Photonics Technicians
Architecture and Engineering
Much of the day is setting up and adjusting optical and fiber-optic equipment, including lasers, cameras, spectrometers, and related instruments, then recording the test data. Workspaces often have to stay at clean-room standards, and the same person may run assembly machines, ovens, or temperature chambers. When a part fails, the job includes following a test plan to find out why. Calibration steps get written down, and scientists or engineers get help with experiments and new fixtures. This work fits a preference for precise bench work, keeping instruments accurate, and strict cleanliness and measurement routines.
Typical education: Associate’s Degree (2-year)
Annual Median Wage in Field (2025)
$78'350
Median Wage Market Position
$78'350
What you might do
- Build and install lasers, lenses, and fiber optics
- Adjust lasers and optical measuring instruments
- Test optical products to find why they fail
- Operate cameras, ovens, and bonding machines
- Record measurements from photonic tests
- Keep workspaces at clean-room standards
Skills that matter
- Adjusting lasers and measurement devices
- Reading photonic test procedures
- Checking optomechanical products for faults
- Watching optical systems in operation
- Learning new photonic assembly methods
- Listening to scientists on experiment plans
AI & the future of this role
Building and maintaining lasers and fiber systems requires hands-on calibration with specialized instruments that remain hard to automate. Software may streamline diagnostics and documentation, yet field installation, alignment, and repair work is likely to stay in demand.
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Includes O*NET® 30.3 Database information by USDOL/ETA under CC BY 4.0; modified by LostInCareer. Wage/outlook from BLS. Attribution details