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O*NET-SOC 17-3029.08

Photonics Technicians

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

From O*NET 30.3

Tasks

From O*NET 30.3, by importance, as O*NET OnLine lists them

Free · O*NET 30.3
  1. Compute or record photonic test data.Core20384
  2. Maintain clean working environments, according to clean room standards.Core16710
  3. Adjust or maintain equipment, such as lasers, laser systems, microscopes, oscilloscopes, pulse generators, power meters, beam analyzers, or energy measurement devices.Core16732
  4. Assemble fiber optical, optoelectronic, or free-space optics components, subcomponents, assemblies, or subassemblies.Supplemental16731
  5. Optimize photonic process parameters by making prototype or production devices.Supplemental20387
  6. Document procedures, such as calibration of optical or fiber optic equipment.Core20385
  7. 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.Core16726
  8. Splice fibers, using fusion splicing or other techniques.Supplemental16723
  9. Assist scientists or engineers in the conduct of photonic experiments.Core16715
  10. Test or perform failure analysis for optomechanical or optoelectrical products, according to test plans.Core16714
  11. Build prototype optomechanical devices for use in equipment such as aerial cameras, gun sights, or telescopes.Supplemental16730
  12. Terminate, cure, polish, or test fiber cables with mechanical connectors.Supplemental16724
  13. Assist engineers in the development of new products, fixtures, tools, or processes.Core16721
  14. Recommend optical or optic equipment design or material changes to reduce costs or processing times.Core20386
  15. Set up or operate prototype or test apparatus, such as control consoles, collimators, recording equipment, or cables.Core16725
  16. Perform diagnostic analyses of processing steps, using analytical or metrological tools, such as microscopy, profilometry, or ellipsometry devices.Supplemental16716
  17. Assemble or adjust parts or related electrical units of prototypes to prepare for testing.Supplemental16722
  18. Repair or calibrate products, such as surgical lasers.Supplemental16727
  19. Design, build, or modify fixtures used to assemble parts.Supplemental16719
  20. Assemble components of energy-efficient optical communications systems involving photonic switches, optical backplanes, or optoelectronic interfaces.Supplemental19731
  21. Lay out cutting lines for machining, using drafting tools.Supplemental16720
  22. Mix, pour, or use processing chemicals or gases according to safety standards or established operating procedures.Supplemental16718
  23. Monitor inventory levels and order supplies as necessary.Core16709
  24. Fabricate devices, such as optoelectronic or semiconductor devices.Supplemental16729

Technology Skills

From O*NET 30.3, 17 examples in 12 categories, 10 Hot Technology

Free · O*NET 30.3

Computer aided design CAD software

  • Autodesk AutoCADHot Technology
  • Dassault Systemes SolidWorksHot Technology
  • ZEMAX Optical Design Program

Analytical or scientific software

  • Data acquisition software
  • Statistical analysis software
  • The MathWorks MATLABHot Technology

Data base user interface and query software

  • Database software
  • Microsoft AccessHot Technology

Web page creation and editing software

  • FacebookHot Technology

Graphics or photo imaging software

  • Image processing software

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft ExcelHot TechnologyIn Demand

Office suite software

  • Microsoft Office softwareHot Technology

Presentation software

  • Microsoft PowerPointHot Technology

Word processing software

  • Microsoft WordHot Technology

Development environment software

  • National Instruments LabVIEW

Enterprise resource planning ERP software

  • SAP softwareHot Technology

Internet browser software

  • Web browser software

Detailed Work Activities

From O*NET 30.3, under their work activities; open one for the AI skills Workforce Automation maps to it

Free · O*NET 30.3

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

  • Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Analyzing Data or Information

  • Analyze operational data to evaluate operations, processes or products.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Conduct quantitative failure analyses of operational data.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Analyze test or validation data.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Thinking Creatively

  • Create schematic drawings for electronics.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Performing General Physical Activities

  • Maintain clean work areas.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Handling and Moving Objects

  • Fabricate devices or components.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Assemble equipment or components.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Assemble precision electronics or optical equipment.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Calibrate scientific or technical equipment.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Prepare materials for processing.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Install instrumentation or electronic equipment or systems.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Controlling Machines and Processes

  • Operate industrial equipment.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment

  • Create physical models or prototypes.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Design electronic or computer equipment or instrumentation.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Develop technical methods or processes.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment

  • Maintain electronic equipment.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Documenting/Recording Information

  • Prepare procedural documents.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Document design or operational test results.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

  • Assist engineers or scientists with research.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Providing Consultation and Advice to Others

  • Recommend technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Monitoring and Controlling Resources

  • Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet
  • Purchase materials, equipment, or other resources.
    WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

    WFA (Workforce Automation) analysis: 0 of 0 AI skills mapped to this activity, by automation level

    • No tools yet
    • Not mapped yet

Job Zone

From O*NET 30.3

Free · O*NET 30.3

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed

Workforce Automation analysis, not part of the source

WFA coverage: AI skills for this job

WFA · Part of the paid plan when accounts open

Pilot mapping: these skill links come from our seed list and haven’t been reviewed yet. Expect them to change as each one is checked.

DWAs covered by an AI skill0 of 23
Distinct tools0
Level mix
  • No tools yet

Equivalents

NICE work roles, with their DCWF equivalents

Mapped to this job by the ETO-CSET NICE/O*NET crosswalk (2024); roles from NICE Framework Components v2.2.0, DCWF equivalents from DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

Free · NICE Framework Components v2.2.0 and DoD DCWF Tool v5.3 (2026-09-25)

No NICE work role maps to this job.