Electronics Engineering Technicians

QUICK FACTS*:

School Subjects: Math, Computer Sci., Chemistry, Physics

Personal Skills: Technical/scientific

Work Environment: Mostly indoors; Primarily one location

Minimum Education Level: High school diploma

Wage or Salary Range: $26,620 to $42,130 to 561,020+

Certification or Licensing: Voluntary

Future growth: About as fast as the average

DOT: 003

GOE: 05.01.0

NOC: 2241

O*NET: 17-3023.00, 17T303.0

OVERVIEW

Electronics engineering technicians work with electronics engineers to design, develop, and manufacture industrial and consumer electronic equipment, including sonar, radar, navigational equipment, computers, radios, televisions, DVD players, stereos, and calculators. They are involved in fabricating, operating, testing, troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining equipment. Those involved in the development of new electronic equipment help make changes or modifications in circuitry or other design elements.

Other electronics technicians inspect newly installed equipment or instruct and supervise lower grade technicians’ installation, assembly, or repair activities.

As part of their normal duties, all electronics engineering technicians set up testing equipment, conduct tests, and analyze the results; they also prepare reports, sketches, graphs, and schematic drawings to describe electronics systems and their characteristics. Their work involves the use of a variety of hand and machine tools, including such equipment as bench lathes and drills.

Depending on their area of specialization, electronics technicians may be designated by such titles as computer laboratory technicians, development instrumentation technicians, electronic communications technicians, nuclear reactor electronics technicians, engineering development technicians, or systems testing laboratory technicians. There are approximately 244,570 electrical and electronics engineering technicians employed in the United States.

HISTORY

Strictly speaking, electronics technology deals with the behavior of electrons as they pass through gases, liquids, solids, and vacuums. This field was originally an outgrowth of electrical engineering, an area concerned with the movement of electrons along conductors. As the field of electronics has expanded in scope, however, so has its definition, and today the term encompasses all areas of technology concerned with the behavior of electrons in electronic devices and equipment, including electrical engineering.

Although the field of electronics had its most spectacular growth and development during the 20th century, it’s actually the product of more than 200 years of study and experiment. One of the important early experimenters in this field was Benjamin Franklin. His experiments with lightning and his theory that electrical charges are present in all matter influenced the thinking and established much of the vocabulary of the researchers who came after him.

The invention of the electric battery, or voltaic pile, by the Italian scientist Alessandro Volta in 1800 ushered in a century of significant discoveries in the field of electricity and magnetism. Researchers working throughout Europe and the United States made important breakthroughs in how to strengthen, control, and measure the flow of electrons moving through vacuums. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, these experiments culminated in Sir Joseph John Thomson’s description and measurement of the particle now called the electron.

During the early years of the 20th century, further discoveries along these lines were made by experimenters such as Lee De Forest and Vladimir Zworykin. These discoveries led the way to developing equipment and techniques for long-distance broadcasting of radio and television signals. It was the outbreak of World War II, however, with its needs for long-distance communications equipment and, ultimately, missile-guidance systems, that brought about the rapid expansion of electronics technology and the creation of the electronics industry.

As the field of electronics technology turned to the creation of con sumer and industrial products following the end of the war, its growth was spurred by two new technological developments. The first was the completion in 1946 of the first all-purpose, all-electronic digital computer. This machine, crude as it was, could handle mathematical calculations a thousand times faster than the electromechanical calculating machines of its day. Since 1946, there has been a steady growth in the speed, sophistication, and versatility of computers.

The second important development was the invention of the transistor in 1948. The transistor provided an inexpensive and compact replacement for the vacuum tubes used in nearly all electronic equipment up until then. Transistors allowed for the miniaturization of electronic circuits and were especially crucial in the development of the computer and in opening new possibilities in industrial automation.

Discoveries during the 1960s in the fields of microcircuitry and integrated circuitry led to the development of microminiaturized and more sophisticated electronic equipment, from pocket calculators, digital watches, and microwave ovens to high-speed computers and the long-range guidance systems used in spaceflights.

By the 1970s, electronics had become one of the largest industries and most important areas of technology in the industrialized world, which, in turn, has come to rely on instantaneous worldwide communications, computer-controlled or computer-assisted industrial operations, and the wide-ranging forms of electronic data processing made possible by electronics technology.

Throughout the growth and development of the electronics field, there has been a need for skilled assistants in the laboratory, on the factory floor, and in the wide variety of settings where electronic equipment is used. Electronics engineering technicians fill this important role, and will continue to do so as the electronics industry continues its rapid growth.

Did You Know?

• Electronics engineering technicians make up approximately 45 per cent of all engineering technicians employed in the United States.

• Major governmental employers of Electronics engineering technicians include the Departments of Defense, Transportation, Agriculture, and interior; the Tennessee Valley Authority; and the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA).

• Over 46,000 electronics engineering technicians have received the Certified Electronics Technician designation from the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians (ISCET).

Source: U.S. Department of Labor, ISCET

THE JOB

Most electronics technicians work in one of three broad areas of electronics: product development, manufacturing and production, or service and maintenance. Technicians involved with service and maintenance are known as electronics service technicians.

In the product-development area, electronics technicians, or electronics development technicians, work directly with engineers or as part of a research team. Engineers draw up blueprints for a new product, and technicians build a prototype according to specifications. Using hand tools and small machine tools, they construct complex parts, components, and subassemblies.

After the prototype is completed, technicians work with engineers to test the product and make necessary modifications. They conduct physical and electrical tests to gauge performance under various stressful conditions; For example, they test to see how a component will react in extreme heat and cold. Tests are run using complicated instruments and equipment, and detailed accurate records of the tests are kept.

Electronics technicians in the product-development field may make suggestions for improvements in the design of a device. They may also have to construct, install, modify, or repair laboratory test equipment.

Electronics drafting is a field of electronics technology closely related to product development. Electronics drafters, or computer-aided design drafters, convert rough sketches and written or verbal information provided by engineers and scientists into easily understandable schematic, layout, or wiring diagrams to be used in manufacturing the product. These drafters may also prepare a list of components and equipment needed for producing the final product, as well as bills for materials.

Another closely related field is cost estimating. Cost-estimating technicians review new product proposals in order to determine the approximate total cost to produce a product. They estimate the costs for all labor, equipment, and materials needed to manufacture the product. The sales department uses these figures to determine at what price a product can be sold and whether production is economically feasible.

In the manufacturing and production phase, the electronics technicians, who are also called electronics manufacturing and production technicians, work in a wide variety of capacities, generally with the day-to-day handling of production problems, schedules, and costs. These technicians deal with any problems arising from the production process. They install, maintain, and repair assembly- or test-line machinery. In quality control, they inspect and test products at various stages in the production process. When a problem is discovered, they are involved in determining the nature and extent of it and in suggesting remedies.

Those involved in quality control inspect and test the products at various stages of completion. They also maintain and calibrate test equipment used in all phases of manufacturing. They determine the causes for rejection of parts or equipment by assembly-line inspectors and then analyze field and manufacturing reports of product failures.

These technicians may make specific recommendations to their supervisors to eliminate the causes of rejects and may even suggest design, manufacturing, and process changes and establish quality- acceptance levels. They may interpret quality-control standards to the manufacturing supervisors. And they may establish and maintain quality limits on items purchased from other manufacturers, thus ensuring the quality of parts used in the equipment being assembled.

Another area of electronics technology is that of technical writing and editing. Technical writers and technical editors compile, write, and edit a wide variety of technical information. This includes instructional leaflets, operating manuals, books, and installation and service manuals having to do with the products of the company. To do this, they must confer with design and development engineers, production personnel, salespeople, drafters, and others to obtain the necessary information to prepare the text, drawings, diagrams, parts, lists, and illustrations. They must understand thoroughly how and why the equipment works in order to be able to tell the customer how to use it and the service technician how to install and service it.

At times, technical writers and editors may help prepare technical reports and proposals and write technical articles for engineering societies, management, and other associations. Their job is to produce the means (through printed words and pictures) by which the customer can get the most value out of the purchased equipment.

REQUIREMENTS

High School

A high school diploma is necessary for anyone wishing to build a career as an electronics engineering technician. While in high school, you should take algebra, geometry, physics, chemistry, computer science, English, and communications classes. Courses in electronics and introductory electricity are also helpful as are shop courses and courses in mechanical drawing.

Postsecondary Training

Most employers prefer to hire graduates of two-year postsecondary training programs. These programs provide a solid foundation in the basics of electronics and supply enough general background in science as well as other career-related fields such as business and economics to aid the student in advancing to positions of greater responsibility.

Two-year programs in electronics technology are available at community colleges and technical institutes. Completion of these programs results in an associate’s degree. Programs vary quite a bit, but in general, a typical first-year curriculum includes courses in physics for electronics, technical mathematics, communications, AC/DC circuit analysis, electronic amplifiers, transistors, and instruments and measurements.

Typical second-year courses include physics, applied electronics, computer information systems, electronic drafting, electronic instruments and measurements, communications circuits and systems, dig ital electronics, technical writing, and control circuits and systems.

Students unable to attend a technical institute or community college should not overlook opportunities provided by the military. The military provides extensive training in electronics and other related fields. In addition, some major companies, particularly utilities, hire people straight out of high school and train them through in-house programs. Other companies promote people to technicians’ positions from lower level positions, provided they attend educational workshops and classes sponsored by the company.

Certification or Licensing

Electronics engineering technicians may obtain voluntary certification from the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians and the Electronics Technicians Association International. This certification is regarded as a demonstration of professional dedication, determination, and know-how.

Other Requirements

You should have an interest in and an aptitude for mathematics and science and should enjoy using tools and scientific equipment. On the personal side, you should be patient, methodical, persistent, and able to get along with different kinds of people. Because technology changes so rapidly, you will need to pursue additional training throughout your career. To work in electronics engineering, you also need to have the ability and desire to learn quickly, an inquisitive mind, and the willingness to read and study materials to keep up to date.

EXPLORING

If you are interested in a career as an electronics engineering technician, you can gain relevant experience by taking shop courses, joining electronics or radio clubs in school, and assembling electronic equipment with commercial kits.

You should take every opportunity to discuss the field with people working in it. Try to visit a variety of different kinds of electronics facilities—service shops, manufacturing plants, and research laboratories—either through individual visits or through field trips organized by teachers or guidance counselors. These visits will pro vide a realistic idea of the opportunities in the different areas of the electronics industry. You should also take an introductory course in basic electricity or electronics to test your aptitude, skills, and interest. If you enroll in a community college or technical school, you may be able to secure off quarter or part-time internships with local employers through your school’s job placement office. Internships are valuable ways to gain experience while still in school.

EMPLOYERS

Electronics engineering technicians are employed by companies that design, develop, and manufacture industrial and consumer electron ic equipment. Such employers include service shops, manufacturing plants, and research laboratories.

STARTING OUT

You may be able to find your first full-time position through your school’s job placement office. These offices tend to develop very good working relationships with area employers and can offer you excel lent interviewing opportunities.

Another way to obtain employment is through direct contact with a particular company. It’s best to write to the personnel department and include a resume summarizing your education and experience. If the company has an appropriate opening, a company representative will schedule an interview with you. There are also many excellent public and commercial employment organizations that can help graduates obtain jobs appropriate to their training and experience. In addition, the classified ads in most metropolitan Sunday newspapers list a number of job openings with companies in the area.

Professional associations compile information on job openings and publish job lists. For example, the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians offers lists of job openings around the country at its website. Information about job openings can also be found in trade magazines on electronics.

ADVANCEMENT

Advancement possibilities in the field of electronics are almost unlimited. Technicians usually begin work under the direct and constant supervision of an experienced technician, scientist, or engineer. As they gain experience or additional education, they are given more responsible assignments, often carrying out particular work pro grams under only very general supervision. From there, technicians may move into supervisory positions; those with exceptional ability can sometimes qualify for professional positions after receiving additional academic training.

The following short paragraphs describe some of the positions to which electronics technicians can advance.

Electronics technician supervisors work on more complex projects than do electronics technicians. They supervise other technicians and may also have administrative duties, such as making the employee work schedule, assigning laboratory projects to various technicians, overseeing the training progress of new employees, and keeping the workplace clean, organized, and well stocked. In general, they tend to have more direct contact with project managers and project engineers.

Engineering technicians are senior technicians or engineering assistants who work as part of a team of engineers and technicians in research and development of new products. Additional education, resulting in a bachelor of science degree in engineering, is required for this position.

Production test supervisors make detailed analyses of production assembly lines in order to determine where production tests should be placed along the line and the nature and goal of the tests. They may be responsible for designing the equipment setup used in production testing.

Quality control supervisors determine the scope of a product sampling and the kinds of tests to be run on production units. They translate specifications into testing procedures.

Workers who want to advance to engineering positions can become electrical engineers or electronics engineers through additional education. A bachelor of science degree in engineering is required.

All electronics technicians will need to pursue additional training throughout their careers in order to keep up-to-date with new technologies and techniques. Many employers offer continuing education in the form of in-house workshops or outside seminars. Professional associations also offer seminars and classes on newer technologies and skill building.

EARNINGS

The U.S. Department of Labor reports that in 2001, median annual earnings for electrical and electronics engineering technicians were $42,130. Salaries ranged from less than $26,620 to more than $61,020.

Electronics engineering technicians generally receive premium pay for overtime work on Sundays and holidays and for evening and night-shift work. Most employers offer benefits packages that include paid holidays, paid vacations, sick days, and health insurance. Companies may also offer pension and retirement plans, profit sharing, 401-K plans, tuition assistance programs, and release time for additional education.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Because electronic equipment usually must be manufactured in a dust-free, climate-controlled environment, electronics engineering technicians can expect to work in modern, comfortable, well-lighted surroundings. Many electronics plants have been built in industrial parks with ample parking and little traffic congestion. Technicians who work with cable, Master Antenna Television, satellites, and antennas work outside. Frequency of injuries in the electronics industry is far less than in most other industries, and injuries that do occur are usually not serious.

Most employees work a 40-hour workweek, although overtime is not unusual. Some technicians regularly average 50 - 60 hours a week.

OUTLOOK

There is good reason to believe that the electronics industry will remain one of the most important industries in the United States through the next decade. Consumer products such as large screen and high-definition televisions, videocassette recorders, DVD and CD players, personal computers, and home appliances with solid-state controls are constantly evolving and in high demand. Two areas showing high growth are computers and telecommunications products. Multimedia and interactive products are expanding rapidly, and many new products are expected in the coming years. In addition, increasing automation and computer-assisted manufacturing processes rely on advanced electronic technology.

All of these uses for electronics should continue to stimulate growth in the electronics industry. The U.S. Department of Labor estimates that opportunities for electronics engineering technicians will increase as fast as the average. Foreign competition, general economic conditions, and levels of government spending may affect certain areas of the field to some degree. This is an industry, how ever, that is becoming so central to our lives and for which there is still such growth potential that it seems unlikely that any single fac tor could substantially curb its growth and its need for specially trained personnel.

Prospective electronics technicians should begin paying attention to certain factors that might affect the areas in which they are thinking of working. For example, workers planning to work for the military or for a military contractor or subcontractor in radar technology need to keep an eye on federal legislation concerning military spending cuts or increases.

In some areas, the demand for workers is higher than the number of trained workers available. For example, there is a need for highly skilled electronics technicians at companies that produce electronics products with related telecommunications or computer technology. Electro-medical and biomedical subfields dealing with technical hospital machines have also been identified as high-demand areas.

The electronics industry is undeniably indispensable to our lives, and although there will be fluctuations in growth for certain subfields, there will be a need for qualified personnel in others. The key to success for an electronics technician is to stay up to date with technology and to be professionally versatile. Building a career on a solid academic and hands-on foundation in basic electronics enables an electronics technician to remain competitive in the job market.