Electronics Technician
Electrical and electronics engineering technicians help engineers design and develop computers, communications equipment, medical monitoring devices, navigational equipment, and other electrical and electronic equipment. They often work in product evaluation and testing, and use measuring and diagnostic devices to adjust, test, and repair equipment. They are also involved in the manufacture and deployment of equipment for automation.
Electrical engineering technicians install and maintain electrical control systems and equipment, and modify electrical prototypes, parts, and assemblies to correct problems. When testing systems, they set up equipment and evaluate the performance of developmental parts, assemblies, or systems under simulated conditions. They then analyze test information to resolve design-related problems.
Electronics engineering technicians, by comparison, design basic circuitry and draft sketches to clarify details of design documentation, under the direction of a licensed engineer. They may also be called on to assemble, test, and maintain circuitry components according to engineering manuals. In order to accomplish this, they may fabricate custom parts, such as coils and terminal boards, by using bench lathes, drills, or other computer-controlled machine tools. They also calibrate and perform preventive maintenance on equipment and systems.
Education
Programs for electrical and electronics engineering technicians usually lead to an associate's degree in electrical or electronics engineering technology. Community colleges offer programs similar to those in technical institutes but include more theory and diversity of coursework, such as programming languages, chemistry, physics, logical processors, and circuitry.
Certification
ETA International offers certifications in several fields, including basic electronics, biomedical electronics, and renewable energy. The International Society of Automation offers certification as a Control Systems Technician. To gain such certification, technicians must demonstrate skills in pneumatic, mechanical, and electronic instrumentation. In addition, they must demonstrate an understanding of process control loops and process control systems.
The Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET accredits programs, as does the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET). This certification would benefit those technicians working in the electric power generation, transmission, and distribution industry.
Organizations
Whether you’re a new graduate or have several years of experience, there’s an industry trade group ready to offer training, networking opportunities and other specialized resources that can help you stay current in your field and manage your career.
-
1. Consumer Technology Association (CTA)
2. National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA)
3. American National Standards Institute (ANSI)
4. Semiconductor Industry Association (SIA)
5. National Association of Broadcasters (NAB)
6. National Cable & Telecommunications Association (NCTA)
7. Information Technology Industry Council (ITI)
8. Wireless Infrastructure Association (WIA)
9. National Association of Manufacturers (NAM)
10. The Electronic Components Industry Association (ECIA)