What Do Photonics Technician Do?
Photonics Technician Job Description Build, install, test, or maintain optical or fiber optic equipment, such as lasers, lenses, or mirrors, using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment.
Daily Life Of a Photonics Technician
- Document procedures, such as calibration of optical or fiber optic equipment.
- Develop solar power sources for lasers used in fiber optics.
- Perform laser seam welding, heat treatment, or hard facing operations.
- Assemble devices or equipment to be used in green technology applications, including solar energy, high efficiency solid state lighting, energy management, smart buildings, or green processes.
- Build prototype optomechanical devices for use in equipment such as aerial cameras, gun sights, or telescopes.
- Assemble components of energy-efficient optical communications systems involving photonic switches, optical backplanes, or optoelectronic interfaces.
Skills Needed to be a Photonics Technician
These are the skills Photonics Technicians say are the most useful in their careers:
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Active Listening: 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.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Types of Photonics Technician Jobs
- Photonics Engineering Technologist
- Photonics Engineering Technician
- Thin-film Technician
- Fiber Optic Technician
- Optical Fabrication Technician
Is There Job Demand for Photonics Technicians?
In the United States, there were 76,800 jobs for Photonics Technician in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 5.2% which is below the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 4,000 new jobs for Photonics Technician by 2026. The BLS estimates 7,100 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Photonics Technician are Utah, Nevada, and Connecticut. Watch out if you plan on working in Vermont, West Virginia, or South Dakota. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Photonics Technician Average Salary
The salary for Photonics Technicians ranges between about $36,120 and $98,720 a year.
Photonics Technicians who work in District of Columbia, Maryland, or Maine, make the highest salaries.
How much do Photonics Technicians make in each U.S. state?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $59,380 |
| Alaska | $71,850 |
| Arizona | $59,210 |
| Arkansas | $60,310 |
| California | $71,420 |
| Colorado | $63,590 |
| Connecticut | $64,510 |
| Delaware | $51,380 |
| District of Columbia | $92,600 |
| Florida | $58,860 |
| Georgia | $59,830 |
| Hawaii | $76,070 |
| Idaho | $55,540 |
| Illinois | $63,760 |
| Indiana | $58,450 |
| Iowa | $57,620 |
| Kansas | $65,870 |
| Kentucky | $58,880 |
| Louisiana | $59,930 |
| Maine | $79,670 |
| Maryland | $84,790 |
| Massachusetts | $64,220 |
| Michigan | $64,270 |
| Minnesota | $57,440 |
| Mississippi | $60,500 |
| Missouri | $59,830 |
| Montana | $59,810 |
| Nebraska | $57,630 |
| Nevada | $71,330 |
| New Hampshire | $57,730 |
| New Jersey | $75,380 |
| New Mexico | $78,160 |
| New York | $63,780 |
| North Carolina | $63,600 |
| North Dakota | $75,030 |
| Ohio | $61,060 |
| Oklahoma | $63,790 |
| Oregon | $56,890 |
| Pennsylvania | $57,210 |
| Rhode Island | $73,240 |
| South Carolina | $70,820 |
| South Dakota | $51,110 |
| Tennessee | $57,800 |
| Texas | $66,630 |
| Utah | $56,480 |
| Vermont | $58,960 |
| Virginia | $77,280 |
| Washington | $74,810 |
| West Virginia | $70,550 |
| Wisconsin | $58,780 |
| Wyoming | $67,110 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Photonics Technicians
Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Photonics Technicians:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Web browser software
- Word processing software
- SAP
- Database software
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Computer aided manufacturing CAM software
- Presentation software
- Data acquisition software
- Statistical analysis software
- Image processing software
How to Become a Photonics Technician
What education or degrees do I need to become a Photonics Technician?
What work experience do I need to become a Photonics Technician?
Where do Photonics Technicians Work?
Below are examples of industries where Photonics Technicians work:
References:
Image Credit: {} via Creative Commons CC0
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