About This Career

Applies 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.

This career is part of the Energy cluster Engineering pathway.

A person in this career:

• Modifies, maintains, or repairs electronics equipment or systems to ensure proper functioning.
• Replaces defective components or parts, using hand tools and precision instruments.
• Sets up and operates specialized or standard test equipment to diagnose, test, or analyze the performance of electronic components, assemblies, or systems.
• Reads blueprints, wiring diagrams, schematic drawings, or engineering instructions for assembling electronics units, applying knowledge of electronic theory and components.
• Identifies and resolves equipment malfunctions, working with manufacturers or field representatives as necessary to procure replacement parts.
• Assembles electrical systems or prototypes, using hand tools or measuring instruments.
• Reviews electrical engineering plans to ensure adherence to design specifications and compliance with applicable electrical codes and standards.
• Assembles, tests, or maintains circuitry or electronic components, according to engineering instructions, technical manuals, or knowledge of electronics, using hand or power tools.
• Reviews existing electrical engineering criteria to identify necessary revisions, deletions, or amendments to outdated material.
• Maintains system logs or manuals to document testing or operation of equipment.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

• You would often handle loads up to 20 lbs., sometimes up to 50 lbs. You might do a lot of lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling.
• Work in this occupation involves use of protective items such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, a hard hat, or personal flotation devices
• Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

• Identifying color and seeing differences in color, including shades and brightness
• Seeing clearly up close
• Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
• Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

• Regular working hours and limited travel