Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
Apply electrical and electronic theory and related knowledge, usually under the direction of engineering staff, to design, build, repair, adjust, and modify electrical components, circuitry, controls, and machinery for subsequent evaluation and use by engineering staff in making engineering design decisions.
🎬Career Video
📋Key Responsibilities
- •Modify, maintain, or repair electronics equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.
- •Replace defective components or parts, using hand tools and precision instruments.
- •Set up and operate specialized or standard test equipment to diagnose, test, or analyze the performance of electronic components, assemblies, or systems.
- •Read blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings, or engineering instructions for assembling electronics units, applying knowledge of electronic theory and components.
- •Identify and resolve equipment malfunctions, working with manufacturers or field representatives as necessary to procure replacement parts.
- •Assemble electrical systems or prototypes, using hand tools or measuring instruments.
- •Review electrical engineering plans to ensure adherence to design specifications and compliance with applicable electrical codes and standards.
- •Assemble, test, or maintain circuitry or electronic components, according to engineering instructions, technical manuals, or knowledge of electronics, using hand or power tools.
💡Inside This Career
The electrical and electronic engineering technologist supports electrical and electronic design—building prototypes, testing circuits, troubleshooting systems, and assisting engineers in developing electrical products and systems. A typical week blends hands-on work with testing and documentation. Perhaps 40% of time goes to fabrication and assembly: building circuits, wiring prototypes, setting up test equipment. Another 35% involves testing and troubleshooting—running tests, analyzing signals, diagnosing problems. The remaining time splits between documentation, component sourcing, coordination with engineers, and keeping current with electronic technology.
People who thrive as electrical and electronic engineering technologists combine hands-on electronics skills with systematic troubleshooting ability and the patience that detailed technical work requires. Successful technologists develop expertise in specific areas—analog circuits, digital systems, power electronics, RF—while building the practical skills that bridge engineering design and working hardware. They must understand electronics well enough to identify problems and suggest solutions. Those who struggle often cannot diagnose complex circuit problems or find the detailed technical work tedious. Others fail because they cannot work effectively in the supporting role when they aspire to engineering authority.
Electrical and electronic engineering technology supports product development across industries, with technologists providing the prototyping, testing, and troubleshooting that enables engineers to develop electronic products. The field has evolved with electronic technology, with modern technologists working on increasingly complex circuits and systems. Electrical and electronic engineering technologists appear in discussions of product development, testing, and the technical workforce supporting electrical engineering.
Practitioners cite the satisfaction of hands-on work with electronics and the variety of troubleshooting challenges as primary rewards. Working with electronic hardware provides tangible engagement. The problem-solving variety prevents monotony. The skills are valued across electronics industries. The role combines thinking and doing. The field offers stable employment. Common frustrations include the supporting role limitations and the rapid obsolescence of specific technical knowledge. Many find that engineers receive credit for work technologists enabled. Career advancement often requires engineering degrees. The detailed component-level work can strain eyes. Constant technology changes require ongoing learning.
This career requires technical education in electronics or electrical engineering technology, typically through associate degrees. Strong electronics knowledge, troubleshooting skills, and technical documentation abilities are essential. The role suits those who enjoy hands-on work with electronic systems. It is poorly suited to those seeking design authority, preferring purely theoretical work, or uncomfortable with detailed circuit troubleshooting. Compensation is moderate to good, with opportunities across electronics manufacturing and development industries.
📈Career Progression
📚Education & Training
Requirements
- •Entry Education: Bachelor's degree
- •Experience: One to two years
- •On-the-job Training: One to two years
- !License or certification required
Time & Cost
🤖AI Resilience Assessment
AI Resilience Assessment
Medium Exposure + Human Skills: AI augments this work but human judgment remains essential
How much of this job involves tasks AI can currently perform
Likelihood that AI replaces workers vs. assists them
(BLS 2024-2034)
How much this role relies on distinctly human capabilities
💻Technology Skills
⭐Key Abilities
🏷️Also Known As
🔗Related Careers
Other careers in engineering
🔗Data Sources
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