17-3029.08Apprenticeship

Photonics Technicians

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

Career Cluster:Supply Chain & Transportation
Job Family:Architecture and Engineering
Job Zone:Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed
STEM:Technologists and Technicians
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Technology Tools

Autodesk AutoCADDassault Systemes SolidWorksFacebookMicrosoft AccessMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft WordSAP softwareThe MathWorks MATLAB

Key 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.
  • Assemble fiber optical, optoelectronic, or free-space optics components, subcomponents, assemblies, or subassemblies.
  • Optimize photonic process parameters by making prototype or production devices.
  • Document procedures, such as calibration of optical or fiber optic equipment.
  • Assist scientists or engineers in the conduct of photonic experiments.
  • Splice fibers, using fusion splicing or other techniques.
  • 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.
  • Test or perform failure analysis for optomechanical or optoelectrical products, according to test plans.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • Monitor inventory levels and order supplies as necessary.

Skills

Reading Comprehension
63%
Active Listening
60%
Operations Monitoring
60%
Quality Control Analysis
60%
Critical Thinking
60%
Active Learning
56%
Monitoring
56%
Equipment Maintenance
56%
Troubleshooting
53%
Speaking
53%
Writing
53%
Complex Problem Solving
53%
Coordination
50%
Repairing
50%
Time Management
50%
Judgment and Decision Making
50%
Installation
47%
Systems Analysis
47%
Operation and Control
47%
Systems Evaluation
47%
Mathematics
44%
Social Perceptiveness
44%
Equipment Selection
44%
Learning Strategies
44%
Instructing
41%
Science
38%
Service Orientation
35%
Management of Personnel Resources
31%
Technology Design
31%
Programming
28%
Management of Material Resources
28%
Persuasion
28%
Negotiation
25%
Management of Financial Resources
25%
Operations Analysis
22%

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
73%
Computers and Electronics
70%
Mathematics
61%
Mechanical
60%
English Language
56%
Production and Processing
56%
Physics
55%
Customer and Personal Service
51%
Design
48%
Administrative
43%
Telecommunications
41%
Administration and Management
41%
Public Safety and Security
32%
Education and Training
31%
Chemistry
31%
Communications and Media
27%
Building and Construction
25%
Law and Government
25%
Sales and Marketing
20%
Transportation
19%
Economics and Accounting
18%
Personnel and Human Resources
17%
Foreign Language
13%
Psychology
11%
Geography
9%
Biology
9%
Sociology and Anthropology
5%
History and Archeology
4%
Medicine and Dentistry
4%
Fine Arts
2%
Food Production
2%
Philosophy and Theology
1%
Therapy and Counseling
1%

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Abilities

Near Vision
69%
Problem Sensitivity
66%
Oral Comprehension
66%
Written Comprehension
63%
Finger Dexterity
60%
Information Ordering
60%
Oral Expression
56%
Written Expression
56%
Deductive Reasoning
56%
Perceptual Speed
56%
Visualization
53%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
53%
Category Flexibility
53%
Inductive Reasoning
53%
Control Precision
53%
Manual Dexterity
53%
Selective Attention
50%
Speech Clarity
50%
Speech Recognition
50%
Visual Color Discrimination
50%
Far Vision
47%
Mathematical Reasoning
47%
Number Facility
47%
Fluency of Ideas
44%
Multilimb Coordination
44%
Speed of Closure
44%
Flexibility of Closure
41%
Originality
41%
Depth Perception
38%
Time Sharing
38%
Hearing Sensitivity
35%
Auditory Attention
35%
Reaction Time
31%
Trunk Strength
31%
Memorization
31%
Static Strength
28%
Wrist-Finger Speed
28%
Rate Control
25%
Response Orientation
25%
Extent Flexibility
19%
Stamina
13%
Dynamic Strength
13%
Explosive Strength
10%
Gross Body Equilibrium
10%
Gross Body Coordination
10%
Spatial Orientation
6%
Glare Sensitivity
6%
Sound Localization
0%
Speed of Limb Movement
0%
Night Vision
0%
Peripheral Vision
0%
Dynamic Flexibility
0%

Work Activities

Getting Information
80%
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
79%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
76%
Controlling Machines and Processes
75%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
75%
Documenting/Recording Information
75%
Working with Computers
75%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
74%
Processing Information
73%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
72%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
69%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
67%
Handling and Moving Objects
66%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
63%
Analyzing Data or Information
61%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
59%
Scheduling Work and Activities
57%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
56%
Thinking Creatively
55%
Performing General Physical Activities
54%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
52%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
51%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
50%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
50%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
49%
Performing Administrative Activities
49%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
48%
Training and Teaching Others
47%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
46%
Coaching and Developing Others
46%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
43%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
41%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
41%
Developing and Building Teams
41%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
41%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
39%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
35%
Staffing Organizational Units
27%
Selling or Influencing Others
26%
Assisting and Caring for Others
24%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
23%

Work Context

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

92%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

91%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

88%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

81%

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

81%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

76%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

76%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

75%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

73%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

69%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

69%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

69%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

68%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

64%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

61%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

61%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

61%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

60%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

58%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

58%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

55%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

55%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

54%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

54%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

53%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

50%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

49%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

48%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

46%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

44%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

42%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

42%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

40%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

39%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

38%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

36%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

36%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

35%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

35%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

34%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

33%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

30%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

30%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

29%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

26%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

25%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

22%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

19%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

19%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

17%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

16%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

15%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

14%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

9%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

8%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

7%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

4%

Education

Associate's degree

41%

High school diploma or equivalent

27%

Bachelor's degree

14%

Interests

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

100

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

69

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

54

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

1

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

0

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

0

Work Styles

Attention to Detail
89%
Dependability
84%
Cautiousness
68%
Intellectual Curiosity
63%
Integrity
54%
Perseverance
53%
Achievement Orientation
51%
Adaptability
43%
Cooperation
41%
Innovation
35%
Stress Tolerance
35%
Self-Control
32%
Self-Confidence
29%
Initiative
27%
Tolerance for Ambiguity
16%
Sincerity
9%
Humility
7%
Optimism
5%
Leadership Orientation
1%

Work Values

Achievement
61%
Support
61%
Independence
56%
Recognition
56%
Relationships
56%
Working Conditions
56%

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