Electronics Technician

What is an Electronics Technician?

An electronics technician is a professional that works side-by-side with electrical engineers. Together, they work to develop electrical technology and electronic devices. Electronics technicians play a critical role during the design development process and may have the opportunity to work on a variety of different types of systems, including computers, medical technology and navigation equipment. In addition to assisting during the development process, an electronics technician also may work to test, evaluate and adapt a device or help to manufacture a particular product.

Job Responsibilities

Electronics technicians may have a wide variety of responsibilities depending on where they work. These may include:

• Evaluate and assess electronic components of the devices that are being designed by electrical engineers.
• Troubleshoot and repair electronic devices when needed.
• Install new equipment.
• Test existing equipment and identify any issues. (Repair testing equipment when needed.)
• Design prototypes of electronics systems.
• Evaluate the designs of an electrical system, and offer solutions for any issues that are identified.
• Perform preventative maintenance on electric systems.
• Perform quality control on electrical designs that have been submitted—make recommendations for improvements when necessary.
• Create manuals for electronic devices and systems.
• Test electronic systems and maintain reports on those systems.
• Draft sketches and diagrams for electronics systems—write specifications as needed.

Electronics Technician: 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.

Additional Training/Requirements

Graduates of the electronic engineering technology bachelor’s degree program who want to become an electronics technician will be pleased to know that there are minimal additional training requirements to work in this field.

Most electronics technician positions are entry-level positions, and they do not require job applicants to have previously worked in the field. This position typically requires applicants to have completed a related degree program. Most people who are hired to work as an electronics technician receive any additional training that they may need while on the job.

The electronic engineering technology bachelor’s degree program prepares students better than most other similar degree programs because it combines skills-based learning with traditional coursework. Graduates of this program have the hands-on skills needed in order to complete their job every day, all while being armed with the knowledge needed to offer innovative insight and solutions when necessary.

Employment Settings

One of the most unique aspects of the electronics technicians career field is that these professionals can work in a variety of different professional settings. This is one reason that this job opportunity is so appealing to recent graduates, because they can often find a position that suits their own personality, style and needs.

These are a few employment settings for electronics technicians:

• Manufacturing Facilities—Electronics technicians work in manufacturing facilities in order to oversee the production process of electronic equipment. They may troubleshoot and make repairs on devices as needed.
• Research laboratories—Electronics technicians work in the research and development facilities in order to test and evaluate electronics equipment. They may be responsible for collecting data and maintaining reports.

Most electronics technicians are full-time employees, and they can expect to work at least 40 hours per week. The job schedule may vary based on the individual position and where it is based out of.

If you think a career as an Electronics Technician may be right for you, you can find more detailed information on this field by visiting the Technology section of our blog. There you’ll find further career insights to help you plan your career path into the world of technology.