What do they do?

Cell phones, airport security systems, TV, all the rest of today's electrical and electronic devices and systems that surround us.

Electrical and electronics engineering technicians and technologists are the highly sought-after people who help develop, test, and maintain all this. They’re the folks who know what button to push to get the computer or DVD player to work.

Because electronics are indispensable to nearly everything we do, electrical technicians and technologists can be found in such diverse areas as manufacturing, where they help develop industrial equipment; medicine, where they help develop diagnostic devices; weapons and security systems where they help develop radar and sonar systems; and transportation and aeronautics, where they help develop navigational equipment.

Technologists differ from technicians. Technologists are usually charged with the role of turning a concept that comes from an engineer into a prototype or product. Technicians usually play a more "hands-on" role, installing, testing and maintaining the actual products. Some help carry out applied research under the direction of scientists or engineers. Others set up specialized equipment to diagnose and analyze the performance of electrical and electronic components, assemblies and systems.

Specific tasks include:
 

	Helping electronic engineers design and test electronic equipment, including computers, communications equipment, industrial and medical equipment, and measuring or control devices
	Assembling circuitry and building prototypes
	Doing preventive maintenance, diagnosing problems, and doing repairs on electronic equipment and components
	Drawing sketches to clarify design details
	Writing technical reports and drawing charts and diagrams that show how system operate for consideration by engineers.

Specialization

Electrical technicians and technologists can specialize in technical sales, product representation, systems management, the design and manufacture of electronic devices and systems, or the installation, maintenance and repair of electronic systems and equipment. They may also work with computers and electronic equipment in the medical, manufacturing, industrial control, telecommunications, aeronautical and military fields.
 

	Electronics design technicians help design and develop electrical and electronic systems.
	Microwave maintenance technicians maintain microwave systems, including digital microwave radio systems, components, related electronic sensing devices and controls, and other electronic equipment.
	Field service technicians support systems sales, do preventative maintenance and repairs, modify equipment, trouble-shoot, and plan installations

Education

Most employers prefer technologists with a bachelor’s degree in Engineering in the field.

Technicians usually begin by performing routine duties under the supervision of an experienced engineer or technologist. With experience, technicians and technologists are given more difficult assignments, and some become supervisors. Career advancement usually depends on job performance, development of technical skills, length of employment, and the ability to supervise.
 

Skills & Knowledge
 

	Understanding and using electronics
	Understanding technical manuals, diagrams, and charts
	Manual dexterity
	Teamwork

Working Conditions

Electrical and electronics engineering technicians can work for electrical utilities, communications companies, manufacturers, the military, government, or in the processing and transportation industries.
 

Job Outlook

There are plenty of jobs for skilled electrical and electronics technicians with postsecondary qualifications. But the job is becoming more competitive and there are not so many jobs for people with lesser skills. Technology is improving productivity for many of these jobs and thus holding down job growth.