Electrical Engineering Technician

What is an Electrical Engineering Technician?

An electrical engineering technician designs and develops electrical and electronic systems. This might include computers, communications equipment, and navigational equipment, depending on the industry. These professionals will also measure the output of electrical systems and diagnose problems with them. These techs play an important role in developing equipment for automation in factories and other manufacturing settings.

An electrical engineering technician needs to have strong math skills and logical reasoning skills. These professionals help design and implement many products and play a vital role in manufacturing. An electrical engineering technician also needs hands-on training to learn to use machine tools in order to make parts and components. They need good problem-solving abilities to get to the root of problems with electrical and electronic systems.

Job Responsibilities

Though the job of an electrical engineering technician will vary depending on the industry employing the individual, these professionals will often:

• Build prototypes for electrical systems and components
• Put together, repair, and calibrate electrical devices or electrical testing equipment
• Draft sketches that show designs of circuitry
• Read schematics and blueprints to assemble electronic items and devices
• Make parts and components for electronic units
• Write reports and record data based on the work performed
• Find solutions to design problems that happen when building electrical systems
• Draw designs and specifications for electronics units
• Perform quality control on electrical and electronic system designs
• Tour construction sites to see what conditions will impact electrical designs

Electrical Engineering Technicians: Career Outlook

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, about 9,900 openings for electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Most of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire. These workers are needed to support the continuing integration of computer and electronics systems, such as those found in automobiles and in various portable and household products.

How do I get started as an Electrical Engineering Technician?

The Electronic Technology associate degree program provides the foundation of skills to pursue job opportunities as electrical engineering technicians. An Electronic Technology degree from Bryant & Stratton College opens the door to work in telecommunications, manufacturing, and many other industries. These professionals may be employed by the government and even schools. They can also work independently as consultants rather than working directly for a company.

Electrical engineering technicians often work closely with electrical engineers, but this is not the same role. The electrical engineering technician will test, diagnose, and repair equipment, while the engineer designs and oversees the equipment as it is being built. Both need to be able to read blueprints and have a keen understanding of how electrical systems and components work.

Employment Settings

Electrical engineering technicians work in varied settings. Some work in an office analyzing plans and blueprints, while others are in labs working to create new products and systems. These pros are also often in the field or in the factory working on the products and systems they help plan.

Most electrical engineering technicians work full-time jobs. This field does have options for contract work if you need more flexibility. Sometimes overnight work is necessary in manufacturing facilities and similar businesses that work around the clock, but most electrical engineering technicians are able to work a standard workweek schedule.

Bryant and Stratton College provides information about this career path based on job market data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook. It can help you make the right choices for your potential career path but is not in any way a guarantee of your job salary or potential title.For more information about what it might look like to work as an electrical engineering technician, or for information about other IT and engineering careers visit the Technology & Design section of our blog. There you’ll find further career insights to help you plan your career path into the world of technology. Read more about the AAS in Electronic Technology from Bryant & Stratton College to learn if this is the right degree option for your needs.