Electrical Engineering Technician Career Description
Electrical/electronic engineering technicians are concerned with the maintenance of advanced equipment or control systems.
They are involved in research projects, complicated designing in the manufacturing field, the testing of equipment or the testing of installed machines.
What am I going to do in this occupation?
The design, installation, maintenance and operation of electrical systems require the cooperation of people from a variety of job groups. Electrical engineering technicians are indispensable members of this team because of their thorough technical training and practical knowledge and skills.
Electrical engineering technicians may specialise in one of the following areas:
Electrical engineering (heavy current)
This work entails the generation and distribution of electricity for power, heat and light. Technicians or technologists in this field are mostly concerned with the design, development, installation and testing of electrical motors, generators, alternators, transformers, transmission lines, cables and switchgear.
Electrical engineering (light current/electronics)
Technicians/technologists may choose to work in one of the following fields:
» Industrial instrumentation: These technicians / technologists are concerned with the design, fault detection and testing of industrial instrumentation used in large manufacturing concerns as well as within the chemical industry.
» Electronics (communication):
Technicians/technologists in this field apply their knowledge in the communications area, for example radio, television, radar and communication between computers.
» Biomedical electronics: In this field they specialise in the design, installation and fault detection of electronic equipment, for example heart-lung machines, EEG and X-ray equipment.
» Micro-electronics:
Technicians/technologists in this field are
involved in the design, testing and manufacture of microchips.
» Telecommunications:
Technicians/technologists in this field use their knowledge in the installation, maintenance and fault detection of telecommunications equipment such as optic cables, microwave techniques, cellular radio, satellite communications, etc.
» Computer systems: In this field the technicians/technologists work in a computer environment with the design and manufacture of circuit boards used for interfacing computers to other equipment, the writing of software for controlling computer operations, etc.
Requirements
What kind of personality do I need? Electrical/ electronic engineering technicians should be able to apply their theoretical knowledge practically once they are in the working environment. They should keep abreast of the latest technology. Studies require motivation and self-discipline.
Where can I work?
Electrical engineering technicians specialising in heavy current electricity can be employed by organisations manufacturers of electrical appliances and contractors.
For those in the industrial instrumentation field, job opportunities exist in the computer industry, in industries concerned with remote control, steel plants and the transport services.
Can I work for myself in this occupation?
Self-employment opportunities do exist in this field. Electrical/ electronic engineering technicians may write computer software or design, test and manufacture microchips. Technicians may also be involved in the manufacturing and/ or repairing of radio and television equipment. These businesses usually require substantial funds.
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