Description: Apply electrical theory and related knowledge to test and modify developmental or operational electrical machinery and electrical control equipment and circuitry in industrial or commercial plants and laboratories. Usually work under direction of engineering staff.

Sample of reported job titles: Electronics Technician, Engineering Assistant, Engineering Technician, Equipment Engineering Technician, Equipment Specialist, Laboratory Technician, Production Associate, Project Engineer, Test Systems Technician, Test Technician

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Tasks

• Assemble electrical and electronic systems and prototypes according to engineering data and knowledge of electrical principles, using hand tools and measuring instruments.
• Provide technical assistance and resolution when electrical or engineering problems are encountered before, during, and after construction.
• Install and maintain electrical control systems and solid state equipment.
• Modify electrical prototypes, parts, assemblies, and systems to correct functional deviations.
• Set up and operate test equipment to evaluate performance of developmental parts, assemblies, or systems under simulated operating conditions, and record results.
• Collaborate with electrical engineers and other personnel to identify, define, and solve developmental problems.
• Build, calibrate, maintain, troubleshoot and repair electrical instruments or testing equipment.

Knowledge

• Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
• Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
• English Language - Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
• Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
• Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

Skills

• Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
• Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
• Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
• Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
• Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Abilities

• Near Vision - The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).
• Problem Sensitivity - The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
• Deductive Reasoning - The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
• Oral Comprehension - The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
• Written Comprehension - The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Interests

• Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
• Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
• Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Work Styles

• Attention to Detail - Job requires being careful about detail and thorough in completing work tasks.
• Dependability - Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
• Cooperation - Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
• Initiative - Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
• Integrity - Job requires being honest and ethical.

Tools and Technology

Tools used in this occupation:

• Electronic measuring probes - Current probes; Voltage probes
• Microprocessors - Microcomputers; Microprocessors
• Multimeters - Multimeters; Signal measuring equipment
• Potentiometers - Direct current DC potentiometers; Potentiometers
• Signal generators - Function generators; Signal generators

Technology used in this occupation:

• Analytical or scientific software - Cadence PSpice; Mentor Graphics ModelSim; Proportional integral derivative control PID software; Root cause analysis software; The Mathworks MATLAB
• Computer aided design CAD software - Autodesk AutoCAD software; Cadence software; Computer aided design CAD software; National Instruments Multisim; OrCAD Capture
• Data base user interface and query software - Database software; Oracle software
• Development environment software - Assembler; C; Verilog
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel; Spreadsheet software

Note: This occupational description highlights important information for this occupation (ie, Knowledges, Skills, and Abilities). Additional detail is available from: O*NET OnLine.

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