• Chat Now
  • Request Info Apply Now
Live Chat Now
Available
Give us a call

Send us a text

855.890.3001

855.890.3001

Electronics Technician: Job Overview

By Steve Smith

The information presented here is true and accurate as of the date of publication. DeVry’s programmatic offerings and their accreditations are subject to change. Please refer to the current academic catalog for details.

June 11, 2024

8 min read

 

From the early days of transistors, through the introduction of microprocessors and the personal computer, to today’s digital equipment and cloud computing environment, the electronics technician has played an important role. Whether performing preventive maintenance, helping to design new systems or troubleshooting and repairing the interconnected devices we rely on, these technical professionals keep our electronic devices operating as intended. In this discussion, we’ll talk about what the electronics technician does, where they work and the steps you can take to pursue this career. 

What Is an Electronics Technician?

In general terms, an electronics technician is a technology or IT professional who can install, test, repair and maintain a broad range of electronic equipment. Electronics technicians who train in engineering technology may be found working on everything from mobile phones and computers, to biomedical equipment and large-scale laboratory equipment. The electronics technician’s duties and work environment will vary by employer and may depend on whether they specialize in any particular industrial area.

What Does an Electronics Technician Do?

So now that we know what one is, what does an electronics technician do? Electronics technicians have responsibilities that involve a combination of technical knowledge, physical application skills, collaborative and even project management-related abilities, including:

  • Conducting inspections and repairs for electronic devices, their components and the systems they operate on

  • Troubleshooting performance issues by running analytics and tests

  • Installing new electronic equipment in offices or other environments

  • Carrying out scheduled maintenance on existing equipment and systems, which may entail sourcing or fabricating parts

  • Upgrading electronics systems by making improvements or installing new equipment to optimize performance

  • Interpreting drawings, manuals and instructions to perform routine functions

  • Training and supervising new technicians or apprentices

Electronics technicians may work alone, alongside other technicians who support them in troubleshooting or repairing systems, or electrical or electronics engineering technologists as they make improvements to equipment or design new products.

Electronics Technician Skills

Electronics technicians need to develop a medley of skills, including technical (hard) skills, and workplace (soft) skills, to meet employer’s standards and excel in the modern workplace.

Soft skills enable electronic technicians to optimize team functions and interactions with stakeholders:

  • Communication: Strong verbal and written communication skills enable electronics technicians to communicate technical information to clients or team members who do not have a technical background plainly and clearly.

  • Teamwork: It’s important for electronics technicians to be able to work with others toward achieving common goals. This entails being respectful, dependable and open to sharing knowledge.

  • Problem solving: Technicians are typically called in when there is a problem to be solved. The ability to identify a problem and analyze the situation before proposing a solution is essential for these professionals.

  • Attention to detail: When working with electronics, small oversights have the potential to turn into larger issues. Keen attention to detail helps prevent technical issues in real time. 

  • Adaptability: Changes can occur frequently in the world of technology. Electronics technicians need to be able to evolve along with the industry and adapt to new challenges and methods in order to keep up.

Hard skills for electronics technicians include:

 

  • Understanding electronics concepts: Knowing how electronics systems work gives electronics technicians the ability to be more effective troubleshooters.

  • Adeptness with diagnostic tools: From the simple to the more complex, these professionals need to be familiar with the various test equipment and tools required to fix issues.

  • Knowledge of safety protocols: Knowing safety procedures and how to use personal protective equipment are essential for techs to avoid workplace accidents. 

Becoming an Electronics Technician

To prepare to pursue a career as an electronics technician, your journey will begin with education, and require you to gain important technical skills that are specific to the occupation or other engineering technology jobs. Industry-relevant certifications may also help you to qualify for positions where employers require them. 

Education for electronics technicians

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians typically need an associate degree to enter the occupation, though some employers may prefer to hire candidates who have a bachelor’s degree.

Here at DeVry, our Associate Degree in Engineering Technology delivers a hands-on learning experience in the testing, measurement and implementation of secured digital systems and devices. Choose between 4 specializations to enhance your education:

  • Machine Learning and Design Techniques

  • Medical Technology and Healthcare Systems

  • Renewable Energy and Sustainable Power

  • General Option

Our Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Technology program can help you gain practical experience and technical skill as you prepare to pursue higher-level career opportunities in this field. Coursework in this program covers digital literacy, complex problem-solving, industrial IoT, machine learning, circuit analysis and signal analysis, to name a few topics.

 

Our Associate of Applied Science in Engineering Technology and our Bachelor of Science in Engineering Technology degree programs are both accredited by the Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission (ETAC) of ABET www.abet.org, a global mark of quality that is respected by employers and professional associations within the Engineering Technology field.

 

 

Electronics technician certifications

As in many other technical occupations, industry-relevant certifications can help aspiring electronics technicians demonstrate their abilities. The BLS notes that certifications for electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians may be a way to showcase advanced knowledge.

At DeVry, our technology programs are designed with certifications in mind. Qualified DeVry students enrolled in an eligible program may receive up to $300 reimbursement to pursue one industry-relevant certification, including CompTIA’s A+, Linux+, Network+ and Cloud+ credentials.
 

Gaining experience as an electronics technician

Once you’ve started pursuing certification, you can look for ways to gain work experience. Looking for apprenticeship programs or entry-level jobs where you’ll be working in the environment you’re interested in are good ways to start. 

At DeVry, our robust Career Resources are available to both our students and graduates, and include one-on-one coaching, career advising, help with your job search strategy, resume building, virtual job fairs and access to our vast, nationwide alumni network.

Take the First Steps Toward an Engineering Technology Career with DeVry

Take your place in the rapidly evolving technology space by earning a degree that teaches you the language of technology while preparing you for the challenges of the 21st-century workplace. With a well-rounded curriculum of technical and workplace-related coursework, our online Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Technology program integrates knowledge of IoT networks and devices, software and security technologies, programming languages like Python and hands-on experience with cloud based technology in an ABET-accredited program.

At DeVry, you can choose the schedule that best fits your goals and commitments. Earn your Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Technology in as little as 2 years and 8 months on an accelerated schedule, or follow a normal schedule and complete your program in 4 years.1 

1Normal schedule assumes 2 semesters of year-round, full-time enrollment in 12-18 credit hours a semester per 12 month period. Accelerated schedule does not include breaks and assumes 3 semesters of year-round, full-time enrollment in 12-18 credit hours a semester per 12 month period.
 

Our Bachelor’s Degree in Engineering Technology allows you to earn both an Undergraduate Certificate in Engineering Technology and an Associate Degree in Engineering Technology along the way2, helping you be able to put what you’re learning to work in the field faster.

 

Classes start soon.


Get More Info

1Normal schedule assumes 2 semesters of year-round, full-time enrollment in 12-18 credit hours a semester per 12 month period. Accelerated schedule does not include breaks and assumes 3 semesters of year-round, full-time enrollment in 12-18 credit hours a semester per 12 month period.

2At the time of application to the next credential level, an evaluation of qualifying transfer credit will occur and the most beneficial outcome will be applied. Future programmatic changes could impact the application of credits to a future program. Refer to the academic catalog for details.

8-Week Class Sessions

Classes Start January 6, 2025
Request Info

Filter Blog Post Category

Related Posts
Request Info Apply Now Call
Classes Start Every 8 Weeks
DeVry University

In New York, DeVry University operates as DeVry College of New York. DeVry University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission (HLC), www.hlcommission.org. The University’s Keller Graduate School of Management is included in this accreditation. DeVry is certified to operate by the State Council of Higher Education for Virginia. Arlington Campus: 1400 Crystal Dr., Ste. 120, Arlington, VA 22202. DeVry University is authorized for operation as a postsecondary educational institution by the Tennessee Higher Education Commission, www.tn.gov/thec. Lisle Campus: 4225 Naperville Rd, Suite 400, Lisle, IL 60532. Unresolved complaints may be reported to the Illinois Board of Higher Education through the online complaint system https://complaints.ibhe.org/. View DeVry University’s complaint process https://www.devry.edu/compliance/student-complaint-procedure.html Program availability varies by location. In site-based programs, students will be required to take a substantial amount of coursework online to complete their program. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information.


© DeVry Educational Development Corp. All rights reserved.