Work on this bottleneck

Neon, excimer laser grade

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

A rare gas that fills the lasers in chipmaking machines. Separated from air, mostly as a by-product of making steel.

The roles it needs

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

Industrial gases and cryogenics

Running the plants and cold systems that separate, purify and ship helium, neon and the rest.

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

Process and yield engineering

Engineers who make a fab, a refinery or a line produce more good parts.

Optics, lasers and photonics

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

Industrial gases and cryogenics: the official record

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

O*NET 51-8092.00

Gas Plant Operators

Distribute or process gas for utility companies and others by controlling compressors to maintain specified pressures on main pipelines.

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

Monitor equipment functioning, observe temperature, level, and flow gauges, and perform regular unit checks to ensure that all equipment is operating as it should.
Distribute or process gas for utility companies or industrial plants, using panel boards, control boards, and semi-automatic equipment.
Control operation of compressors, scrubbers, evaporators, and refrigeration equipment to liquefy, compress, or regasify natural gas.

Most important knowledge

Public Safety and Security
Mechanical
English Language
Computers and Electronics
Mathematics

O*NET 31.0 Database (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0)

Process and yield engineering: the official record

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

O*NET 17-2072.00 · ISCO 2152.1.6

Electronics Engineers, Except Computer

Research, design, develop, or test electronic components and systems for commercial, industrial, military, or scientific use employing knowledge of electronic theory and materials properties. Design electronic circuits and components for use in fields such as telecommunications, aerospace guidance and propulsion control, acoustics, or instruments and controls.

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

Core tasks

Design electronic components, software, products, or systems for commercial, industrial, medical, military, or scientific applications.
Operate computer-assisted engineering or design software or equipment to perform electronics engineering tasks.
Evaluate project work to ensure effectiveness, technical adequacy, or compatibility in the resolution of complex electronics engineering problems.

Most important knowledge

Engineering and Technology
Computers and Electronics
Design
Mathematics
English Language

Essential skills in ESCO: microelectronics engineer

environmental legislation
mathematics
process customer requests based on the REACh Regulation 1907 2006
design microelectronics
report analysis results
test microelectronics
electronic equipment standards
use technical drawing software
develop electronic test procedures
design drawings
electronic test procedures
microelectronics
conduct quality control analysis
prepare production prototypes

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

O*NET 17-2199.06

Microsystems Engineers

Research, design, develop, or test microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) devices.

Job Zone Five: Extensive Preparation Needed. Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).

Core tasks

Create schematics and physical layouts of integrated microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) components or packaged assemblies consistent with process, functional, or package constraints.
Investigate characteristics such as cost, performance, or process capability of potential microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) device designs, using simulation or modeling software.
Create or maintain formal engineering documents, such as schematics, bills of materials, components or materials specifications, or packaging requirements.

Most important knowledge

Computers and Electronics
Engineering and Technology
Mathematics
Physics
Design

O*NET 31.0 Database (US Department of Labor, CC BY 4.0)

O*NET 17-2041.00 · ISCO 2145.1

Chemical Engineers

Design chemical plant equipment and devise processes for manufacturing chemicals and products, such as gasoline, synthetic rubber, plastics, detergents, cement, paper, and pulp, by applying principles and technology of chemistry, physics, and engineering.

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

Core tasks

Develop safety procedures to be employed by workers operating equipment or working in close proximity to ongoing chemical reactions.
Troubleshoot problems with chemical manufacturing processes.
Monitor and analyze data from processes and experiments.

Most important knowledge

Engineering and Technology
Chemistry
Mathematics
Design
Physics

Essential skills in ESCO: chemical engineer

perform chemical experiments
work with chemicals
assess environmental impact
approve engineering design
adjust engineering designs
test chemical samples
engineering processes
engineering principles
analytical chemistry
apply health and safety standards
perform scientific research
chemistry
forecast organisational risks

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

Where to train

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

College · United States · open to career changers

Semiconductor Technician Quick Start ↗

Maricopa Community Colleges

10 days (4 hours per day), in-person

Accelerated entry-level semiconductor technician training; $306 tuition stipend fully covers Arizona-resident tuition on completion and passing the NIMS certification.