Electronic Technicians
Electronic technicians help design, develop, manufacture, test, repair and install electronic equipment. An electronic technician applies principles and theories of electronics, engineering, electrical circuitry, and mathematics. Electronic technicians usually perform a wide array of tasks, depending on the needs of the employer.
Sample job titles include electronics engineering technician, refurbish technician, test technician, failure analysis technician and electronics test technician.
They are often employed in companies that use electricity to power machinery. Electric power companies also employ electronic technicians since they use electronic equipment to operate and control generating facilities, for monitoring equipment and for substations.
Some electronic technicians work for companies that design and build factories, homes and other buildings. Electronic technicians typically work under the supervision of an electrical engineer.
Automated electronic control systems are becoming increasingly complicated which makes diagnosing the systems more difficult. With complex systems, technicians utilize software programs and a variety of testing equipment to diagnose malfunctions.
Electronic installers sometimes fit older manufacturing equipment with new automated control devices. They replace old electronic control units with new programming logic controls.
Electronic and electrical equipment are two separate types of industrial equipment. However, a lot of equipment includes both electronic and electrical components. In general, electrical portions provide the equipment with power and the electronic components control the devices. However numerous types of equipment are still controlled by electrical devices.
Responsibilities
- Test electronic units using test equipment
- Identify and fix equipment malfunctions
- Assemble electronic units
- Perform preventive maintenance and calibration of systems and equipment
- Replace or adjust improperly functioning electronic components
- Maintain manuals and system logs to document operation and testing of equipment
- Prepare reports and record data
- Provide user applications and engineering support
- Provide customer support and education
Job Characteristics
Many electrical and electronics technicians work on factory floors and often have to deal with heat, noise and vibration. During installation and repair procedures technicians may have to do some heavy lifting. Most electronic technicians work at least 40 hours per week. They need to work well as a part of a team. They should have an aptitude for mathematics and science and be detailed oriented.
Employment Outlook
In 2006 the median hourly earnings for electrical and electronics repairers of commercial and industrial equipment was $21.72. The highest paid 10 percent earned over $30.90 per hour. The job opportunities will be best for those that hold an associate degree in electronics, have certification and related experience.
The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects an employment growth of 3% from 2006 to 2016 for electrical and electronics installers and repairers which is slower than the average for all occupations. Employment growth rates vary by occupational specialty.
The job growth for electrical and electronics installers and repairers of commercial and industrial equipment is forecasted to be 7% which is about as fast as average for all occupations. Companies will want to install electronic controls, sensors, robots and other types of equipment in order to automate various processes.
Education, Certification, and Licensing
Candidates for electronic technician jobs need to be knowledgeable about electronics. Employees often prefer candidates that have earned an associate degree in electronics. Many employers require candidates to be certified. Various professional and educational organizations provide certification. Technicians with certification may be given additional responsibilities and higher pay. Technicians with leadership abilities may move up to a supervisor job.
Resources
- ACES International
- Electronics Technicians Association International
- International Society of Electronics Technicians
Major Employers
The main employers are building equipment contractors, manufacturers, utility companies, and government agencies.
Schools for Electrical And Electronic Technicians are listed in the Browse Schools Section.
