Work on this bottleneck

EUV projection optics

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 mirrors inside those machines, polished flatter than anything else made. One supplier has ever achieved it.

The roles it needs

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

Optics, lasers and photonics

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

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

Materials, chemistry and metallurgy

Scientists and engineers who make, purify and characterise the materials.

Technicians and operators

Hands on the line: running, checking and fixing production — often no degree needed.

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

Materials, chemistry and metallurgy: the official record

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

O*NET 19-2032.00 · ISCO 2149.9

Materials Scientists

Research and study the structures and chemical properties of various natural and synthetic or composite materials, including metals, alloys, rubber, ceramics, semiconductors, polymers, and glass. Determine ways to strengthen or combine materials or develop new materials with new or specific properties for use in a variety of products and applications. Includes glass scientists, ceramic scientists, metallurgical scientists, and polymer scientists.

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

Core tasks

Conduct research on the structures and properties of materials, such as metals, alloys, polymers, and ceramics, to obtain information that could be used to develop new products or enhance existing ones.
Test metals to determine conformance to specifications of mechanical strength, strength-weight ratio, ductility, magnetic and electrical properties, and resistance to abrasion, corrosion, heat, and cold.
Test material samples for tolerance under tension, compression, and shear to determine the cause of metal failures.

Most important knowledge

Engineering and Technology
Chemistry
Physics
Mathematics
Computers and Electronics

Essential skills in ESCO: materials engineer

approve engineering design
test chemical samples
create solutions to problems
adjust engineering designs
thermoplastic materials
apply health and safety standards
assess environmental impact
develop material testing procedures
forecast organisational risks
composite materials
material mechanics
manufacturing processes
perform scientific research
analyse production processes for improvement

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

O*NET 17-2131.00 · ISCO 2146.5

Materials Engineers

Evaluate materials and develop machinery and processes to manufacture materials for use in products that must meet specialized design and performance specifications. Develop new uses for known materials. Includes those engineers working with composite materials or specializing in one type of material, such as graphite, metal and metal alloys, ceramics and glass, plastics and polymers, and naturally occurring materials. Includes metallurgists and metallurgical engineers, ceramic engineers, and welding engineers.

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

Core tasks

Conduct or supervise tests on raw materials or finished products to ensure their quality.
Review new product plans, and make recommendations for material selection, based on design objectives such as strength, weight, heat resistance, electrical conductivity, and cost.
Evaluate technical specifications and economic factors relating to process or product design objectives.

Most important knowledge

Engineering and Technology
Mathematics
Production and Processing
Physics
English Language

Essential skills in ESCO: metallurgist

types of metal manufacturing processes
metal forming technologies
precious metal processing
non-ferrous metal processing
assess suitability of metal types for specific application
ferrous metal processing
prepare technical reports
precious metals
work in metal manufacture teams
types of metal
metal and metal ore products
manipulate metal
join metals
alloys of precious metals

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

O*NET 19-2031.00 · ISCO 2113.1

Chemists

Conduct qualitative and quantitative chemical analyses or experiments in laboratories for quality or process control or to develop new products or knowledge.

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

Core tasks

Develop, improve, or customize products, equipment, formulas, processes, or analytical methods.
Analyze organic or inorganic compounds to determine chemical or physical properties, composition, structure, relationships, or reactions, using chromatography, spectroscopy, or spectrophotometry techniques.
Induce changes in composition of substances by introducing heat, light, energy, or chemical catalysts for quantitative or qualitative analysis.

Most important knowledge

Chemistry
English Language
Mathematics
Production and Processing
Administration and Management

Essential skills in ESCO: chemist

write technical reports
physics
think analytically
use chemical analysis equipment
apply liquid chromatography
analytical chemistry
analyse chemical substances
document analysis results
apply scientific methods
apply safety procedures in laboratory
test chemical samples
use chromatography software
develop chemical products
prepare chemical samples

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

Technicians and operators: the official record

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

O*NET 51-9141.00 · ISCO 8212.3.6

Semiconductor Processing Technicians

Perform any or all of the following functions in the manufacture of electronic semiconductors: load semiconductor material into furnace; saw formed ingots into segments; load individual segment into crystal growing chamber and monitor controls; locate crystal axis in ingot using x-ray equipment and saw ingots into wafers; and clean, polish, and load wafers into series of special purpose furnaces, chemical baths, and equipment used to form circuitry and change conductive properties.

Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed. Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.

Core tasks

Inspect materials, components, or products for surface defects and measure circuitry, using electronic test equipment, precision measuring instruments, microscope, and standard procedures.
Study work orders, instructions, formulas, and processing charts to determine specifications and sequence of operations.
Clean semiconductor wafers using cleaning equipment, such as chemical baths, automatic wafer cleaners, or blow-off wands.

Most important knowledge

Production and Processing
English Language
Public Safety and Security
Computers and Electronics
Education and Training

Essential skills in ESCO: semiconductor processor

read assembly drawings
clean wafers
electronics
produce semiconductor crystals
monitor manufacturing quality standards
inspect semiconductor components
microelectronics
integrated circuits
ensure conformity to specifications
slice crystals into wafers
remove defective products
semiconductors
load electronic circuits onto wafers
wear cleanroom suit

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

O*NET 17-3023.00 · ISCO 3114.1.6

Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.

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

Review electrical engineering plans to ensure adherence to design specifications and compliance with applicable electrical codes and standards.
Read blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings, or engineering instructions for assembling electronics units, applying knowledge of electronic theory and components.
Assemble, test, or maintain circuitry or electronic components, according to engineering instructions, technical manuals, or knowledge of electronics, using hand or power tools.

Most important knowledge

Engineering and Technology
Computers and Electronics
Design
English Language
Mechanical

Essential skills in ESCO: microelectronics engineering technician

test microelectronics
solder electronics
meet deadlines
prepare production prototypes
read engineering drawings
adjust engineering designs
liaise with engineers
microprocessors
design drawings
microsensors
inspect quality of products
record test data
align components
electronics

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

University · United States

Master's in Microelectronics and Semiconductors (online) ↗

Purdue University

Online master's, 30 credit hours

Part of Purdue's Semiconductor Degrees Program, drawing on materials, ECE, business and polytechnic schools.