Make the things that make life better with a career in manufacturing technology.

ELECTRICAL/ELECTRONICS TECHNICIANS

Overview
Industrial electronics repairers install, maintain, and fix large electrical equipment. Industrial electronics repairers work on complex electronic equipment. Some of this equipment monitors and directs production in factories. Other equipment is used for communication by the military. When equipment needs attention, repairers talk to users to find out what is wrong. Then they inspect the equipment and look for common causes of trouble. Repairers start by looking for loose connections or worn out parts. If they do not find the problem easily, then repairers test the equipment. To test the electrical or mechanical systems, repairers use special equipment such as voltmeters. Repairers must take equipment apart to run these tests. They analyze the information from tests and discussions with users to determine what is wrong with the equipment. Then repairers make adjustments or replace worn parts and put equipment back together. When they are finished, repairers run the equipment to see if it works.

Programs (electronics related)

• Alexandria Technical College

• Anoka Technical College

• Century College

• Central Lakes College

• Dunwoody College of Technology

• Hennepin Technical College

• Lake Superior College

• Minnesota State College, South East Technical

• Minneapolis Community & Technical College

• Minnesota West Technical College

• North Dakota State College of Science

• Ridgewater College

• Riverland Community College

• South Central Technical College

• St. Cloud Technical College

• St. Paul Technical College

Repairers are under pressure to fix equipment quickly because breakdowns usually stop or slow production. Thus, repairers may not spend much time testing and repairing equipment parts on the floor. They often replace parts quickly with new parts, and bring the broken parts back to their shop for repair.

Industrial electronics repairers help plan and install the setup of new equipment. First repairers analyze customers' technical needs. Then they discuss the layout of the equipment with customers and their engineers. Once the setup is decided, repairers determine the best process for setting up the equipment. They study blueprints and information from manufacturers to learn more. Once the equipment is installed, repairers check that the installation was done correctly. Finally, they demonstrate the equipment to customers.

Industrial electronics repairers are also called field technicians. They travel to customers' sites to make repairs. They may also visit these sites regularly to maintain equipment. Other electronics repairers are called bench technicians. They work in repair shops and work on parts that cannot be repaired on the factory floor.

Industrial electronics repairers must keep their equipment ready. They regularly adjust their testing equipment so it measures correctly. They must also stay aware of new developments in the electronics field. Repairers attend classes to learn about these developments.

Industrial electronics repairers keep records of their maintenance and repair work. They record which parts they replace on each machine and how long they spend on repairs.

Work Activities
The following list of occupational tasks is specific to this career.

• Install and repair electronic equipment in industrial or military settings.

• Talk to equipment operators to learn what is wrong and how the problem started.

• Test faulty equipment using electronic test equipment.

• Analyze information from tests to diagnose problems.

• Replace or repair faulty parts.

• Operate equipment to test or demonstrate it.

• Analyze customers' needs when designing new systems.

• Consult with customers and engineers to plan layout of equipment.

• Study blueprints and other materials to plan installation procedure.

• Inspect equipment for accuracy of assembly and installation.

• Demonstrate proper operation of equipment.

• Adjust testing instruments, such as voltmeters.

• Learn about new developments in the field. May take classes.

• Maintain records of repairs.

People in this career perform the following list of tasks, but the tasks are common to many occupations.

• Repair and maintain electronic equipment.

• Get information needed to do the job.

• Inspect equipment.

• Monitor processes.

• Make decisions and solve problems.

• Handle and move objects.

• Identify actions and events.

• Analyze data or information.

• Communicate with supervisors and peers.

• Evaluate information against standards.

• Update and use job-related knowledge.

• Communicate with persons outside the organization.

• Implement systems or products.

• Perform general physical activities.

Working Conditions
In a typical work setting, people in this career:

Interpersonal Relationships

• Train customers on the use of new equipment.

• Have a medium level of social contact. They work with the people who operate the equipment, but also spend time alone analyzing problems.

Physical Work Conditions

• Usually work indoors.

• Sometimes wear protective equipment, such as goggles and hardhats.

• Sometimes are exposed to noises that are loud or distracting.

• Sometimes are exposed to extremely hot temperatures on the factory floor.

Work Performance

• Must be exact in their work and be sure all details are done. Every time equipment breaks down, companies lose money.

Hours/Travel

• Usually work 40 hours per week.

• May work days, evenings, or weekends.

• May be on-call to come in for emergencies.

Physical Demands

People in this career frequently:

• Use their hands to handle tools or controls.

• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for people in this career to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.

• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.

• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for people in this career to be able to:

• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.

• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.

• Make fast, simple, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.

• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.

• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.

• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.

• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.

• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.

• Recognize and understand the speech of another person.

People in this career need to:

Communicate

• Read and understand written information.

• Express ideas clearly when speaking or writing.

• Listen to others, understand, and ask questions.

Reason and Problem Solve

• Identify problems and review information. Analyze options and apply solutions.

• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.

• Determine how a system should work and how changes in conditions will affect outcomes.

• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.

• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.

• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.

• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.

• Identify what must be changed to reach goals.

Use Math and Science

• Use scientific methods to solve problems.

• Use math skills to solve problems.

Work with People

• Change behavior in relation to others? actions.

• Use several methods to learn or teach new things.

Work with Things

• Install equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

• Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.

• Maintain equipment on a routine basis. Determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

• Repair machines or systems.

• Test and inspect products and processes. Evaluate quality or performance.

• Operate and control equipment.

• Determine the tools and equipment needed to do a job.

• Design equipment and technology to meet user needs.

• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.

• Analyze needs and requirements when designing products.

Perceive and Visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Knowledge
People in this career need knowledge in the following areas:

• Computers and Electronics: Knowledge of computer hardware and software.

• Design: Knowledge of making and using plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

• Engineering and Technology: Knowledge of how to build machines, buildings, and other things. Also includes knowledge of how to use computers, machines, and tools to do work more usefully.

• Physics: Knowledge of the features and rules of matter and energy. Areas of knowledge include air, water, light, heat, weather, and other natural events.

• Education and Training: Knowledge of teaching and the methods involved in learning and instruction.

Interests
People in this career are people who tend to:

• Consider achievement important. They like to see the results of their work and to use their strongest abilities. They like to get a feeling of accomplishment from their work.

• Consider support from their employer important. They like to be treated fairly and have supervisors who will back them up. They prefer jobs where they are trained well.

• Consider good working conditions important. They like jobs offering steady employment and good pay. They want employment that fits their individual work style. They may prefer doing a variety of tasks, working alone, or being busy all the time.

• Consider independence important. They like to make decisions and try out ideas on their own. They prefer jobs where they can plan their work with little supervision.

• Have realistic interests. They like work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They like to work with plants, animals, and physical materials such as wood, tools, and machinery. They often prefer to work outside.

• Have investigative interests. They like work activities that have to do with ideas and thinking. They like to search for facts and figure out solutions to problems mentally.

• Have conventional interests. They like work activities that follow set procedures, routines, and standards. They like to work with data and detail. They prefer working where there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Preparation

Industrial electronics repairers learn their skills through formal training programs. The programs are available at vocational schools and community colleges. Most programs take one to two years to complete. Repairers often receive additional training on the job.

High school courses in computers, math, and physics provide a good background for college programs. Other helpful courses include English language and applied arts.


Hiring Practices
Most employers require applicants to have some formal training in electronics. They also require field technicians to have a driver's license and good driving record. Some employers may prefer applicants who are certified.

Employers look for applicants who have good eyesight and color perception. They also look for applicants who have good communication skills. Applicants for jobs as field technicians should have a neat appearance.

Licensing & Requirements
No State of Minnesota license requirements are found for this career

Two organizations offer optional certification programs for industrial electronics repairers. To be certified, repairers must pass exams based on their level of training and experience.

For more information, contact:

The International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians
3608 Pershing Avenue
Fort Worth, TX 76107-4527
Phone: 817.921.9101
Fax: 817.921.3742
E-mail: alice@iscet.org
http://www.iscet.org

Electronics Technicians Association
502 Jackson Street
Greencastle, IN 46135
Phone: 765.653.4301
Fax: 765.653.4287
E-mail: eta@tds.net
http://www.eta-sda.com

Wages
In Minnesota, the median wage for industrial electronics repairers is $19.57 per hour, which works out to $3405.18 per month for a full time worker. Half of all industrial electronics repairers earn between $15.05 and $23.68 per hour, or between $2618.70 and $4120.32 per month.

Nationally, the median wage for industrial electronics repairers is $2,975 per month. Half of all these workers earn between $2,370 and $3,590 per month.

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The repairer's level of experience and responsibility also affect wages.

Industrial electronics repairers who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance. Some employers also provide a retirement plan. Repairers who are self-employed must provide their own benefits.

Employment
In Minnesota, about 824 industrial electronics repairers work in this small occupation.

Nationally, about 71,600 industrial electronics repairers work in this small occupation.

Major employers:
Federal government agencies (Department of Defense)
Wholesale trade companies
Electrical repair shops

Roughly 11 percent of industrial electronics repairers are self-employed.

Outlook
In Minnesota, the employment for industrial electronics repairers is expected to grow about as fast as average for all occupations through the year 2008.

Nationally, the number of jobs for industrial electronics repairers is expected to grow as fast as average through the year 2008.

Many new jobs will be created in private companies to maintain and repair new equipment. However, this growth will be partially offset by shrinkage in the number of jobs in the federal government.

Advancement Opportunities
Repairers can advance to working on more complicated equipment. As they gain experience, field technicians may move into repair facilities. They may also become troubleshooters who help other repairers diagnose difficult problems. Those with leadership ability may move into supervisory positions. Repairers who work well with the public may move into customer service or sales positions. Some repairers open their own repair shops.

Page last updated in December 2001.
Source: Minnesota Department of Children, Families & Learning (MCIS) Minnesota Career Information System