Details Report for:
17-3029.08 - Photonics Technicians
Build, install, test, and maintain optical and fiber optic equipment such as lasers, lenses and mirrors using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment.
This title represents an occupation for which data collection is currently underway.
Tasks | Interests | Work Values | Education | Wages & Employment | Additional Information
Tasks Save Table (XLS/CSV)
- Adjust or maintain equipment such as lasers, laser systems, microscopes, oscilloscopes, pulse generators, power meters, beam analyzers, and energy measurement devices.
- Assemble fiber optical, optoelectronic, or free-space optics components, subcomponents, assemblies, or subassemblies.
- Build prototype optomechanical devices for use in equipment such as aerial cameras, gun sights, and telescopes.
- Fabricate devices such as optoelectronic and semiconductor devices.
- Perform laser seam welding, heat treatment, or hard facing operations.
- Repair or calibrate products such as surgical lasers.
- 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, and optical spectrum analyzers.
- Set up or operate prototype or test apparatus such as control consoles, collimators, recording equipment, and cables.
- Splice fibers using fusion splicing or other techniques.
- Terminate, cure, polish, or test fiber cables with mechanical connectors.
- Assemble and adjust parts or related electrical units of prototypes to prepare for testing.
- Assist engineers in the development of new products, fixtures, tools, or processes.
- Design, build, or modify fixtures used to assemble parts.
- Lay out cutting lines for machining using drafting tools.
- Mix, pour, and use processing chemicals or gases according to safety standards and established operating procedures.
- Optimize process parameters by making prototype and production devices.
- Perform diagnostic analyses of processing steps using analytical or metrological tools such as microscopy, profilometry, and ellipsometry devices.
- Assist scientists or engineers in the conduct of photonic experiments.
- Record test results and compute test data.
- Test and perform failure analysis for optomechanical or optoelectrical products according to test plans.
- Document procedures such as calibration.
- Maintain activity logs.
- Maintain clean working environments according to clean room standards.
- Monitor inventory levels and order supplies as necessary.
- Recommend design or material changes to reduce costs or processing times.
Interests Save Table (XLS/CSV)
 Occupational Interest |
Interest |
|
|---|---|---|
100   |
Realistic — Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others. | |
| 72 |
Investigative — Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally. | |
| 50 |
Conventional — Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow. | |
| 22 |
Artistic — Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules. | |
| 6 |
Enterprising — Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business. | |
| 0 |
Social — Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others. | |
Work Values Save Table (XLS/CSV)
Extent |
Work Value |
|
|---|---|---|
| 61 |
Achievement — Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement. | |
| 61 |
Support — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer supportive management that stands behind employees. Corresponding needs are Company Policies, Supervision: Human Relations and Supervision: Technical. | |
| 56 |
Independence — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employs to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy. | |
| 56 |
Recognition — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer advancement, potential for leadership, and are often considered prestigious. Corresponding needs are Advancement, Authority, Recognition and Social Status. | |
| 56 |
Relationships — Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service. | |
| 56 |
Working Conditions — Occupations that satisfy this work value offer job security and good working conditions. Corresponding needs are Activity, Compensation, Independence, Security, Variety and Working Conditions. | |
Education
Education data collected from Engineering Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other.
Percentage of Respondents |
Education Level Attained |
|---|---|
| 54 |
Some college |
| 27 |
High school or less |
| 18 |
Bachelor's degree or higher |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
survey of employees aged 25-44.
Wages & Employment Trends
National
Median wages data collected from Engineering Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other.
Employment data collected from Engineering Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other.
Industry data collected from Engineering Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other.
| Median wages (2008) | $27.33 hourly, $56,850 annual |
| Employment (2008) | 77,000 employees |
| Projected growth (2008-2018) | 
Slower than average (3% to 6%)
|
| Projected job openings (2008-2018) | 18,500 |
| Top industries (2008) | Manufacturing (28% employed in this sector)
Government (24%)
|
State & National
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 2008 wage data
and 2008-2018 employment projections
.
"Projected growth" represents the estimated change in total employment over the projections period (2008-2018). "Projected job openings" represent openings due to growth and replacement.
Sources of Additional Information
Disclaimer: Sources are listed to provide additional information on related jobs, specialties, and/or industries. Links to non-DOL Internet sites are provided for your convenience and do not constitute an endorsement.
- Engineering technicians
. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition.