Work on this bottleneck

EUV lithography scanners

How this is computedA posting is filed under a bottleneck when its title names one of that bottleneck’s terms, or its description names them at least twice (title only for software and business roles); its role family is the first family whose title terms its title names.Method →Code → open roles filed here · Why it binds, and who holds it

The machines that print the finest circuit patterns. One company on earth builds them.

The roles it needs

Judged by Substrata, open to challenge · 2026-09-24 · not reviewed by anyone who hires for it

Field service and equipment

People who install, keep running and repair the machines at a customer’s site.

0 (Computed: A posting is filed under a bottleneck when its title names one of that bottleneck’s terms, or its description names them at least twice (title only for software and business roles); its role family is the first family whose title terms its title names.) open here

Optics, lasers and photonics

Designing, building and aligning the optics and light sources inside the tools.

Mechanical, robotics and manufacturing

Machines that move: mechanical design, robotics, controls, machining, printing metal.

Field service and equipment: the official record

What O*NET and ESCO say the work is and needs

O*NET 49-2094.00 · ISCO 2433.1

Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment

Repair, test, adjust, or install electronic equipment, such as industrial controls, transmitters, and antennas.

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Core tasks

Test faulty equipment to diagnose malfunctions, using test equipment or software, and applying knowledge of the functional operation of electronic units and systems.
Maintain equipment logs that record performance problems, repairs, calibrations, or tests.
Set up and test industrial equipment to ensure that it functions properly.

Most important knowledge

Computers and Electronics
Mechanical
Production and Processing
Customer and Personal Service
Mathematics

Essential skills in ESCO: after-sales service technician

execute after sales activities
maintenance and repair
characteristics of services
advise on merchandise features
create solutions to problems
customer service
product comprehension
contact customers
characteristics of products
customer relationship management
implement sales strategies
implement customer follow-up
communicate with customers
provide customer follow-up services

O*NET 31.0 Database (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0) · ESCO API, European Commission

O*NET 49-9041.00 · ISCO 7233.7

Industrial Machinery Mechanics

Repair, install, adjust, or maintain industrial production and processing machinery or refinery and pipeline distribution systems. May also install, dismantle, or move machinery and heavy equipment according to plans.

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Core tasks

Repair or maintain the operating condition of industrial production or processing machinery or equipment.
Repair or replace broken or malfunctioning components of machinery or equipment.
Clean, lubricate, or adjust parts, equipment, or machinery.

Most important knowledge

Mechanical
English Language
Production and Processing
Engineering and Technology
Design

Essential skills in ESCO: industrial machinery mechanic

use testing equipment
resolve equipment malfunctions
inspect industrial equipment
perform test run
perform maintenance on installed equipment
troubleshoot
secure working area
pneumatics
mechanics
electricity
hydraulics
electrical wiring plans
conduct routine machinery checks
write records for repairs

O*NET 31.0 Database (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0) · ESCO API, European Commission

Optics, lasers and photonics: the official record

What O*NET and ESCO say the work is and needs

O*NET 17-2199.07 · ISCO 2149.10.1

Photonics Engineers

Design technologies specializing in light information or light energy, such as laser or fiber optics technology.

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed. Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Core tasks

Analyze system performance or operational requirements.
Develop optical or imaging systems, such as optical imaging products, optical components, image processes, signal process technologies, or optical systems.
Develop or test photonic prototypes or models.

Most important knowledge

Engineering and Technology
Mathematics
Physics
Computers and Electronics
Design

Essential skills in ESCO: photonics engineer

optical engineering
prepare production prototypes
physics
test optical components
conduct quality control analysis
report analysis results
model optical systems
engineering principles
operate scientific measuring equipment
mathematics
photonics
perform scientific research
record test data
optical glass characteristics

O*NET 31.0 Database (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0) · ESCO API, European Commission

O*NET 17-3029.08 · ISCO 3119.11

Photonics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain optical or fiber optic equipment, such as lasers, lenses, or mirrors, using spectrometers, interferometers, or related equipment.

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Core tasks

Compute or record photonic test data.
Maintain clean working environments, according to clean room standards.
Adjust or maintain equipment, such as lasers, laser systems, microscopes, oscilloscopes, pulse generators, power meters, beam analyzers, or energy measurement devices.

Most important knowledge

Engineering and Technology
Computers and Electronics
Mathematics
Mechanical
Production and Processing

Essential skills in ESCO: photonics engineering technician

operate optical assembly equipment
optical components
photonics
types of optical instruments
perform test run
align components
assist scientific research
optical manufacturing process
optical equipment standards
prepare production prototypes
adjust engineering designs
optics
apply optical coating
fasten components

O*NET 31.0 Database (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0) · ESCO API, European Commission

Mechanical, robotics and manufacturing: the official record

What O*NET and ESCO say the work is and needs

O*NET 17-2199.08 · ISCO 2149.13

Robotics Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test robotic applications.

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed. Most of these occupations require a four-year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Core tasks

Review or approve designs, calculations, or cost estimates.
Process or interpret signals or sensor data.
Debug robotics programs.

Most important knowledge

Engineering and Technology
Design
Computers and Electronics
Mechanical
Mathematics

Essential skills in ESCO: robotics engineer

perform scientific research
mechanical engineering
design automation components
use technical drawing software
approve engineering design
assess financial viability
robotics
robotic components
adjust engineering designs
mechanics
execute feasibility study
technical drawings
engineering principles
engineering processes

O*NET 31.0 Database (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0) · ESCO API, European Commission

O*NET 17-3024.01 · ISCO 3119.2.1

Robotics Technicians

Build, install, test, or maintain robotic equipment or related automated production systems.

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Core tasks

Make repairs to robots or peripheral equipment, such as replacement of defective circuit boards, sensors, controllers, encoders, or servomotors.
Troubleshoot robotic systems, using knowledge of microprocessors, programmable controllers, electronics, circuit analysis, mechanics, sensor or feedback systems, hydraulics, or pneumatics.
Install, program, or repair programmable controllers, robot controllers, end-of-arm tools, or conveyors.

Most important knowledge

Computers and Electronics
Engineering and Technology
Mechanical
Design
Mathematics

Essential skills in ESCO: robotics engineering technician

read assembly drawings
assemble robots
set up machine controls
test mechatronic units
electronics
assist scientific research
mechatronics
follow safety standards in industrial contexts
inspect quality of products
adjust engineering designs
design drawings
fasten components
record test data
monitor machine operations

O*NET 31.0 Database (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0) · ESCO API, European Commission

O*NET 51-4041.00 · ISCO 7223.8

Machinists

Set up and operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts and instruments out of metal. Includes precision instrument makers who fabricate, modify, or repair mechanical instruments. May also fabricate and modify parts to make or repair machine tools or maintain industrial machines, applying knowledge of mechanics, mathematics, metal properties, layout, and machining procedures.

Job Zone Three: Medium Preparation Needed. Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Core tasks

Calculate dimensions or tolerances, using instruments, such as micrometers or vernier calipers.
Machine parts to specifications, using machine tools, such as lathes, milling machines, shapers, or grinders.
Measure, examine, or test completed units to check for defects and ensure conformance to specifications, using precision instruments, such as micrometers.

Most important knowledge

Mathematics
Mechanical
Production and Processing
Design
Engineering and Technology

Essential skills in ESCO: gear machinist

consult technical resources
mechanics
troubleshoot
types of metal
remove processed workpiece
secure working area
supply machine with appropriate tools
monitor automated machines
set up the controller of a machine
perform test run
supply machine

O*NET 31.0 Database (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0) · ESCO API, European Commission

Where to train

Public programmes for these role families, each on its official page

Apprenticeship · United States

Technician Apprenticeship Program ↗

TSMC Arizona

Registered apprenticeship, paid hourly: 12-18 months for equipment/process tracks (a 36-48-month track is also listed)

On-the-job training at TSMC AZ plus related technical instruction via Estrella Mountain CC, Rio Salado College and Northern Arizona University; requires 18+ and high school diploma/GED.