All About Photonics Technicians

Example of a Photonics Technician Job Build, install, test, or maintain optical or fiber optic equipment, such as lasers, lenses, or mirrors, using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment.

What do Photonics Technicians do On a Daily Basis?

• 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.
• Monitor inventory levels and order supplies as necessary.
• Fabricate devices, such as optoelectronic or semiconductor devices.
• 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.
• Test or perform failure analysis for optomechanical or optoelectrical products, according to test plans.
• Splice fibers, using fusion splicing or other techniques.

What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Photonics Technician?

Below is a list of the skills most Photonics Technicians say are important on the job.

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.

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.

Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Related Job Titles

• Photonics Engineering Technologist
• Optics Test Technician
• Test Technician
• Fiber Optics Specialist
• Fiber Optics Technician

Job Demand for Photonics Technicians

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 76,800 jobs in the United States for Engineering Technicians, Except Drafters.

New jobs are being produced at a rate of 5.2% which is lower than average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 4,000 new jobs for Photonics Technicians by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 7,100 job openings in this field each year.

The states with the most job growth for Engineering Technicians, Except Drafters are Texas, California, and Arizona.

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 Engineering Technicians, Except Drafters ranges between about $36,120 and $98,720 a year. The median salary for this occupation is $63,200.

How much do Engineering Technicians, Except Drafters make in different U.S. states?

Annual Mean Salary by State

State	Annual Mean Salary
District of Columbia	$92,600
Maryland	$84,790
Maine	$79,670
New Mexico	$78,160
Virginia	$77,280
Hawaii	$76,070
New Jersey	$75,380
North Dakota	$75,030
Washington	$74,810
Rhode Island	$73,240
Alaska	$71,850
California	$71,420
Nevada	$71,330
South Carolina	$70,820
West Virginia	$70,550
Wyoming	$67,110
Texas	$66,630
Kansas	$65,870
Connecticut	$64,510
Michigan	$64,270
Massachusetts	$64,220
Oklahoma	$63,790
New York	$63,780
Illinois	$63,760
North Carolina	$63,600
Colorado	$63,590
Ohio	$61,060
Mississippi	$60,500
Arkansas	$60,310
Louisiana	$59,930
Missouri	$59,830
Georgia	$59,830
Montana	$59,810
Alabama	$59,380
Arizona	$59,210
Vermont	$58,960
Kentucky	$58,880
Florida	$58,860
Wisconsin	$58,780
Indiana	$58,450
Tennessee	$57,800
New Hampshire	$57,730
Nebraska	$57,630
Iowa	$57,620
Minnesota	$57,440
Pennsylvania	$57,210
Oregon	$56,890
Utah	$56,480
Idaho	$55,540
Delaware	$51,380
South Dakota	$51,110

What Tools & Technology do Photonics Technicians Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Photonics Technicians:

• Microsoft Office
• The MathWorks MATLAB
• Computer aided design CAD software
• ZEMAX Optical Design Program
• SAP
• Microsoft Excel

Where Photonics Technicians Work

References

Bureau of Labor Statistics

College Factual

O*NET Online

Image Credit: Via Wikimedia Commons