Also called: Optics Technician, Electro-Optical Technician
Builds, aligns and tests optical and laser systems for engineers and scientists.
You assemble an optical sensor under a magnifier, line up lenses with tiny screws, and adjust until the laser spot lands dead center. Then you run it through temperature tests and log the results.
Approximate; BLS groups these with other engineering 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 in photonics, laser or optics technology.
Ways in: 2-year college, Military. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Photonics Technology, Laser & Optics Technology.
Growing about average.
Low risk for 10 years. Automation helps with routine alignment checks; building and aligning one-off optical setups stays hands-on.
Classes: Physics, Algebra II, Electronics CTE, Shop class.
Official data: O*NET occupation 17-3029.
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