OBSERVED IN REAL USE · Anthropic 2026
0%
of this role’s work is already showing up in real Claude usage (Anthropic Economic Index).
Lightly singed at worst. Carry on.
24% of this role’s O*NET tasks are within reach of today’s AI. That is the core-weighted exposure score from Eloundou et al. 2023 (“GPTs are GPTs”). It measures a capability ceiling, not a headcount forecast. Mostly safe. AI helps around the edges, but the job stays human.
WHAT AI CAN ALREADY DO
- Compute or record photonic test data
- Document procedures, such as calibration of optical or fiber optic equipment
- Build photonics tools to be applied to electrical grids to detect hot spots, such as failing insulators or conductors
- Perform diagnostic analyses of processing steps, using analytical or metrological tools, such as microscopy, profilometry, or ellipsometry devices
- Assist engineers in the development of new products, fixtures, tools, or processes
WHAT IT STILL CAN’T
- 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
- Set up or operate assembly or processing equipment, such as lasers, cameras, die bonders, wire bonders, dispensers, reflow ovens, soldering irons, die shears, wire pull testers, temperature or humidity chambers, or optical spectrum analyzers
- Mix, pour, or use processing chemicals or gases according to safety standards or established operating procedures
- Assemble fiber optical, optoelectronic, or free-space optics components, subcomponents, assemblies, or subassemblies
THE HONEST PART. A percentage is not a pink slip. High exposure usually means a role shrinks and shifts toward judgment, direction and responsibility: the parts a model can’t sign its name to. Exposure ≠ displacement. Breathe.
"My job is 24% cooked. What’s yours?"
SOURCES: O*NET 30.3 occupational tasks · Eloundou et al. 2023 (“GPTs are GPTs”,
arXiv:2303.10130) · Anthropic Economic Index 2026 (CC-BY) |
how this is calculated |
last updated 2026-07-16