in Montana. For more information, visit MTHighTech.org or subscribe to our newsletter.

About the Authors: Christina Henderson has served as executive director of the Montana High Tech Business Alliance since its launch in April 2014. She holds an English/Education degree from the University of Iowa and an MBA from the University of Montana.

Melissa Paulsen is the communications coordinator for the Montana High Tech Business Alliance. She graduated from the University of Montana in 2022 with a BFA in creative writing and a minor in history.