Stephanie A. Weiss, Executive Editor
Photonics companies complain about job applicants' poor preparation while research and educational institutions complain that industry is stealing their best prospects. What is happening to the photonics job market? Where have all the engineers gone?
According to the latest Laurin Publishing Co. research, they're all going to work. In particularly short supply: competent technical sales people, technicians and PhDs with industry experience.
The hiring frenzy and the "incestuous" nature of the photonics business has led to a market in which companies must fight to retain their best employees and compete fiercely to hire the most qualified new graduates.
A Photonics Spectra job and salary survey has found that salaries for those who work in photonics depend greatly on the employee's work experience and location, but not as much on his or her educational level.