Photonics Technicians

Skills

• Reading Comprehension

  Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.

• 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.

• Critical Thinking

  Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Operations Monitoring

  Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

• Quality Control Analysis

  Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Abilities

• Near Vision

  The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• Oral Comprehension

  The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

• Problem Sensitivity

  The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.

• Written Comprehension

  The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

• Finger Dexterity

  The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

Education

How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?

• Associate's degree
  41 %
• High school diploma or equivalent
  27 %

  or: GED, High School Equivalency Certificate

• Bachelor's degree
  14 %

Work Activities

• Getting Information

  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials

  Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems

  Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

• Controlling Machines and Processes

  Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

• Documenting/Recording Information

  Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.

Detailed Work Activities

• Analyze test or validation data.
• Document design or operational test results.
• Maintain clean work areas.
• Calibrate scientific or technical equipment.
• Maintain electronic equipment.

Work Interests

• Realistic

  Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

• Conventional

  Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

• Investigative

  Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.