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17-3029.08 · Task explorer

Photonics Technicians: reported tasks and exploration worksheet

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

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Read the task inventory

This source lists 24 tasks, including 11 marked Core and 13 marked Supplemental. Labels and dates are retained below. Employers can combine or divide these responsibilities differently; explore the task itself before assuming it belongs in every version of the role.

Task source dates: 08/2024.

24 tasks shown

Core · Task 20384 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Compute or record photonic test data.

Core · Task 16710 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Maintain clean working environments, according to clean room standards.

Core · Task 16732 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Adjust or maintain equipment, such as lasers, laser systems, microscopes, oscilloscopes, pulse generators, power meters, beam analyzers, or energy measurement devices.

Core · Task 20385 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Document procedures, such as calibration of optical or fiber optic equipment.

Core · Task 16726 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

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.

Core · Task 16715 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Assist scientists or engineers in the conduct of photonic experiments.

Core · Task 16714 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Test or perform failure analysis for optomechanical or optoelectrical products, according to test plans.

Core · Task 16721 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Assist engineers in the development of new products, fixtures, tools, or processes.

Core · Task 20386 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Recommend optical or optic equipment design or material changes to reduce costs or processing times.

Core · Task 16725 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Set up or operate prototype or test apparatus, such as control consoles, collimators, recording equipment, or cables.

Core · Task 16709 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Monitor inventory levels and order supplies as necessary.

Supplemental · Task 16731 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Assemble fiber optical, optoelectronic, or free-space optics components, subcomponents, assemblies, or subassemblies.

Supplemental · Task 20387 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Optimize photonic process parameters by making prototype or production devices.

Supplemental · Task 16723 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Splice fibers, using fusion splicing or other techniques.

Supplemental · Task 16730 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Build prototype optomechanical devices for use in equipment such as aerial cameras, gun sights, or telescopes.

Supplemental · Task 16724 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Terminate, cure, polish, or test fiber cables with mechanical connectors.

Supplemental · Task 16716 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Perform diagnostic analyses of processing steps, using analytical or metrological tools, such as microscopy, profilometry, or ellipsometry devices.

Supplemental · Task 16722 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Assemble or adjust parts or related electrical units of prototypes to prepare for testing.

Supplemental · Task 16727 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Repair or calibrate products, such as surgical lasers.

Supplemental · Task 16719 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Design, build, or modify fixtures used to assemble parts.

Supplemental · Task 19731 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Assemble components of energy-efficient optical communications systems involving photonic switches, optical backplanes, or optoelectronic interfaces.

Supplemental · Task 16720 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Lay out cutting lines for machining, using drafting tools.

Supplemental · Task 16718 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Mix, pour, or use processing chemicals or gases according to safety standards or established operating procedures.

Supplemental · Task 16729 · 08/2024 · Occupational Expert

Fabricate devices, such as optoelectronic or semiconductor devices.

Make the shortlist useful

  1. Choose one to three activities that tell you something different about the work. Avoid selecting several ways of describing the same interest.
  2. For each, write an example you can discuss or a question that would change your understanding of the role.
  3. Keep source task IDs with your notes so you can return to the same description. Do not include private employer or customer information.

The exported worksheet distinguishes the reported task from your own notes. It supports exploration, not a hiring decision or a validated assessment.

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Source and practice material

Occupational context uses the O*NET® 31.0 Database from the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration, under CC BY 4.0. View the occupation.

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