Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians

Electrical Engineering Technicians assist Engineers in developing electric and electronic equipment such as computers, medical devices, and navigational equipment. They typically handle the product testing and evaluations and work to repair and adjust the equipment. As part of the process, they might need to visit construction sites to make observations that might affect the design of the equipment. They are in charge of all quality control testing, reporting and making recommendations to improve the design of the device they are working on. They have to be able to draft specific drawings that include design details.

Electronics Engineering Technicians are typically in charge of designing circuitry under the direction of an Engineer. They must draft sketches and build prototypes based on their sketches. They assemble electronic parts using machine tools. In addition, they test and maintain the electronic parts and circuitry under the direction of an Engineer. It is part of their job to test, identify and adjust malfunctions in the electronics of equipment. They maintain equipment and work with manufacturers to replace parts. They must be able to properly read schematics, engineering instructions or blueprints.

Typically Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians work closely with Electrical and Electronics Engineers within an office setting, in factories or in laboratories. Working with electrical and electronic equipment, Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians may be exposed to toxic or hazardous materials or equipment. As long as the proper gear is worn and proper procedures are followed, hazardous incidents are rare.

Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians will generally work a regular full-time work schedule unless for some reason overtime is needed.

Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians generally need an associate’s degree in Electrical or Electronics Engineering Technology to qualify for the job. Programs are also available in vocational or technical schools where students will receive a diploma or certificate in a related program. Some excellent courses to take for students wanting to become an Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians include computer programming courses like C++ as well as physics, and circuitry.

Additional certification is voluntary but would be a great benefit to technicians working in industries such as transmission, distribution or power generation.

Skills that are important for Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians include: math, mechanical and writing skills. Math is used on a daily basis in the work of a technician; technicians must be able to use hand tools to perform the functions of their job; and technicians spend a lot of time writing reports after performing quality tests. So, it’s important that they can effectively communicate through their writing. It’s also important that technicians possess great problem-solving skills in order to help resolve issues that may arise while testing equipment. Technicians should also be very observant and logical in their thinking.

Research performed in 2012 by the Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that electrical and electronics engineering technicians can make between $34,000 and about $84,000 per year. The median pay for electrical and electronics engineering technicians is approximately $58,000 per year.

The job outlook for Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians is expected to remain steady through the next decade. Manufacturing plants are growing very slowly or declining. However, many of these types of businesses are choosing to contract out the work done by Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians to Engineering Services Firms, which continues to guarantee work for those in this field.

In addition, the computer industry continues to be on a steady rise. Because of this, demand for electrical and electronics engineering technicians in this particular industry will continue to rise as well.