Summary
Electrical and electronics engineering technicians help engineers design and develop electrical and electronic equipment.
What they do
Electrical and electronics engineering technicians help electrical and electronics engineers design and develop computers, communications equipment, medical monitoring devices, navigational equipment, and other electrical and electronic equipment. They often work in product evaluation and testing, and use measuring and diagnostic devices to adjust, test, and repair equipment. They are also involved in the manufacture and deployment of equipment for automation.
Electrical engineering technicians typically do the following:
- Put together electrical and electronic systems and prototypes
- Build, calibrate, and repair electrical instruments or testing equipment
- Visit construction sites to observe conditions affecting design
- Identify solutions to technical design problems that arise during the construction of electrical systems
- Inspect designs for quality control, report findings, and make recommendations
- Draw diagrams and write specifications to clarify design details of experimental electronics units
Electrical engineering technicians install and maintain electrical control systems and equipment, and modify electrical prototypes, parts, and assemblies to correct problems. When testing systems, they set up equipment and evaluate the performance of developmental parts, assemblies, or systems under simulated conditions. They then analyze test information to resolve design-related problems.
Electronics engineering technicians typically do the following:
- Design basic circuitry and draft sketches to clarify details of design documentation, under engineers’ direction
- Build prototypes from rough sketches or plans
- Assemble, test, and maintain circuitry or electronic components according to engineering instructions, technical manuals, and knowledge of electronics
- Adjust and replace defective circuitry and electronic components
- Make parts, such as coils and terminal boards, by using bench lathes, drills, or other machine tools
Electronics engineering technicians identify and resolve equipment malfunctions and then work with manufacturers to get replacement parts. They also calibrate and perform preventive maintenance on equipment and systems.
These technicians often need to read blueprints, schematic drawings, and engineering instructions for assembling electronic units. They also write reports and record data on testing techniques, laboratory equipment, and specifications.
Work Environment
Electrical and electronics engineering technicians work closely with electrical and electronics engineers. For this reason, teamwork is an important part of the job. They work in offices, laboratories, and factories because their job tasks involve both engineering theory and assembly-line production.
Electrical and electronics engineering technicians may be exposed to hazards from equipment or toxic materials, but incidents are rare if proper procedures are followed.
How to become an Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technician
Electrical and electronics engineering technicians typically need an associate degree.
Programs for electrical and electronics engineering technicians usually lead to an associate degree in electrical or electronics engineering technology. Vocational–technical schools include postsecondary institutions that serve local students and emphasize training needed by local employers.
Community colleges offer programs similar to those in technical institutes but include more theory-based and liberal arts coursework. Some of these colleges allow students to concentrate in computer electronics, industrial electronics, or communications electronics.
Prospective electrical and electronics engineering technicians usually take courses in programming languages, chemistry, physics, logical processors, and circuitry. Coursework in test equipment is also helpful. The Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET accredits programs that include at least college algebra, trigonometry, and basic science courses.
Pay
The median annual wage for electrical and electronics engineering technicians was $65,260 in May 2019. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $39,190, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $96,690.
Job Outlook
Employment of electrical and electronics engineering technicians is projected to grow 2 percent from 2019 to 2029, slower than the average for all occupations.
Employment of these technicians in industries in which many are employed, such as manufacturing and federal government, is expected to decline. However, their employment is expected to grow in professional, scientific, and technical services firms as companies seek to contract out these services as a way to lower costs.
Similar Job Titles
Digital Tech (Digital Technician), Electrical Technician, Electronics Engineering Technician, Electronics Technician, Engineering Technician (Engineering Tech), Failure Analysis Technician (FA Technician), Refurbish Tech, Engineering Assistant, Engineering Technician, Generation Technician, Instrument and Controls Technician (I & C Technician), Relay Tester, Results Technician, Test Specialist, Test Technician (Refurb Tech), Senior Electronics Technician, Technician, Test Technician, Electrical Design Engineer, Electrical Systems Engineer
Related Occupations
Mechanical Engineering Technician, Manufacturing Production Technician, Broadcast Technician, Avionics Technician, Audio and Video Equipment Technician
More Information
The trade associations listed below represent organizations made up of people (members) who work and promote advancement in the field. Members are very interested in telling others about their work and about careers in those areas. As well, trade associations provide opportunities for organizational networking and learning more about the field’s trends and directions.
- Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology
- American Society of Certified Engineering Technicians
- IEEE
- International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers
- National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies
- SAE International
Magazines and Publications
- EEWeb (news, forums)
- EE World Online
- EE Times
- EE Herald
- Electronics Weekly
- Electronic Design
Video Transcript
A foundation of logical thinking fueled by math and mechanical skills guides electrical and electronics engineering technicians to help engineers develop a range of useful products including computers medical devices navigational equipment… and more. Electrical engineering technicians draw diagrams and write specifications to clarify engineers’ designs. They put electrical control equipment prototypes and systems together, identify design problems, and then come up with ways to solve them. They also test parts to ensure their quality, and write up reports on their findings. Electronics engineering technicians use machine tools to make parts, such as coils and terminal boards. They resolve equipment malfunctions and maintain electronic systems, including testing components and replacing defective circuits. They also design basic circuitry and build prototypes from simple plans. Electrical and electronics engineering technicians work in offices, laboratories, and factories and may be exposed to hazards from equipment or toxic materials. However, injuries are rare if proper procedures are followed. Depending on production schedules, technicians may work day or night shifts. A standard workweek is more typical in federal government jobs. Most positions require an associate’s degree in electrical or electronics engineering technology.
Content retrieved from: US Bureau of Labor Statistics-OOH www.bls.gov/ooh,
CareerOneStop www.careeronestop.org, O*Net Online www.onetonline.org