Photonics Technicians

What the job really is

Build, install, test, or maintain optical or fiber optic equipment, such as lasers, lenses, or mirrors, using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment.

At a glance

• Sector: Architecture & Engineering
• O*NET-SOC code: 17-3029
• O*NET job zone: 3 — medium preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Compute or record photonic test data.
• Maintain clean working environments, according to clean room standards.
• Adjust or maintain equipment, such as lasers, laser systems, microscopes, oscilloscopes, pulse generators, power meters, beam analyzers, or energy measurement devices.
• Document procedures, such as calibration of optical or fiber optic equipment.
• Set up or operate assembly or processing equipment, such as lasers, cameras, die bonders, wire bonders, dispensers, reflow ovens, soldering irons, die shears, wire pull testers, temperature or humidity chambers, or optical spectrum analyzers.
• Assist scientists or engineers in the conduct of photonic experiments.
• Test or perform failure analysis for optomechanical or optoelectrical products, according to test plans.
• Assist engineers in the development of new products, fixtures, tools, or processes.
• Recommend optical or optic equipment design or material changes to reduce costs or processing times.
• Set up or operate prototype or test apparatus, such as control consoles, collimators, recording equipment, or cables.
• Monitor inventory levels and order supplies as necessary.
• Assemble fiber optical, optoelectronic, or free-space optics components, subcomponents, assemblies, or subassemblies.

Tools and technology

Autodesk AutoCAD, Dassault Systemes SolidWorks, Facebook, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, SAP software, The MathWorks MATLAB, Abrasive grinding machines, Analog oscilloscopes

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Photonics Engineers
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
• Calibration Technologists and Technicians
• Robotics Technicians
• Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
• Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
• Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
• Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 3 (medium preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Photonics Technicians — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.