Finding specialized talent in photonics is more challenging than ever. The rapidly evolving field demands highly specialized skills.
Fortunately, employers can overcome the challenge of finding specialized talent in photonics by partnering with Techneeds. Our specialized staffing firm can provide qualified professionals to fill your job openings.
Photonics Skills Gaps
Skills gaps exist in virtually every photonics market segment. These challenges are especially evident in emergent sectors such as integrated photonics. Specialized talent is needed to miniaturize optical devices and components to develop compact optical circuits, place optical elements on a chip to improve performance, and apply waveguides to direct light signals between the chip’s optical components.
Demand for Photonic Integrated Circuits
The growing use of applications is increasing the demand for photonic integrated circuits. As a result, integrated photonics firms must find specialized talent to fabricate the systems, run tests, diagnose production issues, and recommend design changes.
Photonics technicians require intensive, hands-on training to excel in a role. As a result, a photonics technician might be skilled in one setting but not another. This factor increases the challenge of finding specialized talent in photonics.
Updating the Photonics Workforce
In 2021, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Initiative for Knowledge and Innovation in Manufacturing surveyed operations managers from over 50 photonics firms to help develop a course toward an updated, sustainable workforce. The team examined lower- and middle-skilled roles to emphasize why the photonics industry is promising for job seekers. The findings were published in the report Preparing the Advanced Manufacturing Workforce: A Study of Occupation and Skills Demand in the Photonics Industry.
Measuring the photonics skills gap
According to the report, the photonics skills gap can be measured by the number and types of roles expected to open between 2021 and 2031:
- The lower- and middle-skilled roles should grow from 58,000 to approximately 85,000.
- Lower-skilled roles should include semiconductor processors, optical equipment operators, and electrical and electronic assemblers.
- Middle-skilled roles should include specialized photonics technicians and engineering technicians.
- The United States needs approximately 140 training programs to meet the photonics industry’s need for engineering technicians.
In-demand photonics technicians
The report found that over 70% of respondents indicated that photonics technician roles were the hardest to fill. Over 60 days were needed to find a qualified applicant. The most desirable skills included using lasers, spectrometers, interferometers, and other tools to build, install, test, and maintain optical or fiber optic equipment.
Based on the report, photonics technicians required more extensive training for the following skills:
- Fabricating and assembling systems
- Diagnosing and resolving process or product issues
- Designing and executing testing
- Recommending design changes
Strategies to update the photonics workforce
Public and private partnerships are needed to develop curricula and recruitment initiatives for the photonics industry. These partnerships include:
- Research and development hubs
- Technological research organizations
- Technology platforms
- Networks
- Industry associations
Get Help Finding Specialized Talent in Photonics
Techneeds’ professional recruiters have deep experience in the photonics industry. We understand the nuances of your business and can secure the best talent for your team. Contact us to learn more today.
