Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

17-3023.00

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.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• 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.
• Review existing electrical engineering criteria to identify necessary revisions, deletions, or amendments to outdated material.
• Maintain system logs or manuals to document testing or operation of equipment.
• Select electronics equipment, components, or systems to meet functional specifications.
• Calculate design specifications or cost, material, and resource estimates, and prepare project schedules and budgets.
• Educate equipment operators on the proper use of equipment.
• Supervise the installation or operation of electronic equipment or systems.
• Compile and maintain records documenting engineering schematics, installed equipment, installation or operational problems, resources used, repairs, or corrective action performed.
• Modify electrical prototypes, parts, assemblies, or systems to correct functional deviations.
• Integrate software or hardware components, using computer, microprocessor, or control architecture.
• Procure parts and maintain inventory and related documentation.
• Participate in training or continuing education activities to stay abreast of engineering or industry advances.
• Research equipment or component needs, sources, competitive prices, delivery times, or ongoing operational costs.
• Provide user applications or engineering support or recommendations for new or existing equipment with regard to installation, upgrades, or enhancements.
• Specify, coordinate, or conduct quality control or quality assurance programs or procedures.
• Produce electronics drawings or other graphics representing industrial control, instrumentation, sensors, or analog or digital telecommunications networks, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
• Install or maintain electrical control systems, industrial automation systems, or electrical equipment, including control circuits, variable speed drives, or programmable logic controllers.
• Design or modify engineering schematics for electrical transmission and distribution systems or for electrical installation in residential, commercial, or industrial buildings, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
• Interpret test information to resolve design-related problems.
• Conduct statistical studies to analyze or compare production costs for sustainable or nonsustainable designs.
• Construct and evaluate electrical components for consumer electronics applications such as fuel cells for consumer electronic devices, power saving devices for computers or televisions, or energy efficient power chargers.
• Participate in the development or testing of electrical aspects of new green technologies, such as lighting, optical data storage devices, and energy efficient televisions.
• Review, develop, or prepare maintenance standards.

Technology Skills

• Analytical or scientific software - Altera MAX; Altera Quartus II; Anadigm Designer2 EDA; Ansoft HFSS; Ansys Fluent; BSVC; Cadence OrCAD PSpice; Cadence PSpice; Circuit simulation software; Computer-aided engineering CAE software; Data acquisition software; GNU Octave; Gnuplot; MAGIC software; MathWorks Simulink; ngspice; OctTools; pMatlab; PowerWorld software; Proportional integral derivative control PID software; PTC Mathcad; Root cause analysis software; Siemens ModelSim; Signal synthesizers; Simulation software; Spectrum Software Micro-Cap; SPLAT!; The MathWorks MATLAB 🔥; Transmission line simulators; Wolfram Research Mathematica
• Business intelligence and data analysis software - IBM Cognos Impromptu
• Cloud-based management software - IBM WebSphere
• Computer aided design CAD software - Agilent Advanced Design System ADS; Altium Designer; Autodesk AutoCAD 🔥; Autodesk Revit 🔥; Bentley MicroStation 🔥; Computer aided design CAD software; CST Microwave Studio; Dassault Systemes SolidWorks 🔥; EMA TimingDesigner; gEDA; Keysight Technologies Advanced Design System; KiCad; Logisim; Mentor Graphics PADS; National Instruments Multisim; OrCAD Capture; PTC Creo Parametric; PUFF; Static Free Software Electric VLSI Design System; Tanner Research L-Edit; Xcircuit
• Data base user interface and query software - Database software; FileMaker Pro; Microsoft Access 🔥; Oracle Database 🔥
• Development environment software - Adobe ActionScript; Analog Devices VisualDSP++; C 🔥; Canu; Eclipse IDE 🔥; GE Fanuc Automation VersaPro; HP InfoTech CodeVisionAVR; Microchip MPLAB Integrated Development Environment (IDE); Microsoft Visual Basic 🔥; Motorola Digital Signal Processing (DSP) Assembler; National Instruments LabVIEW; Texas Instruments Code Composer Studio CCStudio; Verilog
• Document management software - Adobe Acrobat 🔥; FlukeView Forms
• Electronic mail software - Microsoft Outlook 🔥
• Enterprise resource planning ERP software - Oracle Hyperion; Oracle JD Edwards EnterpriseOne; Oracle Primavera Enterprise Project Portfolio Management 🔥; SAP software 🔥
• Graphics or photo imaging software - Graphics software
• Industrial control software - AVEVA InTouch HMI; Human machine interface HMI software; Programmable logic controller PLC software; Rockwell RSView; Supervisory control and data acquisition SCADA software
• Internet browser software - Microsoft Internet Explorer
• Network connectivity terminal emulation software - Terminal emulation software
• Object or component oriented development software - C++ 🔥; Computer aided software engineering CASE tools; Microsoft Visual Basic.NET; Python 🔥
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software
• Operating system software - Emulators; Linux 🔥; Magellan Firmware; Microsoft Windows 🔥; Operating system software; UNIX 🔥
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint 🔥
• Program testing software - Debugging software; Rockwell RSLogix; Vector Software VectorCast
• Project management software - Bentley Systems ProjectWise; Microsoft Project 🔥
• Spreadsheet software - Microsoft Excel ; Spreadsheet software
• Web platform development software - JavaScript 🔥
• Word processing software - Microsoft Word 🔥; Word processing software

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• 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.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Maintain electronic equipment.
• Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.
• Review technical documents to plan work.
• Confer with other personnel to resolve design or operational problems.
• Resolve operational performance problems.
• Assemble equipment or components.
• Evaluate designs or specifications to ensure quality.
• Maintain operational records or records systems.
• Select tools, equipment, or technologies for use in operations or projects.
• Estimate operational costs.
• Estimate technical or resource requirements for development or production projects.
• Prepare project budgets.
• Train personnel on proper operational procedures.
• Direct installation activities.
• Direct industrial production activities.
• Document technical design details.
• Design electrical equipment or systems.
• Operate computer systems.
• Purchase materials, equipment, or other resources.
• Update technical knowledge.
• Advise customers on the use of products or services.
• Direct quality control activities.
• Create schematic drawings for electronics.
• Install instrumentation or electronic equipment or systems.
• Create electrical schematics.
• Interpret design or operational test results.
• Analyze costs and benefits of proposed designs or projects.
• Evaluate characteristics of equipment or systems.
• Test green technologies or processes.
• Determine operational criteria or specifications.