Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

What the job really is

Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.

At a glance

• Sector: Architecture & Engineering
• O*NET-SOC code: 17-3023
• O*NET job zone: 3 — medium preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Modify, maintain, or repair electronics equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.
• Replace defective components or parts, using hand tools and precision instruments.
• Set up and operate specialized or standard test equipment to diagnose, test, or analyze the performance of electronic components, assemblies, or systems.
• Read blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings, or engineering instructions for assembling electronics units, applying knowledge of electronic theory and components.
• Identify and resolve equipment malfunctions, working with manufacturers or field representatives as necessary to procure replacement parts.
• Assemble electrical systems or prototypes, using hand tools or measuring instruments.
• Review electrical engineering plans to ensure adherence to design specifications and compliance with applicable electrical codes and standards.
• Assemble, test, or maintain circuitry or electronic components, according to engineering instructions, technical manuals, or knowledge of electronics, using hand or power tools.
• Review existing electrical engineering criteria to identify necessary revisions, deletions, or amendments to outdated material.
• Maintain system logs or manuals to document testing or operation of equipment.
• Select electronics equipment, components, or systems to meet functional specifications.
• Calculate design specifications or cost, material, and resource estimates, and prepare project schedules and budgets.

Tools and technology

Adobe Acrobat, Autodesk AutoCAD, Autodesk Revit, Bentley MicroStation, C, C++, Dassault Systemes SolidWorks, Eclipse IDE, JavaScript, Linux, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Calibration Technologists and Technicians
• Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
• Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
• Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
• Robotics Technicians
• Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
• Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
• Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 3 (medium preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.