Also called: Electro-Optical/Infrared (EO/IR) Scientist
Develops cameras and sensors that see heat instead of visible light, used in defense, firefighting, and space.
You test thermal cameras in a lab chamber that can simulate a desert at noon or a winter night. You analyze how far the sensor can spot a person or a wildfire hotspot, and work with engineers to improve the detector. Much of this work happens at defense contractors and government labs.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Master's degree, about 6 years after high school. Bachelor's or master's in physics, optics, or electrical engineering; many roles need a security clearance.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $15k – $60k.
Majors to look at: Physics, Electrical Engineering, Optical Sciences.
Growing about average. BLS does not project this specialty separately; rating estimated from related occupations.
Medium risk for 10 years. AI helps analyze sensor data; testing thermal cameras in labs and defense clearance work stay human.
Classes: AP Physics, AP Calculus, Electronics CTE.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-2012.
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