photonics-engineer/references/tasks.md

Tasks & work activities — photonics engineer

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 17-3029.08 (Photonics Technicians).

Task statements

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

Detailed work activities

• Analyze operational data to evaluate operations, processes or products.
• Analyze test or validation data.
• Assemble equipment or components.
• Assemble precision electronics or optical equipment.
• Assist engineers or scientists with research.
• Calibrate scientific or technical equipment.
• Conduct quantitative failure analyses of operational data.
• Create physical models or prototypes.
• Create schematic drawings for electronics.
• Design electronic or computer equipment or instrumentation.
• Develop technical methods or processes.
• Document design or operational test results.
• Fabricate devices or components.
• Install instrumentation or electronic equipment or systems.
• Maintain clean work areas.
• Maintain electronic equipment.
• Maintain inventories of materials, equipment, or products.
• Operate industrial equipment.
• Prepare materials for processing.
• Prepare procedural documents.
• Purchase materials, equipment, or other resources.
• Recommend technical design or process changes to improve efficiency, quality, or performance.
• Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.