Job description
Electronics engineering technicians design, build, repair and maintain electronic systems and components such as computers. They also work with equipment from the automation, aerospace and medical industries.
Under an engineer's direction, these professionals design circuit boards and wiring diagrams using specialized software. They are responsible for testing prototypes and troubleshooting or repairing circuitry or electronic components according to instructions and technical manuals.
Duties
- Design, build, repair and maintain electronic systems and components
- Design circuit boards and wiring diagrams
- Test and build prototypes from sketches
- Assemble, repair and maintain circuitry or electronic components according to technical manuals
- Identify, alter and replace faulty equipment and electronic components
- Build parts like coils and terminal boards
- Read and analyse blueprints, schematic drawings and engineering instructions
- Write reports and record data on testing techniques, equipment and specifications
Skills and qualities
Job outlook
Projected growth
2%
New jobs
2.7k
Automation risk
84%
Career progression
With enough experience and the appropriate qualifications, electronics engineering technicians can advance to the position of supervisor, project team leader or maintenance or quality control manager.
Working conditions
Average hours
40h/ week
Typical schedule
Full Time
Day or night shifts
Electronics engineering technicians typically work in offices, laboratories, manufacturing plants and factories alongside, or under the supervision of, engineers.
This job puts technicians at risk of hazards due to exposure of certain equipment or toxic materials, although safety gear is usually provided. The working environment may also be noisy due to the functioning of machinery and electronic equipment.
Electronics engineering technicians must meet strict deadlines and perform their job meticulously as any errors in products can affect user safety.
Salary
Bottom 10%
$38k
Median
$64k
Top 10%
$95k
Annual salary estimates are based on percentile wage data collected through the Occupational Employment Statistics (OES) survey of US workers.
Qualifications and training
Education level
Undergraduate
Associate of Electronic Engineering Technology degree
Study time
2 years
Prospective electronics engineering technicians require at least an Associate of Electronic Engineering Technology degree to find employment in this sector. Demonstrating previous experience in repairing, installing or building electronic devices will also be deemed advantageous to hiring managers.
Obtaining certification can also be beneficial, as it shows a more advanced level of knowledge. Technicians can gain certification in electrical power testing from The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET). Certifications in basic electronics, biomedical electronics and renewable energy can be obtained from ETA International, while and certification as a Control Systems Technician can be earned by the International Society of Automation (ISA).
Sources
Bureau of Labor Statistics National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) ETA International O*NET OnLine International Society of Automation (ISA) Oxford Martin SchoolLast Updated: Thursday, January 12, 2023
