Industrial Electronics Repairers

Career summary

Some industrial electronics repairers may be called field service technicians.

#no matching wois occupations

Industrial electronics repairers work on electronic equipment in factories, military installations, and other large facilities. Some of this equipment monitors and directs production in factories. Other equipment is used for communications.

When equipment needs attention, repairers talk to users to find out what is wrong. They inspect equipment and look for common problems such as loose or worn out parts.

To test faulty electrical or mechanical systems, repairers use test equipment or software. Repairers must take equipment apart to run these tests. They make adjustments or replace worn parts and put equipment back together. When they are finished, repairers run the equipment to see if it works.

Repairers are under pressure to fix equipment quickly because breakdowns usually stop or slow production. They often replace faulty parts with new parts, and bring the broken parts back to their shop for repair. They make sure they have a well-stocked inventory of new parts and keep track of the parts they used.

Industrial electronics repairers keep records of their maintenance and repair work. They record which parts they replace on each machine and how much time each repair takes.

Industrial electronics repairers sometimes plan set up and installation of new equipment. They analyze customers' technical needs. They discuss the layout of the equipment with customers and their engineers.

Repairers study blueprints and information from manufacturer. They often use computer software to analyze plans and diagrams. Once the equipment is installed, repairers test equipment to ensure it is working properly. Finally, they demonstrate how to use the equipment to customers.

Industrial electronics repairers who travel to customers' sites to make repairs are also called field technicians. They usually visit 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 stay aware of new developments in the electronics field. Repairers attend classes to learn about these developments.

Related careers

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Aircraft Mechanics
• Appliance Installers and Repairers
• Automobile Mechanics
• Communications Equipment Mechanics
• Computer, ATM, and Office Machine Repairers
• Electricians
• Electronics Engineering Technologists
• Elevator Installers and Repairers
• Engineering Technicians
• Heating and Cooling System Mechanics
• Home Electronic Repairers
• Industrial Machinery Mechanics
• Medical Equipment Repairers
• Stationary Engineers
• Wind Turbine Technicians

Military careers

• Electronic Instrument and Equipment Repairers

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to industrial electronics repairers.

• 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. Keep inventory of spare 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, computer software, 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. Calibrate equipment regularly.
• Perform regular maintenance on equipment, including cleaning and testing.
• Advise management about product performance and ways to improve future products.
• Learn about new developments in the field. May take classes.
• Use computers to study, store, or create new schematics for equipment.
• Maintain records of repairs, adjustments, and tests.

Common work activities

Industrial electronics repairers perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Repair and maintain electronic equipment
• Get information needed to do the job
• Use computers
• Make decisions and solve problems
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Update and use job-related knowledge
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Identify objects, actions, and events
• Organize, plan, and prioritize work
• Document and record information
• Analyze data or information
• Evaluate information against standards
• Process information
• Think creatively
• Establish and maintain relationships
• Handle and move objects
• Control machines and processes
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Estimate sizes, quantities, time, cost, or materials needed
• Teach others
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Explain the meaning of information to others
• Provide information or drawings about devices, equipment, or structures
• Coordinate the work and activities of others

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, industrial electronics repairers:

Interpersonal relationships

• Have a medium level of social contact. They regularly work with the people who operate the equipment.
• Communicate by telephone and in person on a daily basis. They also communicate by e-mail, letters, and memos, but less often.
• Sometimes work in a group or as part of a team.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by others.
• Are somewhat responsible for the health and safety of customers.

Physical work conditions

• Usually work indoors. Some work sites may not have heating or air conditioning.
• They may occasionally work outdoors if equipment is located there.
• Wear protective equipment, such as goggles and hardhats, on a weekly basis.
• Are often exposed to noises that are loud or distracting.
• Sometimes are exposed to hazardous conditions, situations, and equipment on the factory floor.
• Sometimes are exposed to contaminants, such as chemicals leaking from equipment.
• May be exposed to very hot or cold temperatures, depending on location.
• Often work in cramped places when repairing small or hard-to-reach equipment.
• Work near others, often within a few feet.

Work performance

• Must be very exact in their work. Every time equipment breaks down, companies lose money. Errors could have serious consequences.
• Make decisions that affect clients on a weekly basis. They usually don't consult a supervisor before deciding a course of action.
• Set most daily tasks and goals without consulting a supervisor first.
• Work under moderate stress and pressure. Customers may have high expectations for the amount of time it takes to fix equipment.
• Abide by strict daily deadlines.
• Repeat the same tasks and physical activities.
• Sometimes must match the pace of work to the speed of equipment.

Hours/travel

• Generally work a set schedule.
• Usually work 40 hours per week.
• May work days, evenings, or weekends.
• May be on-call to come in for emergencies.

Physical demands

Industrial electronics repairers frequently:

• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Sit for long periods of time.

It is important for industrial electronics repairers to be able to:

• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for industrial electronics repairers to be able to:

• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• Determine from which direction a sound came.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• See objects in very bright or glaring light.
• See objects in very low light.
• While looking forward, see objects or movements that are off to the side.

Skills and abilities

Industrial electronics repairers need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Read and understand work-related materials.
• Understand written information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Write clearly so other people can understand.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Remember information such as words, numbers, pictures, and procedures.
• Make sense of information that seems without meaning or organization.
• Think of original, unusual, or creative ways to solve problems.

Use math and science

• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

• Check how well one is learning or doing something.
• Manage the time of self and others.

Work with people

• Persuade others to approach things differently.
• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Look for ways to help people.

Work with things

• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.
• Repair machines or systems.
• 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.
• Determine the tools and equipment needed to do a job.
• Operate and control equipment.
• Install equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Perceive and visualize

• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.
• Quickly and accurately compare letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns.
• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study directly related to this occupation

• Electrical and Electronics Equipment Installation and Repair

Other programs of study to consider

• Aviation Maintenance Technology
• Computer Installation and Repair
• Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technology
• Electrical and Power Transmission
• Electromechanical Engineering Technology
• Industrial Mechanics

Training

To work as an industrial electronics repairer, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent;
• complete a formal training program; and
• complete long-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Most industrial electronics repairers complete a two-year training program in electronics technology. Professional-technical schools and two-year colleges offer these programs. They grant a certificate or an associate degree. In this type of program, you learn the principles of electronics. You also learn how to use testing equipment, and make repairs.

On-the-job training

Industrial electronics repairers learn additional skills on the job. While training on the job, you typically learn about specific equipment. The length of training depends on your specialty, but generally lasts at least one year.

You must continue to learn about new equipment after you start working. You can take courses or read trade journals to keep current.

Military training

Some branches of the military train people to be equipment repairers. There are several types of repairers, ranging from those who work on planes and weapons to precision instruments. Training lasts for four to 40 weeks, depending on your specialty. Additional training occurs on the job.

Washington apprenticeships

For further information on apprenticeships in Washington, contact:

Washington State Department of Labor and Industries
Apprenticeship Program 
PO Box 44530
Olympia, WA 98504-4530
360.902.5320

#Checked L&I contact info 4/23/09 lh. Ok 4/28/10, 4/9/12 & 3/19/14, 5/2/16 cj.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Appliance Repair
• Computer Fundamentals
• Electronics
• Equipment Maintenance and Repair

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

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. In addition, some employers may look for applicants with one to two years of related work experience. This especially applies to companies with very complex equipment.

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.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

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.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Federal government agencies (Department of Defense)
• State and local government agencies
• Electrical contractors
• Precision instrument repair companies
• Electrical equipment wholesalers

National outlook

Little or no change in demand is expected for this occupation. This is due to a decline in the manufacturing industry and the fact that industrial electronics equipment is becoming more reliable and requires fewer repairs.

Other resources

Chelan County PUD Apprenticeships 

Electronics Technicians Association, International 
5 Depot Street
Greencastle, IN 46135
800.288.3824
765.653.8262

Engineer Girl! 
National Academy of Engineering

International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers 
900 Seventh Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
202.833.7000

International Union of Electronic, Electrical, Salaried, Machine, and Furniture Workers 
2701 Dryden Road
Dayton, OH 45439
937.298.9984

MCMA: Motion Control and Motor Association 
900 Victors Way, Suite 140
Ann Arbor, MI 48108
734.494.6088

Technology Student Association 
1904 Association Drive
Reston, VA 20191-1540
888.860.9010

The International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians 
P. O. Box 378
Hillsboro, TX 76645
800.946.0201

Washington Business Week 
PO Box 1170
Renton, WA 98057
253.237.3545

References

Career cluster

• Manufacturing

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment (49-2094.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 3 - Medium preparation needed. Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations.

DOT occupations

• Avionics Technician (823.261-026) 
• Computerized Environmental Control Installer (828.281-026) 
• Electronics Mechanic (828.261-022) 
• Electronic-sales-and-service Technician (828.251-010) 
• Electronics-mechanic Apprentice (828.261-026) 
• Field Service Engineer (828.261-014) 
• Radioactivity-instrument Maintenance Technician (828.281-022) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Investigative/Conventional

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled