Electro-mechanical Technician

The duties of an Electro-mechanical Technician are to install, repair, maintain and upgrade computer-controlled or electronic mechanical systems. They must have electrical knowledge, be familiar with electronic units and use mechanical technology in order to perform their job duties. Electro-mechanical Technician must be able to read and interpret schematics, blueprints and other diagrams to properly assemble machines or equipment. They use hand tools and soldering equipment to install electronics and use testing instruments on electro-mechanical assemblies. They use specialized instruments to measure parts to ensure they will fit the needs of the project as well.

It is sometimes the duty of an Electro-mechanical Technician to operate or test machines within a factory or other worksite. They record and analyze their test data and write reports of their findings.

Because of the nature of their jobs, Electro-mechanical Technicians can work in both an office setting as well as in a factory or other production site. They often work closely with mechanical and electrical engineers, but they also spend time putting together equipment. Since they spend so much of their time working with machinery and equipment, Electro-mechanical Technicians might come in contact with hazardous or toxic materials or equipment. As long as the proper gear is worn and proper procedures are followed, hazardous incidents are rare.

Electro-mechanical Technicians tend to work regular business hours. However if there are larger repairs that need to be made, they might be require to work overtime.

It is necessary someone studying to become an Electro-mechanical Technician to obtain either an associate’s degree or a diploma or certificate through a vocational or technical school. Students choosing to earn an associate’s degree can concentrate on one of these fields: Industrial Maintenance, Mechatronics, Computer-integrated manufacturing or Electro-mechanics. Students that earn an associate’s degree may choose to continue on to earn their Bachelor’s degree in Electrical or Mechanical Engineering.

Additional certification is not required but it does help an Electro-mechanical Technician show work-related competency. There are specialized certifications available in electrical power testing, Certified Control Systems or other specialties.

Some important qualities of an Electro-mechanical Technician include: excellent writing, math and mechanical skills. Electro-mechanical Technicians use math daily when analyzing, designing and testing equipment. Once they test equipment, they analyze their findings and summarize them into reports. In addition, because they are involved in the production of machinery, they must be able to safely and accurately use tools like drill presses, grinders, etc. Electro-mechanical Technicians must also be able to work well on a team, be very detail-oriented and exhibit logical-thinking skills when building, testing, and upgrading equipment.

According to a recent study by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Electro-mechanical Technicians can make anywhere between $34,000 and $77,000 per year. The median pay in this industry is approximately $52,000 per year.

Although it is expected that the employment rate for Electro-mechanical Technicians will grow slowly over the next 10 years, their jobs should remain in demand due to the rise in the use of computer-control systems. More and more equipment is being designed with automated features. In addition, Electro-mechanical Technicians have a wide skill set which should help them to maintain employment.

Electro-mechanical Technicians that choose to train in the Mechatronics field will likely have the best future job prospects. Mechatronics gives students training and understanding in mechanical, electronic, control and computer systems. Training in Mechatronics gives the Electro-mechanical Technician the most versatile and complete training which can be applied in a larger range of fields. In addition, those with training in Mechatronics have the ability to work on a project from beginning to end.