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Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians

THE JOB

ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONIC ENGINEERING TECHNICIANS do work that is essential
to the development, manufacture, modification, and maintenance of a wide
range of products and equipment.

Technicians usually work as assistants to engineers and are often identified
by titles similar to those given to the engineers. Some common ones are
Design Engineering Technician, Systems Development Technician, and Product
Engineering Technician. Technicians with the most experience often work in
the area of Research and development.

Technicians use their knowledge of electronics theory and circuitry, test
procedures, mathematics, and physics to draw sketches, make layouts, and
build experimental circuitry ("breadboards"), prototype and production
models, and production equipment.  They design and modify basic circuits,
and recommend changes in circuitry or specifications.  They trouble-shoot
failed units, often down to the level of the individual components, analyze
the cause of failures, and do necessary repairs.  They use equipment such as
voltmeters, ohmmeters, signal generators, ammeters, and oscilloscopes.
Technicians set up and run a variety of environmental, operational, and
functional tests on components, systems, and new products, and sometimes
devise new test procedures as well.  They analyze and interpret test data,
write technical reports, develop graphs or charts to describe operating
characteristics, failures, and limitations for the engineers to consider,
and may also write computer programs in assembly language in order to test
new systems.  They also may run special diagnostic programs that help
pinpoint certain malfunctions.

Some technicians are primarily involved with the manufacturing process; they
maintain production and quality control equipment, develop tests to assure
product quality, and investigate various manufacturing problems.  They also
often train and supervise junior technicians and production assemblers.

Other technicians work as Customer Engineers or Field Service
Representatives, installing and maintaining equipment and systems at the
customer's worksite.  In addition to providing preventive and corrective
maintenance, they often train the customer's employees, and advise them of
proper procedures to use to avoid equipment breakdowns. In the performance
of their duties, Electronic Technicians operate calculators, computers, and
experimental and laboratory equipment.  They use drafting tools and complex
electronic and mechanical instruments, and also make use of engineering
handbooks and other reference materials.

Microwave Technicians are Electronics Technicians 
who specialize in electronic microwave systems typically found in
telecommunications, radar systems, and military electronic detection and
countermeasure systems. These workers apply theory and practical techniques
to develop, test, install, and service an ever-increasing number of
applications of electronic-microwave equipment.  Most of them work in the
defense industry designing and fabricating microwave systems.


WORKING CONDITIONS

Most electronics manufacturing plants are modern, air-conditioned buildings
which offer a pleasant working environment.  Technicians perform their work
in various locations:  the engineering or prototype department, main
production area, quality control department, laboratory, or at their own
workbenches.  Some may be exposed to hazards from equipment, chemicals or
toxic materials.  Due to the delicate nature of many electronic products,
technicians may perform much of their work in clean rooms in which the
temperature, humidity, and dust content of the air are carefully controlled.
Regardless of the type of work they do, all workers in clean rooms wear
masks, gloves, and smocks or coveralls.


EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK

The following information is from the California Projections of Employment
published by the Labor Market Information Division.

Estimated number of workers in 1993              49,250
Estimated number of workers in 2005              58,760
Projected Growth 1993-2005                          19%
Estimated openings due to separations by 2005    14,360

(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)

With the development of computers with memory circuits that store
information, automated assembly equipment and systems have become practical
and are now an important factor in the manufacture of electronic products.
Automation has not had a negative influence on the type of technical and
complex work performed by technicians.  On the contrary, technicians are
often responsible for the maintenance and repair of the automated production
equipment.  Some of them become sales representatives, using their
invaluable Electronics Technician background. 

These developments have created a decent employment outlook for Electronics
Technicians, particularly for those who are experienced in such
technological areas as digital and analog circuitry, microprocessor systems,
or microwave equipment. Trained but inexperienced Technicians should be able
to find employment opportunities in junior-level or test technician positions.


WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS

The median wage in California for Electrical and Electronics Engineering
Technicians is $16.64 per hour.

The standard workweek is usually 40 hours, Monday through Friday.  However,
technicians may work swing and night shifts and earn up to an additional 10
to 15 percent as a shift premium.  Field Service Technicians occasionally
may be called during off-duty hours and then are paid time and one-half, or
double time for holidays.  Fringe benefits usually include major holidays,
paid vacation and sick leave, and health and life insurance plans.  Some
employers also offer profit-sharing, stock purchase plans, and bonus
programs.  Protective clothing, if required, is supplied by the employer.


ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING

Technicians must understand electronics theory and be able to apply it.  As
a result, formal training in electronics is almost always required.  Most
employers expect applicants to have an associate degree in electronics
technology or equivalent technical or military training, in addition to high
school graduation and a solid background in both mathematics and the
physical sciences.

Technicians often find it valuable to take additional courses and study
technical manuals to keep up on the frequent changes and developments in the
field of electronics.  They should be detail-minded and have the initiative
to work independently much of the time.  They should be able to work from
schematic diagrams, sketches, and verbal instructions.  Good communication
skills, both oral and written, are necessary, since reports and verbal
explanations are usually part of the job.  Other important traits are manual
dexterity, good vision, and color perception.

Many of California's community colleges offer degree programs in electronics
technology, as well as courses in related subjects.  Technicians who work on
radio transmission equipment are required to obtain a radio-telephone
operator's license issued by the Federal Communications Commission.  They
may prepare for this license at most community colleges, or through 
home-study courses.

A four-year Electronics Technician apprenticeship program run by the
California Department of Industrial Relations, Division of Apprenticeship
Standards, is in effect in various locations throughout California.


ADVANCEMENT

Electronics Technicians who demonstrate skill and leadership ability may be
promoted to lead-level and supervisory-level positions.  Those who continue
their formal education and earn at least a bachelor degree may advance to a
wide range of professional engineering positions.


FINDING THE JOB

Applicants for technician positions should contact employers directly,
register with their school's placement office, and respond to want ads in
local newspapers and trade journals.  In addition, employers frequently list
their openings with the Workforce Services Offices of the California Employment
Development Department.


ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

The American Society for Engineering Education
11 DuPont Circle, Suite 200
Washington, DC  20036
http://www.asee.org

The Electronics Industries Association
1722  I  Street, N.W., Suite 300
Washington, DC  20006
(202) 457-4900

RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES

Data Processing Equip. Repairers       No. 152
Electronics Repairers                  No. 222
Instrumentation Technicians            No. 485

OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES

DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed.,1991)
Electrical Technician              003.161-010
Electronics Technician             003.161-014

OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System
Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Technicians                             225050

Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
        Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
        (916) 262-2162.