Photonics technician
Also known as
Work environment
- Usually work regular business hours but may work evenings and weekends
- Usually work in laboratories, universities and research institutes and may travel locally
- Need to be accurate, practical and solve problems
Salary information
Typical tasks
- Build optical equipment
- Adjust optical equipment
- Maintain optical equipment
- Help design new equipment
- Analyse data
- Record results
- Write instructions
- Keep work areas clean
Outlook
Advances in photonics are creating new opportunities across telecommunications, healthcare technology, manufacturing and scientific research. As light-based technologies become more widely used, organisations are investing in systems involving lasers, optical sensors and fibre-optic technologies. In New Zealand and internationally, ongoing innovation in photonics is expected to support continued development across a range of high-technology industries.
What employers and industry want in graduates
- Strong technical and practical skills
- Attention to detail and accuracy
- Confidence using specialised equipment and instruments
- Problem-solving and troubleshooting ability
- Ability to follow technical procedures and standards
- Teamwork and communication skills
AUT programmes
The above is a suggestion only and a starting point. You may need to meet other criteria or take additional steps to work in this career.
Further study options
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This data is sourced from the Tertiary Education Commission through the Tahatū Career Navigator website (www.tahtu.govt.nz) and used under the CC BY 4.0 licence. Some of the information has been modified by AUT. TEC has not approved, endorsed or tested these modifications. TEC will not be held accountable for any errors within this data.