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An electrical engineering technician assists engineers to develop and design electrical and electronic equipment. For example, they work on medical monitoring equipment, communications equipment, and navigational equipment. Additionally, they test, repair, and adjust equipment or products. An electrical engineering technician works closely with electrical engineers, mostly for the federal government as well as manufacturing, utilities, or research and development companies. Watch a video to learn what an electrical engineering technician does:
How to Become an Electrical Engineering Technician
An associate’s degree is usually required in electrical or electronics engineering technology. Most vocational trade schools include programs that provide local students with training that local employers look for as well. Community colleges have similar programs as technical schools. However, community colleges may stress more liberal arts and theory-based coursework. Many of these colleges permit students to concentrate in computer electronics, communication electronics, and industrial electronics.
Aspiring electrical and electronics engineering technicians would most likely take courses in ANSI C, C++ programming, physics, circuitry, Java programming, and microprocessors. The Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET accredits programs that include college algebra, basic science, and trigonometry.
Job Description of a Electrical Engineering Technician
An electrical engineering technician builds electronic and electrical prototypes and systems. They assemble, calibrate, and repair electrical instruments. They sometimes visit construction sites in order to observe conditions that affect the design and find solutions to problems with a technical design that may be present in the construction of electrical systems.
Electrical and electronics engineering techs have the task of inspecting designs for quality control and would report findings and offer recommendations to the problem. They also draw diagrams and write specifications to clarify design details of experimental electronic units.
Electronic engineering technicians also draft sketches and design basic circuitry to clarify details of design documentation while under the direction of an engineer. He or she would build prototypes from plans or rough sketches and test, assemble, and maintain circuitry or electronic components per technical manual, engineering instructions, and their knowledge of electronics. He or she would replace or adjust defective circuitry and electronic components when necessary, as well as make parts, like terminal boards and coils by using drills, bench lathes, or other tools.
It is often required for the electronic engineering technician to read schematic drawings, blueprints and engineering instructions for assembling electronic units, as well as write reports and record data.
Electrical Engineering Technician Career Video Transcript
A foundation of logical thinking fueled by math and mechanical skills guides electrical and electronics engineering technicians to help engineers develop a range of useful products including computers medical devices navigational equipment and more. Electrical engineering technicians draw diagrams and write specifications to clarify engineers’ designs. They put electrical control equipment prototypes and systems together, identify design problems, and then come up with ways to solve them. They also test parts to ensure their quality, and write up reports on their findings.
Electronics engineering technicians use machine tools to make parts, such as coils and terminal boards. They resolve equipment malfunctions and maintain electronic systems, including testing components and replacing defective circuits. They also design basic circuitry and build prototypes from simple plans. Electrical and electronics engineering technicians work in offices, laboratories, and factories and may be exposed to hazards from equipment or toxic materials. However, injuries are rare if proper procedures are followed. Depending on production schedules, technicians may work day or night shifts. A standard workweek is more typical in federal government jobs. Most positions require an associate’s degree in electrical or electronics engineering technology.
Article Citations
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians.
National Center for O*NET Development. 17-3023.03. O*NET OnLine.