Electronics/Electrical Engineering Technician

Also known as:

Engineering Technician, Electronics/Electrical

Introduction

Electronics engineering technicians support engineers in the research, design, development, repair or maintenance of a range of electronic products, from televisions to satellite tracking systems.

Electrical engineering technicians work in the generation and supply of electricity, as well as on related equipment, including generators and turbines.

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Work Activities

Electronics engineering technicians support the work of electronics engineers in a wide range of areas, including research and development, design and technical drawing (draught work), maintenance and quality assurance.

Electrical engineering technicians are involved in the generation, supply and use of electricity. This is vital to providing our homes and industries with light and energy.

Technicians support the work of engineers in a wide range of areas, including research and development, design and technical drawing, maintenance and quality control/assurance.

In manufacturing, electronic engineering technicians work on a range of products from telephones, radios and televisions to aircraft and satellites.

They help to research new products or work on ways to improve existing ones. For example, they may also test the electronic performance and reliability of televisions before they go into full production.

They may test printed circuit boards (PCBs) to make sure they respond correctly to the user's instructions, checking that all connections and joints are made properly and that there are no short circuits.

Electronic engineering technicians also help to develop and maintain the equipment used to control and manage processes, systems and machinery in many different areas.

In manufacturing, technicians maintain and repair the assembly lines that carry equipment through the production cycle. If there is a fault, some engineering technicians can plug laptop computers into Programme Logic Controllers, which control production equipment and machinery. The laptop displays what the fault is, so they can then carry out a repair or re-program the faulty equipment.

Electrical engineering technicians help to design and produce equipment such as electrical generators and turbines. They make sure that all the equipment is safe and runs efficiently. They carry out repairs to any faulty equipment, perhaps supervised by an engineer.

In distribution companies, electrical engineering technicians work on transformers and transmission systems. They may also install electrical industrial machinery, including heating, ventilating and lighting systems.

Electronics/electrical engineering technicians may supervise teams of craftspeople and other technicians.

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Personal Qualities and Skills

To be an electronics/electrical engineering technician, you must have strong technical skills. You must have a logical, accurate and methodical approach to your work, with the ability to stay calm under pressure.

Technicians also need strong communication skills, to work with other technicians and engineers. Technicians need the ability to read and interpret technical drawings and plans, and to explain them to others.

As you will be working with electrical wiring, you will need normal colour vision.

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Pay and Opportunities

Salaries vary depending on the company, role and level of responsibility.

The pay rates given below are approximate.

Electronics/electrical engineering technicians earn in the range of £18,500 - £23,500 a year, rising to £28,000 - £32,500. Higher earners can make around £33,500 a year.

Most technicians work 35-40 hours Monday to Friday. Early starts, late finishes, and some weekend work may be required. Some technicians may be required to work shifts.

Electronic/electrical engineering technicians work in a variety of industries, including engineering manufacturing, electricity generation and distribution, communications, transportation, chemical, water, and marine and offshore industries.

There are also opportunities within the public sector, the armed forces and with computer manufacturers.

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Adult Opportunities

It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Modern Apprenticeships may be available in some areas.

Stow College and Clydebank College offer HNCs in Electrical Engineering by flexible learning.

• 13% of people in occupations such as electronics/electrical engineering technicians have flexible hours.
• 2% of employees work on a temporary basis.

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New Developments

Some people working in this occupation may be involved in the green jobs sector in areas such as renewable energy.