Photonics Technicians
Human Advantage 59%
Moderate human-AI collaboration
AI Automation Risk Moderate Risk
3.7 / 10
Some tasks in this role may be augmented by AI, but human oversight and interpersonal skills remain important.
Build, install, test, or maintain optical or fiber optic equipment, such as lasers, lenses, or mirrors, using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment.
Also Known As: Certified Laser Technician (Certified Laser Tech), Electro-Optics Technician (Electro-Optics Tech), Fiber Optics Assembler, Fiber Optics Cabling Specialist, Fiber Optics Design Technician (Fiber Optics Design Tech), Fiber Optics Instructor, Fiber Optics Specialist, Fiber Optics Technician (Fiber Optics Tech) +27 more
Core Tasks
- 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.
Supplemental Tasks (13)
- Assemble fiber optical, optoelectronic, or free-space optics components, subcomponents, assemblies, or subassemblies.
- Optimize photonic process parameters by making prototype or production devices.
- Splice fibers, using fusion splicing or other techniques.
- Build prototype optomechanical devices for use in equipment such as aerial cameras, gun sights, or telescopes.
- Terminate, cure, polish, or test fiber cables with mechanical connectors.
- Perform diagnostic analyses of processing steps, using analytical or metrological tools, such as microscopy, profilometry, or ellipsometry devices.
- Assemble or adjust parts or related electrical units of prototypes to prepare for testing.
- Repair or calibrate products, such as surgical lasers.
- Design, build, or modify fixtures used to assemble parts.
- Assemble components of energy-efficient optical communications systems involving photonic switches, optical backplanes, or optoelectronic interfaces.
- Lay out cutting lines for machining, using drafting tools.
- Mix, pour, or use processing chemicals or gases according to safety standards or established operating procedures.
- Fabricate devices, such as optoelectronic or semiconductor devices.
Education & Training
Job Zone 3 Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
Education: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.
Experience: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.
On-the-Job Training: Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers. A recognized apprenticeship program may be associated with these occupations.
Education Level Distribution
Percentage of workers in this occupation with each education level.
Technology & Tools
Hot Technologies
Software (22)
Tools & Equipment (102)
Where This Career Leads
Career progression organized by specialty track and experience level.
Engineering Advanced Manufacturing
Zone 3
Photonics Technicians You are here
Zone 5
Microsystems Engineers 79% match
Production & Automation Advanced Manufacturing
Zone 1
Sewing Machine Operators 77% match
Zone 3
Photonics Technicians You are here
Zone 5
Microsystems Engineers 79% match
Lighting & Sound Technology Advanced Manufacturing
Zone 3
Photonics Technicians You are here
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