ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERING TECHNICIANS Number 60 Interest Area 5-A 1998
THE JOB
ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING TECHNICIANS do work that is essential to the development, manufacture, modification, and maintenance of a wide range of products and equipment.
Technicians usually work as assistants to engineers and are often identified by titles similar to those given to the engineers. Some common ones are Design Engineering Technician, Systems Development Technician, and Product Engineering Technician. Technicians with the most experience often work in the area of research and development.
Technicians use their knowledge of electronics theory and circuitry, test
procedures, mathematics, and physics to draw sketches, make layouts, and
build experimental circuitry ("breadboards"), prototype and production
models, and production equipment. They design and modify basic circuits,
and recommend changes in circuitry or specifications. They trouble-shoot
failed units, often down to the level of the individual components, analyze
the cause of failures, and do necessary repairs. They use equipment such as
voltmeters, ohmmeters, signal generators, ammeters, and oscilloscopes.
Technicians set up and run a variety of environmental, operational, and
functional tests on components, systems, and new products, and sometimes
devise new test procedures as well. They analyze and interpret test data,
write technical reports, develop graphs or charts to describe operating
characteristics, failures, and limitations for the engineers to consider,
and may also write computer programs in assembly language in order to test
new systems. They also may run special diagnostic programs that help
pinpoint certain malfunctions.
Some technicians are primarily involved with the manufacturing process; they maintain production and quality control equipment, develop tests to assure product quality, and investigate various manufacturing problems. They also often train and supervise junior technicians and production assemblers.
Other technicians work as Customer Engineers or Field Service Representatives, installing and maintaining equipment and systems at the customer's worksite. In addition to providing preventive and corrective maintenance, they often train the customer's employees, and advise them of proper procedures to use to avoid equipment breakdowns. In the performance of their duties, Electronic Technicians operate calculators, computers, and experimental and laboratory equipment. They use drafting tools and complex electronic and mechanical instruments, and also make use of engineering handbooks and other reference materials.
Microwave Technicians are Electronics Technicians who specialize in electronic microwave systems typically found in telecommunications, radar systems, and military electronic detection and countermeasure systems. These workers apply theory and practical techniques to develop, test, install, and service an ever-increasing number of applications of electronic-microwave equipment. Most of them work in the defense industry designing and fabricating microwave systems.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Most electronics manufacturing plants are modern, air-conditioned buildings which offer a pleasant working environment. Technicians perform their work in various locations: the engineering or prototype department, main production area, quality control department, laboratory, or at their own workbenches. Some may be exposed to hazards from equipment, chemicals or toxic materials. Due to the delicate nature of many electronic products, technicians may perform much of their work in clean rooms in which the temperature, humidity, and dust content of the air are carefully controlled. Regardless of the type of work they do, all workers in clean rooms wear masks, gloves, and smocks or coveralls.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 49,250 Estimated number of workers in 2005 58,760 Projected Growth 1993-2005 19% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 14,360
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)
With the development of computers with memory circuits that store information, automated assembly equipment and systems have become practical and are now an important factor in the manufacture of electronic products. Automation has not had a negative influence on the type of technical and complex work performed by technicians. On the contrary, technicians are often responsible for the maintenance and repair of the automated production equipment. Some of them become sales representatives, using their invaluable Electronics Technician background.
These developments have created a decent employment outlook for Electronics Technicians, particularly for those who are experienced in such technological areas as digital and analog circuitry, microprocessor systems, or microwave equipment. Trained but inexperienced Technicians should be able to find employment opportunities in junior-level or test technician positions.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
The median wage in California for Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians is $16.64 per hour.
The standard workweek is usually 40 hours, Monday through Friday. However, technicians may work swing and night shifts and earn up to an additional 10 to 15 percent as a shift premium. Field Service Technicians occasionally may be called during off-duty hours and then are paid time and one-half, or double time for holidays. Fringe benefits usually include major holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, and health and life insurance plans. Some employers also offer profit-sharing, stock purchase plans, and bonus programs. Protective clothing, if required, is supplied by the employer.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Technicians must understand electronics theory and be able to apply it. As a result, formal training in electronics is almost always required. Most employers expect applicants to have an associate degree in electronics technology or equivalent technical or military training, in addition to high school graduation and a solid background in both mathematics and the physical sciences.
Technicians often find it valuable to take additional courses and study technical manuals to keep up on the frequent changes and developments in the field of electronics. They should be detail-minded and have the initiative to work independently much of the time. They should be able to work from schematic diagrams, sketches, and verbal instructions. Good communication skills, both oral and written, are necessary, since reports and verbal explanations are usually part of the job. Other important traits are manual dexterity, good vision, and color perception.
Many of California's community colleges offer degree programs in electronics technology, as well as courses in related subjects. Technicians who work on radio transmission equipment are required to obtain a radio-telephone operator's license issued by the Federal Communications Commission. They may prepare for this license at most community colleges, or through home-study courses.
A four-year Electronics Technician apprenticeship program run by the California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Apprenticeship Standards, is in effect in various locations throughout California.
ADVANCEMENT
Electronics Technicians who demonstrate skill and leadership ability may be promoted to lead-level and supervisory-level positions. Those who continue their formal education and earn at least a bachelor degree may advance to a wide range of professional engineering positions.
FINDING THE JOB
Applicants for technician positions should contact employers directly, register with their school's placement office, and respond to want ads in local newspapers and trade journals. In addition, employers frequently list their openings with the Job Service offices of the California Employment Development Department.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
The American Society for Engineering Education 11 DuPont Circle, Suite 200 Washington, DC 20036
The Electronics Industries Association 1722 I Street, N.W., Suite 300 Washington, DC 20006 (202) 457-4900
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Data Processing Equip. Repairers No. 152 Electronics Repairers No. 222 Instrumentation Technicians No. 485
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed.,1991) Electrical Technician 003.161-010 Electronics Technician 003.161-014
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technicians 225050
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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