Photonics Technicians in Optics and Fiber Systems

Key Responsibilities

• Optimize photonic process parameters by making prototype or production devices.
• Perform diagnostic analyses of processing steps, using analytical or metrological tools, such as microscopy, profilometry, or ellipsometry devices.
• Assemble components of energy-efficient optical communications systems involving photonic switches, optical backplanes, or optoelectronic interfaces.
• Mix, pour, or use processing chemicals or gases according to safety standards or established operating procedures.
• Compute or record photonic test data.
• Terminate, cure, polish, or test fiber cables with mechanical connectors.
• Adjust or maintain equipment, such as lasers, laser systems, microscopes, oscilloscopes, pulse generators, power meters, beam analyzers, or energy measurement devices.
• Assemble fiber optical, optoelectronic, or free-space optics components, subcomponents, assemblies, or subassemblies.
• Design, build, or modify fixtures used to assemble parts.
• Document procedures, such as calibration of optical or fiber optic equipment.
• Test or perform failure analysis for optomechanical or optoelectrical products, according to test plans.
• 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.
• Fabricate devices, such as optoelectronic or semiconductor devices.
• Assemble or adjust parts or related electrical units of prototypes to prepare for testing.
• Recommend optical or optic equipment design or material changes to reduce costs or processing times.
• Splice fibers, using fusion splicing or other techniques.
• Repair or calibrate products, such as surgical lasers.
• Assist engineers in the development of new products, fixtures, tools, or processes.
• Set up or operate prototype or test apparatus, such as control consoles, collimators, recording equipment, or cables.
• Assist scientists or engineers in the conduct of photonic experiments.
• Maintain clean working environments, according to clean room standards.
• Build prototype optomechanical devices for use in equipment such as aerial cameras, gun sights, or telescopes.
• Monitor inventory levels and order supplies as necessary.
• Lay out cutting lines for machining, using drafting tools.