Electronics Engineering Technicians

Career Description: Lay out, build, test, troubleshoot, repair, and modify developmental and production electronic components, parts, equipment, and systems, such as computer equipment, missile control instrumentation, electron tubes, test equipment, and machine tool numerical controls, applying principles and theories of electronics, electrical circuitry, engineering mathematics, electronic and electrical testing, and physics. Usually work under direction of engineering staff.

Industry: Architecture and Engineering

Other Job Titles for Electronics Engineering Technicians:

• Realistic: Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
• Investigative: Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
• Artistic: Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
• Social: Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
• Enterprising: Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.
• Conventional: Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
• First Interest High-Point: Primary-Rank Descriptiveness
• Second Interest High-Point: Secondary-Cutoff/Rank Descriptiveness
• Third Interest High-Point: Tertiary-Cutoff/Rank Descriptiveness

• Test electronics units, using standard test equipment, and analyze results to evaluate performance and determine need for adjustment.
• Perform preventative maintenance and calibration of equipment and systems.
• Read blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings, and engineering instructions for assembling electronics units, applying knowledge of electronic theory and components.
• Identify and resolve equipment malfunctions, working with manufacturers and field representatives as necessary to procure replacement parts.
• Maintain system logs and manuals to document testing and operation of equipment.
• Assemble, test, and maintain circuitry or electronic components according to engineering instructions, technical manuals, and knowledge of electronics, using hand and power tools.
• Adjust and replace defective or improperly functioning circuitry and electronics components, using hand tools and soldering iron.
• Procure parts and maintain inventory and related documentation.
• Maintain working knowledge of state-of-the-art tools or software by reading or attending conferences, workshops or other training.
• Provide user applications and engineering support and recommendations for new and existing equipment with regard to installation, upgrades and enhancement.
• Write reports and record data on testing techniques, laboratory equipment, and specifications to assist engineers.
• Provide customer support and education, working with users to identify needs, determine sources of problems and to provide information on product use.
• Design basic circuitry and draft sketches for clarification of details and design documentation under engineers' direction, using drafting instruments and computer aided design (CAD) equipment.
• Build prototypes from rough sketches or plans.
• Develop and upgrade preventative maintenance procedures for components, equipment, parts and systems.
• Fabricate parts, such as coils, terminal boards, and chassis, using bench lathes, drills, or other machine tools.
• Research equipment and component needs, sources, competitive prices, delivery times and ongoing operational costs.
• Write computer or microprocessor software programs.
• Survey satellite receival sites for proper signal level and provide technical assistance in dish location and installation, transporting dishes as necessary.

Emerging Tasks

• Design electrical systems, such as lighting systems.
• Perform tests and monitor performance of processes throughout stages of production to determine degree of control over variables such as temperature, density, specific gravity, and pressure.
• Troubleshoot problems with chemical manufacturing processes.
• Keep documentation of service histories on all biomedical equipment.
• Manage team of engineers by creating schedules, tracking inventory, creating and utilizing budgets, and overseeing contract obligations and deadlines.
• Write documents describing protocols, policies, standards for use, maintenance, and repair of medical equipment.

• Analyzing Data or Information: Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Assisting and Caring for Others: Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Coaching and Developing Others: Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Communicating with Persons Outside Organization: Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates: Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Controlling Machines and Processes: Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others: Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams: Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies: Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Documenting/Recording Information: Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment: Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships: Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information: Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards: Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Getting Information: Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates: Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Handling and Moving Objects: Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events: Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material: Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Interacting With Computers: Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others: Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People: Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems: Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings: Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources: Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment: Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or water craft.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work: Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing Administrative Activities: Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public: Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Performing General Physical Activities: Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.
• Processing Information: Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Provide Consultation and Advice to Others: Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment: Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment: Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others: Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Scheduling Work and Activities: Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Selling or Influencing Others: Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Staffing Organizational Units: Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Thinking Creatively: Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Training and Teaching Others: Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge: Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Detailed Work Activities

• analyze engineering test data
• analyze technical data, designs, or preliminary specifications
• analyze test data
• calculate engineering specifications
• calibrate or adjust electronic equipment or instruments to specification
• communicate technical information
• confer with engineering, technical or manufacturing personnel
• confer with vendors
• develop plans for programs or projects
• draw prototypes, plans, or maps to scale
• evaluate engineering data
• examine engineering documents for completeness or accuracy
• fabricate, assemble, or disassemble manufactured products by hand
• follow manufacturing methods or techniques
• follow statistical process control procedures
• inspect facilities or equipment for regulatory compliance
• inspect manufactured products or materials
• install electronic equipment, components, or systems
• install, maintain, or repair electronics manufacturing equipment
• install/connect electrical equipment to power circuit
• maintain or repair work tools or equipment
• modify electrical or electronic equipment or products
• operate precision test equipment
• prepare technical reports or related documentation
• program computers for electronic engineering applications
• read blueprints
• read manufacturing outlines for electronic products
• read schematics
• read technical drawings
• repair computer controlled manufacturing systems
• repair electronic components, equipment, or systems
• repair or replace electrical wiring, circuits, fixtures, or equipment
• set up and operate variety of machine tools
• solder electrical or electronic connections or components
• test equipment as part of engineering projects or processes
• troubleshoot electronics manufacturing equipment
• understand detailed electronic design specifications
• understand engineering data or reports
• understand service or repair manuals
• understand technical information for electronic repair work
• understand technical operating, service or repair manuals
• use computer aided drafting or design software for design, drafting, modeling, or other engineering tasks
• use computer networking technology
• use drafting or mechanical drawing techniques
• use electrical or electronic test devices or equipment
• use electronic calibration devices
• use hand or power tools
• use hazardous materials information
• use knowledge of laser technology
• use knowledge of metric system
• use machining operations with semiconductor chip forming technology
• use oscilloscopes in electronics repair
• use precision measuring tools or equipment
• use robotics systems technology
• use scientific research methodology
• use technical information in manufacturing or industrial activities
• use technical regulations for engineering problems
• inspect facilities or equipment for regulatory compliance
• inspect project operations, or site to determine specification compliance
• interpret maps for architecture, construction, or engineering project
• investigate customer complaints
• lead teams in engineering projects
• perform safety inspections in industrial, manufacturing or repair setting
• plan scientific research or investigative studies
• plan testing of engineering methods
• prepare reports
• prepare technical reports or related documentation
• provide analytical assessment of engineering data
• read blueprints
• read schematics
• read technical drawings
• resolve engineering or science problems
• test electrical components or systems
• test equipment as part of engineering projects or processes
• understand detailed electronic design specifications
• understand engineering data or reports
• use computer aided drafting or design software for design, drafting, modeling, or other engineering tasks
• use computer graphics design software
• use computers to enter, access or retrieve data
• use drafting or mechanical drawing techniques
• use government regulations
• use hazardous materials information
• use intuitive judgment for engineering analyses
• use knowledge of investigation techniques
• use library or online Internet research techniques
• use long or short term production planning techniques
• use mathematical or statistical methods to identify or analyze problems
• use pollution control techniques
• use project management techniques
• use quality assurance techniques
• use quantitative research methods
• use relational database software
• use research methodology procedures within manufacturing or commerce
• use robotics systems technology
• use scientific research methodology
• use spreadsheet software
• use technical information in manufacturing or industrial activities
• use technical regulations for engineering problems
• use total quality management practices
• use word processing or desktop publishing software
• work as a team member
• write business project or bid proposals
• write product performance requirements

Overall Experience
Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Job Training
Employees in these occupations usually need one or two years of training involving both on-the-job experience and informal training with experienced workers.

Education
Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree. Some may require a bachelor's degree.

Examples
These occupations usually involve using communication and organizational skills to coordinate, supervise, manage, or train others to accomplish goals. Examples include funeral directors, electricians, forest and conservation technicians, legal secretaries, interviewers, and insurance sales agents.

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• Projected growth (2006-2016): 3.58%
• Projected need (2006-2016): 6,097
• Employment (2006): 170,433

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