Also called: Counterfeit Detection Technician, Component Authentication Analyst
Examines computer chips under microscopes and X-rays to catch fakes before they end up in airplanes, missiles or medical devices.
A box of 'new' chips arrived from a parts broker, so you check them under a microscope for sanded tops and repainted labels. You X-ray a few to compare their tiny inner wires with a known-good part, then dissolve one's plastic with acid to read the maker's mark on the silicon. Your report decides whether 5,000 parts get used or quarantined.
Estimated from BLS inspectors and electronics technicians.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Associate's degree (2-year), about 2 years after high school. Associate degree in electronics or quality technology, plus lab training.
Ways in: 2-year college, On-the-job training, Military. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Electronics Technology, Quality Control Technology, Materials Science.
Growing faster than average. Demand rises with chip shortages and stricter defense supply rules.
Medium risk for 10 years. AI image tools flag suspect parts faster, but X-ray work, acid decapsulation and the final call stay hands-on.
Classes: Chemistry, Electronics CTE class, Biology (microscope work).
Official data: O*NET occupation 51-9061.
Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.