Electronics Technician Job Description, Skills, and Salary
Get to know about the duties, responsibilities, qualifications, and skills requirements of an electronics technician. Feel free to use our job description template to produce your own. We also provide you with information about the salary you can earn as an electronics technician.
Who is an Electronics Technician?
An Electronics Technician repairs and maintains electrical and technological equipment. Electronics technicians troubleshoot, replace broken equipment parts, update software and hardware, operate machines, identify blueprints’ flaws, install systems, and write reports on technological procedures.
An electronics technician needs to be meticulous, have outstanding decision-making skills, and be able to multitask to provide the best services to consumers.
Electronics technicians supervise different types of electronic equipment. They perform tests on them to find problems in addition to maintaining and installing it. They also reassemble circuit boards or motor parts, order replacement parts, and install them.
Electronics technicians should be familiar with interpreting wiring diagrams and schematics and using electronic testing equipment. To maintain equipment and service records, an electronics technician must also be a critical thinker, an analytical problem solver, and a person of the organization.
Although it is more likely that you will maintain equipment after they have left the factory as a technician, you may opt to specialize in debugging or fixing products before they are made. In smaller businesses, you might need to do both.
If you work in a production facility, you will assist in the electronic and electromechanical components’ inspection, testing, adjustment, and assessment. You can be part of the design team, creating prototypes according to plans. Additionally, you might collaborate with physicists and electrical engineers.
Electronics technicians might work in various settings. They provide maintenance and installation services for electronic equipment in electronics companies, telecommunications, computer corporations, government organizations, and electrical engineering firms.
Consider a career as an electronics technician if you have a passion for electronics and for resolving technical problems in homes, offices, schools, and other institutions. You will collaborate with engineers and other professionals to maintain the performance of standard electrical equipment and find new ways to use technology to enhance your life. You can also work in biomedical research and automobile technology. You might work in confined spaces where you may experience noise, dust, and chemicals. Many electronics technicians have full-time jobs and may work extra to meet deadlines. Some technicians may travel to the customer’s location to install or repair electronic equipment.
Electronics Technician Job Description
Below are the electronics technician job description examples you can use to develop your resume or write an electronics technician job description for your employee. Employers can also use it to sieve out job seekers when choosing candidates for interviews.
- Create and keep records for electrical and electronic equipment.
- Create or modify components as required to undertake repairs and enhance the functionality of various devices.
- Determine the material or replacement requirements and a reasonable repair strategy; make repairs after taking the necessary measures to meet those requirements.
- Ensure users use appropriate materials throughout electrical systems and follow local, state, and national electrical codes.
- Explain to workers the necessary precautions and safe working practices when handling electronic components and equipment.
- Inspect, install, and repair electronics or electronic systems as instructed by verbal or written instructions, schematics, drawings, or specifications.
- Maintain the electronic systems of the organization and make appropriate operational modifications.
- Manage and install wire and cable systems, splicing as necessary.
- Perform safety tests to ensure that design plans are workable under different circumstances.
- Notify the supervisor of potentially hazardous electrical equipment and takes action to fix the problem.
- Perform further related tasks as directed.
Qualifications
- High school certificate or GED
- An associate’s or bachelor’s degree in an electronics course.
- Experience in a similar role through apprenticeship or internship
Essential Skills
- Customer Service
Electronics technicians should have strong customer service skills because they frequently deal directly with them. They must be able to pay attention to their demands, respond to their inquiries, and offer satisfying solutions. Building trust between the technician and the customer is another aspect of good customer service, as it allows the customer to feel comfortable asking questions and trusting their technician’s advice.
- Analog Theory
Understanding analog theory is necessary to comprehend how analog circuits work. Since most electrical systems are composed of analog components, electronics workers employ this competence when troubleshooting and fixing electrical systems. Understanding analog theory helps technicians diagnose electrical system problems more quickly and correctly.
- Circuit Boards Repair
The ability to recognize and repair electrical components on circuit boards is known as circuit board repair. When troubleshooting or repairing electronic equipment, which frequently involves circuit boards that govern their functioning, electronics workers use this competence. The ability to solder and de-solder and good knowledge of electronics are requirements for circuit board repair.
- Digital Skills
The capacity to comprehend and use digital technology is known as digital theory. When working with computers, software, and other digital instruments in the workplace, electronics technicians employ digital theory. An electronics technician can solve problems more quickly and effectively by comprehending how these instruments work.
- Soldering
Soldering is when you connect two or more metal objects by melting a filler substance between them. Electronics technicians use this technique to ensure they properly connect wires and other electrical components to work effectively. Your ability to design your technological products will also help you progress professionally.
- Detail-oriented
Your ability to pay attention to detail will help you do your job well. When working on circuits, wiring, and other parts of electronic devices, electronics technicians need to be able to follow directions. Additionally, this ability aids in ensuring your safety and others at work. For instance, being meticulous when installing electrical equipment can prevent you from unintentionally posing a risk of electrical fire or shock.
- Knowledge of Wire Harnessing
Electronics professionals connect electrical devices and components using their knowledge of wire harnessing. They may also make electrical systems for machinery, automobiles, and other things. Understanding various wire kinds and how they interact with one another is necessary for this. It also calls for knowledge of safety procedures when dealing with high-voltage equipment.
- Organization
Being organized means being able to keep track of your tasks and equipment. You might have to keep different equipment as an electronics technician. Finding what you need quickly and lowering the chance of equipment damage due to incorrect storage are both benefits of being organized. You can find all the required tools and parts when you need them, which helps you finish jobs on schedule.
- String assembly
Most electrical systems contain cables, so electronics technicians frequently need to recognize different kinds and how they link to other parts. Additionally, they must understand how to install them correctly to prevent fire hazards and equipment interference.
- Theory of AC/DC
Understanding alternating current and direct current is known as AC/DC theory. Given that most electrical systems use one or both types, having this understanding will help when working with them. Other jobs in the technology sector, such as software developer or computer repair technician, can require you to have this competence.
- Time Management
Time management is the ability to schedule and carry out work in a way that guarantees you meet deadlines. It’s crucial to effectively manage your time if you want to complete assignments on time and please your clients as an electronics specialist. You may need to prioritize some chores above others, for instance, if you are dealing with a customer who needs their automobile back by the end of the day.
- Electrical Diagnostics
Electrical system problems are found and fixed through the troubleshooting procedure. Electronics specialists fix damaged wiring, switches, circuit boards, and other parts of electrical devices using their troubleshooting abilities. These skills are also used to diagnose issues with electrical equipment such as lighting, motors, and generators.
- RF Theory
Radiofrequency theory has the information you need to comprehend how radio waves function. They can transmit data from one device to another, thanks to their speed, wavelength, and other properties. When establishing wireless connections between devices or troubleshooting problems with remote controls or garage door openers, electronics technicians use this knowledge.
- PCB Design
A printed circuit board (PCB) layout is the act of drawing a design that indicates where you should arrange components on a circuit board. Electronics technicians use PCB layouts to design diagrams for new projects and verify that all required components are present. This knowledge can assist you in creating circuits that work and lower the danger of electrical fires.
- Problem-Solving and Troubleshooting
Problem-solving skills include the capacity to troubleshoot. Electronics technicians employ troubleshooting techniques when identifying problems with machinery, computers, other equipment, or electrical systems. They assess the issue, look into potential fixes, and then find a solution to resolve it. You can also solve common technical issues that occur during projects by troubleshooting.
Electronics technicians confront issues like broken or malfunctioning equipment, incorrect readings, and intermittent system failure. You must be able to create backup plans as a technician, taking into account any future changes to a system, such as expected life, operating conditions, or model changes.
How to Become an Electronics Technician
To become an electronics technician, follow these steps:
Get an Associate’s Degree
Getting an associate’s degree in technology is the first step to take to become an electronic technician. It can be finished in about two years and is often the position’s minimal educational requirement. You can earn an associate’s degree in technology by combining in-class instruction and practical experience. Before entering the sector, this kind of education can assist you in developing soft skills like critical thinking, problem-solving, and project management.
Ascertain your Level of Specialization
Some technicians only work with a specific kind of electronics or branch of electronics engineering. Most electronic technicians’ specialties are centered on the equipment you might use on the job. Commercial and industrial equipment, aircraft equipment, automobile equipment, and relay and substation equipment are a few common specializations for these people. It can be beneficial to think about the systems or products you are already familiar with and the industries that most interest you while selecting a specialty. You could decide against specializing and going into the industry as a generic electronic technician.
Obtain a License
After determining whether you want to specialize, work toward at least one industry credential. Even though some electronic technicians can find jobs without certification, having one is advantageous. It can boost your chances of landing a position by using your certificate to demonstrate to employers your skills and competence and your dedication to the industry.
Electronics technicians can earn credentials, including the Associate Certified Electronics Technician (CET) title from ETA International. As it covers the fundamentals of the sector and the technical abilities that can be crucial for the job, this certification can be ideal for new electronic technicians. This certification requires passing an exam, completing a prerequisite course, and proving your experience level. The Basic Systems Technician (BST), an advanced certificate is also offered by ETA International for those with more experience.
Gain Professional Experience
Start gaining experience in the electronics sector once you have earned your certification. It might give you a taste of what workdays are like in your field and aid in the future development of your electronic skills. You can hunt for work in the sector if you choose to concentrate on an area of electronics engineering. For instance, you can look for entry-level positions with aerospace companies or airlines if you wish to work as an electronic technician for airlines.
Apply For Open Roles
You can apply for an electronic technician role once you have gained knowledge and skills. You can go on job websites to search for open positions and apply.
Where to Work as an Electronics Technician
Every sector in the world employs electronics technicians. They work for electricity utilities, telecommunication firms, educational institutions, healthcare facilities, and places of worship. They also work with governments, manufacturers, consulting businesses, the transportation industry, and enterprises that manufacture electrical equipment.
Electronics technicians have access to all the test tools required to repair devices at work. Some spend most of their time servicing equipment. The others barely ever visit the workplace. They move from company to company fixing electronic devices like security systems, CCTV, fire alarms, copiers, and other items that can’t be shipped back to the maker.
Electronics Technician Salary Scale
Electronics technicians make around $67,550 annually, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).
In the United Kingdom, The average annual compensation for an electronics technician is £31,500.
However, the employers you work for and the industries in which you work determine your compensation. Additionally, the positions occupied as electronics technicians in your organization may affect how much they pay you. Those with more experience and skills typically make more money. However, most electronic technicians have full-time jobs. It implies that you will receive payment, including perks like health insurance and overtime pay.
