Industrial Electronics Technicians
Overview
Industrial electronics technicians are the problem-solvers who keep factories and industrial facilities running smoothly by repairing and maintaining complex electronic equipment like control systems, transmitters, and automated machinery. They use advanced diagnostic software and testing equipment to troubleshoot malfunctions, perform preventive maintenance, and calibrate precision instruments to exact specifications. This hands-on career combines technical expertise with critical thinking skills, and many technicians work in collaborative environments where they interact with equipment operators and engineering teams.
Did you know?
Many positions require industry-specific certifications or state licenses, particularly for work involving high-voltage systems or specialized equipment.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$72,809.80 Avg/yr
Growth
Stable
Top Skill
Science
Key Responsibilities
- Operate equipment to demonstrate proper use or to analyze malfunctions.
- Repair or adjust equipment, machines, or defective components, replacing worn parts, such as gaskets or seals in watertight electrical equipment.
- Study blueprints, schematics, manuals, or other specifications to determine installation procedures.
- Set up and test industrial equipment to ensure that it functions properly.
- Maintain inventory of spare parts.
- Install repaired equipment in various settings, such as industrial or military establishments.
- Coordinate efforts with other workers involved in installing or maintaining equipment or components.
- Sign overhaul documents for equipment replaced or repaired.
- Calibrate testing instruments and installed or repaired equipment to prescribed specifications.
- Perform scheduled preventive maintenance tasks, such as checking, cleaning, or repairing equipment, to detect and prevent problems.
- Consult with customers, supervisors, or engineers to plan layout of equipment or to resolve problems in system operation or maintenance.
- Maintain equipment logs that record performance problems, repairs, calibrations, or tests.
- Develop or modify industrial electronic devices, circuits, or equipment, according to available specifications.
- Test faulty equipment to diagnose malfunctions, using test equipment or software, and applying knowledge of the functional operation of electronic units and systems.
- Send defective units to the manufacturer or to a specialized repair shop for repair.
- Examine work orders and converse with equipment operators to detect equipment problems and to ascertain whether mechanical or human errors contributed to the problems.
- Determine feasibility of using standardized equipment or develop specifications for equipment required to perform additional functions.
- Advise management regarding customer satisfaction, product performance, or suggestions for product improvements.
- Enter information into computer to copy program or to draw, modify, or store schematics, applying knowledge of software package used.
- Inspect components of industrial equipment for accurate assembly and installation or for defects, such as loose connections or frayed wires.
Career Considerations
Certification and Licensing Requirements
Many positions require industry-specific certifications or state licenses, particularly for work involving high-voltage systems or specialized equipment.
Continuous Technical Education
Rapid advancement in automation, IoT, and digital control systems requires ongoing training to maintain relevant skills and employability.
Safety and Regulatory Compliance
Strict adherence to OSHA safety standards and industry regulations is essential due to the high-risk nature of working with industrial electrical systems.