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Electronics Repairers
(Commercial and Industrial Equipment)

THE JOB

ELECTRONICS REPAIRERS use their thorough knowledge of electronics theory and
circuitry to maintain, service, and repair a variety of automated assembly
line systems, as well as production and test equipment.  These highly
skilled, versatile workers are often known by titles such as line
maintenance technician, equipment support technician, or equipment
maintenance technician.

Automation is common in almost every industry. Electronically operated and
controlled systems and processing machines are installed frequently.
Many of these units are computer operated, while others may be electro-
mechanical, vacuum, or pneumatic systems that have some electronic controls.
Electronics Repairers align, adjust, and calibrate the equipment on a
regular basis to keep it running efficiently.  They modify existing, or
develop new industrial electronic devices, circuits, and equipment according
to company specifications that may not have complete technical data and
instructions.  When a malfunction does occur, the entire assembly line may
stop, and technicians must work quickly to locate the problem and repair the
system so that production can resume as soon as possible.

Electronics Repairers calibrate, troubleshoot, maintain, and repair the
equipment and instruments that help them run tests and locate problems.
They may also install industrial electronic communication systems and
devices such as AM and FM intercommunication transmitters receivers, public
address systems, fire alarms, audio recorders, and electronic emergency
systems.  They use instruments such as oscilloscopes, signal generators,
multimeters, pressure gauges and soldering tools to do their work.
They keep equipment logs and records of all repairs and services and often
keep inventory for spare parts.


WORKING CONDITIONS

Electronics Repairers work in various locations in the manufacturing plant.
They spend most of their time servicing automated assembly line equipment.
They may also work in other parts of the factory, such as adjusting test
equipment in the quality control department, or checking out various
instruments in an engineering laboratory.  Repairers may stand for long
periods of time while working on large control panels, for example.  Their
work may also require stooping, climbing, and maneuvering in hard-to-reach
places.

Many repairers work in the electronics manufacturing industry itself, where
electronically controlled systems are in widespread use.  Repairers in the
electronic manufacturing may work in clean  rooms where the temperature,
humidity, and dust content of the air are carefully controlled through the
use of filters and tightly sealed rooms.  In other factories, they may work
amid noise, heat, and fumes.


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             7,040
Estimated number of workers in 2005              5,550
Projected Growth 1993-2005                        -21%
Estimated openings due to separations by 2005    1,940

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

A wide variety of electronically controlled, automated assembly line systems
and processing machines are already in use.  Installation of automated
equipment is growing as manufacturers seek new ways to increase production
and reduce costs.  As a result of this, the outlook for Electronics
Repairers is not good.  Repairers with experience in analog and digital
circuitry and printed circuit repair who also have knowledge of test
equipment and power supplies will have the best chance to find a job.

Employers at times report a shortage of experienced repairers with these
important skills.  Inexperienced repairers who have completed electronics
training will have trouble finding employment.


WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS

The median wage for Electronics Repairer in California is $15.52 an hour.

The standard work week is 40 hours, weekdays.  Many companies employ
repairers on swing and night shifts, as well as day shifts.  Those working
night shifts can generally expect from 10 up to 15 percent differential in
pay, or they may work fewer hours for the same base wage.

Occasionally, repairers may be on call during their off-duty hours.
Employers usually pay time and one-half or double time for holidays.
Fringe benefits usually include holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, and
health and life insurance plans.  Some employers also offer profit-sharing,
stock purchase plans, and bonus programs.  If required, protective clothing
is usually supplied by the employer.


ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING

Because repairers must understand and apply electronics theory, formal
training in electronics is almost always required.  In addition to high
school graduation and a solid background in math and the physical sciences,
most employers expect applicants to have a certificate or Associate of
Science degree in electronics technology.

Many of California's community colleges offer one-year certificates or two-
year degree programs in electronics technology as well as courses in related
subjects.  Training is also available through adult education programs,
private technical schools and Regional Occupational Programs (ROP).
Military or other technical training is also acceptable.

Electronics Repairers are certified by trade associations; while it is not
required, certified repairers may find that it is easier to get hired and
qualify for promotions.

Repairers need analytical skills and the ability to work independently much
of the time.  They should be able to work from blueprints, schematic
diagrams, sketches, and verbal instructions.  Because they work on small
electronics components, some employers may require applicants to be screened
for color vision and evaluated for manual dexterity.


ADVANCEMENT

Electronics Repairers with leadership ability may be promoted to supervisory
positions.  With a bachelor's degree,  they may advance to electronic
engineering or management positions.


FINDING THE JOB

Job seekers should contact employers directly, respond to want ads in local
newspapers and trade journals and register with the California Employment
Development Department Job Service.  Associations for electronic technicians
and repairers often provide job leads to members.

Many trade schools and colleges have career placement centers where
employers list job orders and sometimes send recruiters to hold in-person 
job interviews.

ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION

The International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians
2708 West Berry Street, Suite 3
Fort Worth, TX  76109
(817) 921-9101
http://www.iscet.org

Electronics Technicians Association
602 North Jackson
Greencastle, IN  46135
(765) 653-8262
http://eta-sda.com

RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES

Electrical and Electronic 
Engineering Technicians                   No.  60
Data Processing Equipment Repairers       No. 152

OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES

DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed.,1991)
Field Service Engineer                828.261-014
Electronics Mechanic                  828.261-022

OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System
Data Processing Equipment Repairers        857050
Electronics Repairers, Commercial
  and Industrial Equipment                 857170

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