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THE JOB
LASER TECHNICIANS test, operate, repair, and maintain lasers, fibers, and
the systems that use lasers. They work under the direct supervision of
scientists or engineers. They sometimes use computers to design, set up and
track the fabrication of fibers. In their work, they use electrical and
laser safety practices, and sometimes teach these procedures to others. They
are also required to take precise notations and keep detailed records of
their work.
Laser Technicians have major responsibility for building, testing and
repairing laser equipment and systems. Laser technology involves working
with mechanical, electronic and optical concepts and components. Technicians
are often known as Laser/Electro-Optics Technicians (LEOTs). In some cases
they are classified as either electronic or mechanical technicians,
specializing in lasers.
Trying out new designs and techniques, some technicians work on experimental
systems to develop new models for additional uses of laser power. These
models are then carefully tested for successful performance and safety.
Many Laser Technicians are involved in the actual production of lasers and
laser systems. Following the specifications of design engineers, technicians
clean and align the optical elements (lenses, prisms, and mirrors), check
electronic subassemblies and the power supply and prepare the gas-filled
plasma tube, crystal rod, dye cell or semiconductor chip used to form the
laser's beam. Unlike routine assembly work, this requires technicians to
draw on their knowledge of fundamental principles to make independent
decisions and judgments. After the laser has been assembled, technicians
check it by comparing test results to design specifications. If any defects
are found, technicians must locate the trouble and correct it before the
laser can be sold.
Most laser manufacturers also employ Laser Technicians as field service
representatives to install lasers at customer sites, make final adjustments
and demonstrate their use. Field service technicians are also called in,
when necessary, to service and repair the equipment.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Laser Technicians work in modern, well-equipped laboratories and assembly
areas. Work on especially delicate electronic and optical assemblies is
usually done in environmentally controlled areas, called "clean rooms", in
which the temperature, humidity and dust content of the air are strictly
regulated.
Some aspects of laser manufacturing are hazardous, such as the preparation
of dye solutions, gas-filled discharge tubes and high-voltage power sources,
as well as the handling of the laser beam itself while it is being tested
and aligned. Injuries are rare because of strict safety precautions and
appropriate safety equipment.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The number of Laser Technicians in California should increase about as fast
as the average occupation through 2005.
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment
published by the Labor Market Information Division. The figures represent
the broad occupational group entitled All Other Engineering and Related
Technicians and Technologists that includes Laser Technicians.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 30,400
Estimated number of workers in 2005 36,200
Projected Growth 1993-2005 19%
Estimated openings due to separation by 2005 7,490
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)
Laser Technicians are among the skilled workers who find opportunities in
today's fast growing field of telecommunications. Telecommunications systems
link telephones, but they also involve such equipment as computers, lasers,
fax machines, modems, and mobile radio telephone transmitters and receivers.
Messages and signals are transmitted through copper or fiber optic telephone
wires, over microwaves using cellular technology, along cable television
lines, or bounced off satellites in space. Laser Technicians in this
industry work on lasers and related equipment and systems used for fiber
optic cable transmissions.
There is so much competition among employers for college trained Laser
Technicians that many are hired even before completing their full two-year
program. California companies who hire Laser Technicians are concentrated
in the San Francisco Bay Area (particularly Santa Clara County) and Los
Angeles.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
The median wage for the broad occupational group that includes Laser
Technicians, All Other Engineering and Related Technicians and
Technologists, is $16.67 an hour.
The typical work-week is 40 hours. Some technicians work flex schedules
such as four ten-hour days followed by three consecutive days off. They may
also work nights or rotating shifts. Field service technicians often travel
and may work long and irregular hours.
Fringe benefits commonly include paid vacations, holidays and sick leave;
medical, dental and life insurance; and retirement plans. Many companies
have educational reimbursement programs, encouraging technicians toward
continuous training to keep up with the rapidly changing laser technology.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Laser Technicians need at least a certificate or an associate degree in
electrical or electronic technology. Three California community colleges
offer Laser/Electro-Optics Technology (LEOT) degrees: San Jose City, Irvine
Valley College, and Saddleback College. Many technicians first earn the
certificate and continue their education after getting a job.
Where LEOT programs are not available, there are several good training
alternatives such as obtaining an associate degree in electronics with
additional classes in vacuum technology and optics. Military-based
electronics training which often includes an associate degree is another
option.
High school students should take electrical, electronic, advanced math and
computer science courses to prepare for the technical college training.
Job skills needed to do the work:
Knowledge of electro-optics, electronics, electrical, mechanical and laser
technologies;
Drafting and/or computer assisted design skills;
Electronic instrumentation and electro-mechanical control skills;
Knowledge of microwaves, digital and solid-state circuit analysis;
Ability to use oscilloscopes and streak cameras
Technicians use delicate electronic and optical equipment. The work
requires the ability to work with the hands and fingers and normal vision
(may be corrected with lenses). Field service representatives need good
interpersonal skills to deal effectively with customers.
ADVANCEMENT
Advancement usually means higher pay and greater responsibilities such as
becoming lead technician. Some advance to engineering technician through
continuous college coursework and learning. Those who complete requirements
for an engineering degree advance to laser engineering specialties.
FINDING THE JOB
Technical schools and community colleges report that most graduates find
jobs through on-campus interviews with employment recruiters. LEOT
graduates are often referred to employers by their professor, and may even
get hired before completing the certificate or degree. Job seekers should
also apply directly to laser manufacturers and telecommunications companies.
The associations listed below are a good resource for names of commercial
laser equipment manufacturers.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
Laser Institute of America
12424 Research Parkway, Suite 125
Orlando, FL 32826
(407) 380-1553 FAX (407) 380-5588
www.laserinstitute.org
The Laser and Electro-Optics
Manufacturers' Association
123 Kent Road
Pacifica, CA 94044
(650) 738-1492 FAX (650) 738-1592
www.sfo.com/~leoma/
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Electrical/Electronic Engineering Techs. No. 60
Optical Laboratory Techs./Opticians No. 97
Instrumentation Technicians No. 485
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed., 1991)
Laser Technician 019.261-034
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System
Engineering and Related Technicians and
Technologists, NEC 225990
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
Note: This is NOT a job opening. The purpose of This California Occupational Guide
is to provide you with useful information to help you make career decisions.
If you are searching for a job, go to:
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