Occupation Profile for Electro-Mechanical Technicians

opportunity | video

Operate, test, and maintain unmanned, automated, servo-mechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May operate unmanned submarines, aircraft, or other equipment at worksites, such as oil rigs, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. May assist engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.

Signficant Points

  • Because the type and quality of training programs vary considerably, prospective students should carefully investigate training programs before enrolling.
  • Electrical and electronic engineering technicians make up 33 percent of all engineering technicians.
  • Employment of engineering technicians often is influenced by the same economic conditions that affect engineers; as a result, job outlook varies by specialty.
  • Opportunities will be best for individuals with an associate degree or extensive job training in engineering technology.
 

Tasks

  • Core — Test performance of electromechanical assemblies, using test instruments such as oscilloscopes, electronic voltmeters, and bridges.
  • Core — Read blueprints, schematics, diagrams, and technical orders to determine methods and sequences of assembly.
  • Core — Inspect parts for surface defects.
  • Core — Align, fit, and assemble component parts, using hand tools, power tools, fixtures, templates, and microscopes.
  • Core — Analyze and record test results, and prepare written testing documentation.

Activities

  • Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
  • Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).