Photonics Technicians
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
Photonics Technicians earns a median of $77,390/yr with +1.5% projected growth. Typical entry: Associate's degree. Top skills: Dassault Systemes SolidWorks, The MathWorks MATLAB, SAP software.
$77,390/yr
+1.5%
6
Associate's degree
Skills & Requirements
Skills (8)
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Knowledge (4)
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Abilities (10)
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.
The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
Technology (10)
Work Activities (17)
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
Careers with Overlapping Skills
These occupations share the most skills. A career transition between them means many of your skills transfer directly.
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