Electronics Engineering Technologists

Career summary

#checked, no changes 3/14/19 lh

Electronics engineering technologists help engineers design:

• Computers
• Communications equipment
• Medical monitoring devices
• Navigational equipment

Electronics engineering technologists design basic circuitry and draft sketches. They build and test prototypes of their designs.

They put together electronic components designed by engineers. They follow instructions from engineers and technical manuals. After building a component, technologists test the circuitry to make sure it works properly.

If a component or equipment is not working, technologists identify problems and replace parts if necessary. They perform regular maintenance to prevent breakdowns. They calibrate equipment on a regular basis.

Electronics engineering technologists use specialized hand tools to repair, adjust, or maintain equipment. They also use computer-aided design (CAD) software to make digital designs and images. Technologists must be computer savvy. They also need to understand all parts of the devices and systems they work with.

The field of electronics is very broad. Technologists work in many settings, including:

• Research laboratories
• Government agencies
• Electronics factories
• Manufacturing

Related careers

This career is part of the Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Chemists
• Electrical and Electronics Engineers
• Engineering Technicians
• Environmental Engineering Technicians
• Fuel Cell Technicians
• Industrial Electronics Repairers
• Manufacturing Engineering Technologists
• Manufacturing Engineers
• Medical Laboratory Technologists
• Numerical Control Tool Programmers
• Precision Agriculture Technicians
• Robotics Engineers
• Science Technicians

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to electronics engineering technologists.

• Test and use engineering designs to make electronic devices, systems, and microchips.
• Test and implement digital signal processing, network analysis, and computer engineering.
• Manage putting together and use of electronic equipment and systems.
• Test machine and process control requirements. Create device and controller specifications to work in different environments.
• Check new equipment to adjust or fix problems.
• Match software and hardware so they work together.
• Use design software to make drawings of controls, instruments, sensors, and networks.
• Fix equipment using hand tools and precision instruments.
• Choose the correct equipment, components, and systems for projects.
• Test systems to increase energy efficiency. Use new power sources and systems.
• Set up and operate test equipment to diagnose, test, and check how well it works. This includes smaller components and whole systems.

Common work activities

Electronics engineering technologists perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

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

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, electronics engineering technologists:

Interpersonal relationships

• Communicate daily by telephone, e-mail, and in person. They also use letters and memos, but less often.
• Are somewhat responsible for the work done by others.
• Are responsible for the health and safety of others.
• Have a medium level of social interaction.
• May work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Work indoors.
• Sometimes wear protective or safety attire.
• Are occasionally exposed to hazardous conditions.
• May on occasion be exposed to loud or distracting sounds and noise levels.
• Work near others. They often share the same office space with other engineers.

Work performance

• Must be very exact and accurate when performing the job. Errors to a product design can affect users' safety.
• Make decisions that affect other workers or the company's reputation on a monthly basis. For larger decisions, they consult a supervisor before deciding a course of action.
• Set nearly all their daily tasks and goals without talking to a supervisor first.
• Must meet strict weekly deadlines. This may make the work atmosphere somewhat competitive.
• Repeat the same physical and mental tasks.

Hours/travel

• Generally have a set schedule each week.
• Usually work 40 hours a week. However, overtime is common, especially when meeting project deadlines.

Physical demands

Electronics engineering technologists frequently:

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

It is important for electronics engineering technologists to be able to:

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

It is not as important, but still necessary, for electronics engineering technologists to be able to:

• Determine the distance between objects.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.

Skills and abilities

Electronics engineering technologists need to:

Communicate

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

Reason and problem solve

• Analyze ideas and use logic to determine their strengths and weaknesses.
• Use reasoning to discover answers to problems.
• Recognize the nature of a problem.
• Combine several pieces of information and draw conclusions.
• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.
• Follow guidelines to arrange objects or actions in a certain order.
• Judge the costs and benefits of a possible action.
• Think of new ideas about a topic.
• Recognize when important changes happen or are likely to happen in a system.
• Develop rules that group items in various ways.
• Understand new information or materials by studying and working with them.
• Identify what must be changed to reach goals.
• Concentrate and not be distracted while performing a task.

Use math and science

• Use math skills to solve problems.
• Choose a mathematical method or formula to solve problems.
• Add, subtract, multiply, and divide quickly and correctly.

Manage oneself, people, time, and things

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

Work with people

• Change behavior in relation to others' actions.
• Be aware of others' reactions and understand the possible causes.
• Teach others how to do something.

Work with things

• Determine the causes of technical problems and find solutions for them.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.
• Inspect and evaluate the quality of products.
• Maintain equipment on a routine basis. Determine when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
• Repair machines or systems.
• Operate and control equipment.
• Determine the tools and equipment needed to do a job.

Perceive and visualize

• 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.
• Identify a pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in distracting material.

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 Engineering Technology

Other programs of study to consider

• Automotive Engineering Technology
• Biomedical Technology
• Electrical and Electronics Equipment Installation and Repair
• Electrical, Electronics, and Communications Engineering
• Electromechanical Engineering Technology
• Engineering Technology, General
• Instrumentation Technology
• Laser and Optical Engineering
• Robotics Technology
• Telecommunications Technology

Training

To work as an electronics engineering technologist, you typically need to:

• have a high school diploma or equivalent; and
• have an associate degree in engineering technology.

Education after high school

Most people prepare for this occupation by getting an associate degree (usually an associate of applied science or AAS). Many schools offer two-year programs in engineering technology. You can also get a four-year degree in engineering technology from a university.

Some vocational schools offer electronics engineering technology programs. However, the kind and quality of these programs varies greatly. Carefully select your program. Make sure the school has the type of training you want, up-to-date equipment, and qualified instructors. Check with employers to see which schools they prefer. In addition, ask the schools for the names of employers where they have placed graduates.

Training programs approved by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) meet standards set by the industry. Graduating from an ABET accredited program can give you an advantage with employers.

Pre-engineering programs are not the same as technology programs. Pre-engineering programs stress classroom theory. In contrast, engineering technology programs stress hands-on training.

Work experience

Working in jobs that give you practical experience is good background for this occupation. For instance, repairing, installing, or assembling electronic devices is good experience for this occupation.

On-the-job training

As a new technologist, you perform routine tasks while closely supervised by an experienced technologist or engineer. As you gain experience, you work on tasks that are more difficult. Training may last up to a year.

Helpful high school courses

In high school, take classes that prepare you for college. A college preparatory curriculum  may be different from your state's graduation requirements . Electronics engineering technologists need a strong background in math and science. Try to take math classes through Trigonometry and science classes through Physics.

You should also consider taking some advanced courses in high school. This includes Advanced Placement (AP) and International Baccalaureate (IB) courses if they are available in your school. If you do well in these courses, you may receive college credit for them. Advanced courses can also strengthen your college application.

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

• Blueprint Reading
• Computer Applications
• Computer-Assisted Design (CAD)
• Computer Science
• Drafting
• Electronics

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

Employers look for electronics engineering technologists who have at least a two-year degree in electronics engineering technology. Employers may not require applicants to be certified. However, those who are certified may have a competitive edge over other applicants.

Employers look for applicants with strong technical skills. Good communication skills are very important because technologists work with engineers and other team members. An interest in math and science is also important.

Costs to workers

Some workers may wish to join a professional association, which may have annual dues.

Wages

Pay varies with the worker's level of education, responsibility, and experience. Those who work in manufacturing may belong to a union. When they work overtime or on holidays, they are usually paid more than their usual wage.

Full-time technologists generally receive benefits. Typical benefits are health insurance, a retirement plan, sick leave, and paid vacation. Some companies provide money for continuing education classes.

National wage information is not available specifically for electronics engineering technologists. However, they are part of the larger group of "all other engineering technicians."

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:

• Engineering firms
• Semiconductor manufacturers
• Federal, state, and local government agencies

National outlook

Growth in this occupation will be about as fast as average. Industries such as the computer system design industry will continue to hire technicians. The increase of automotive technology such as computers and GPS technology will also provide job growth for this occupation.

Employment and outlook information is not available specifically for electronics engineering technologists. However, they are part of the larger group of "all other engineering technicians."

Other resources

American Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET) 
(This website provides a list of engineering-related programs accredited by ABET)
415 North Charles Street
Baltimore, MD 21201
410.347.7700

Discover Engineering 

eGFI - Dream Up the Future 

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

Engineer Girl! 
National Academy of Engineering

IEEE Computer Society 
2001 L Street NW, Suite 700
Washington, DC 20036
202.371.0101

Institute of Electrical & Electronic Engingeers 

Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers 
3 Park Avenue, 17th Floor
New York, NY 10016
212.419.7900

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

National Academy of Engineering 
500 Fifth Street NW
Washington, DC 20001
202.334.3200

National Action Council for Minorities in Engineering 

SAE International 
400 Commonwealth Drive
Warrendale, PA 15096

Semiconductor Equipment and Materials International 
673 South Milpitas Blvd.
Milpitas, CA 95035
408.943.6900

Society of Cable Telecommunications Engineers 
140 Phillips Road
Exton, PA 19341
800.542.5040
610.363.6888

Society of Women Engineers 
130 East Randolph Street, Suite 3500
Chicago, IL 60601
877.793.4636

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

Washington State Science & Engineering Fair 

References

Career cluster

• Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Electronics Engineering Technologists (17-3029.04) 

O*Net job zone 

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

DOT occupation

• Electronics Technician (003.161-014) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Investigative/Conventional