1. Optics Career Path Works with engineers to produce optics, and assists with research and development Associate Degree Pay Range: $14-$20/hr Generates designs, processes and improvements to meet customer specifications Bachelors Degree Pay Range: $45,000 and up annually Handles and assembles optics and machined parts into optical systems One year Certificate or Apprenticeship High School, basic math, physics Pay Range: $9-$15/hr Makes and uses machinery to grind, polish and test optics High School, basic math Manual dexterity, read blueprint Pay Range: $9-$12/hr Optical Fabricator Optics Manufacturing Technician Optics Engineering Technician Optics Engineer Entry Position

2. Optics Manufacturing Career Path Optics Fabricator Job Description & Work Environment Follow fabrication directions Make and use machinery to grind and polish optics Use CNC and desktop computers and software Test all dimensions of both ground and finished optics On the job training and/or laboratory exercises Educational Requirements High School degree or equivalent Intern or apprentice with Optical Companies Basic training or experience in metrology, Interferometry, conventional optical manufacturing, basic optics Certificate in Optics Manufacturing Technology Minimal Skill Requirements Manual dexterity Algebra, right angle trigonometry and geometry Read blue prints Use basic metrology equipment Interferometry Communication, teamwork, and Interpersonal Skills Pay Ranges $9.00-$12.00/hour Optics Manufacturing Technician Job Description & Work Environment Follow assembly directions Handle optics and machined parts Make and use machinery to grind and polish optics Use CNC and desktop computers and software Test all dimensions of both ground and finished optics On the job training Educational Requirements High School degree or equivalent Intern or apprentice with Optical Companies One year Optical Manufacturing Certificate Goal for trainee is a 2-year Associates degree in Optical Systems Technology Minimal Skill Requirements Manual dexterity Algebra, right angle trigonometry and geometry Read blue prints Use basic metrology equipment High School physics Communication, teamwork, and Interpersonal Skills Pay Ranges $9.00-$15.00/hour Optics Engineering Technician Job Description & Work Environment Work with engineer, and supervisor to produce product or assist with research and development Test product and metrology Build test set-up and support equipment Educational Requirements Associates degree or equivalent experience Goal for trainee is a 4-year degree in Optics or Image Science Minimal Skill Requirements Applied Tech Math Thermal dynamics, mechanics, circuits, geometric optics, laser application, diffraction theory, laser action, optical fibers, micro- optics, metrology Cleaning & handling of optics, mechanical and electrical components, optical lab protocol, basic computer Oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, optical detectors, beam profiling, wavelength measurement, phase shifting interferometers Communication, Interpersonal, and Problem Solving Skills Pay Ranges $14.00-$20.00/hour Optics Engineer Job Description & Work Environment Consult with customer to do estimates, developmental research, metrology, and cost analysis Generate designs, processes and improvements in making elements and systems Computer and software literate Use of quality tools Work as part of a team Educational Requirements 4-year Bachelors Degree in Engineering, Physics, Optics, Image Science Goal for trainee is a Masters/Ph.D Degree in Optics or Image Science Minimal Skill Requirements Calculus I, II, III, ordinary differential equations, Complex Variable Theory, Fourier Analysis Calculus-based mechanics, electromagnetism, and quantum mechanics Geometrical Optics, Physical Optics, Quantum Optics, Laser Physics, Optoelectronics, & technical electives Computer & Lab Skills Communication, Interpersonal, and Problem Solving Skills Pay Ranges $45,000 and up annually

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