Engineering Technician
Engineering technicians assist engineers with research and development, quality control, or design. Engineering technicians help electrical and electronics engineers design and develop computers, communications equipment, medical monitoring devices, navigational equipment, and other electrical and electronic equipment.
They often work in product evaluation and testing, and use measuring and diagnostic devices to adjust, test, and repair equipment. They are also involved in the manufacture and deployment of equipment for automation. Instead of becoming an electrical engineer, many individuals choose to become engineering technicians.
Job Overview
Salary
Workplace
How to Start
Job Overview
What does an Engineering Technician do?
Electrical and electronics engineering technicians help engineers design and develop computers and other electrical and electronic equipment. Electrical and electronics engineering technicians help electrical and electronics engineers design and develop computers, communications equipment, medical monitoring devices, navigational equipment, and other electrical and electronic equipment. They often work in product evaluation and testing, and use measuring and diagnostic devices to adjust, test, and repair equipment. They are also involved in the manufacture and deployment of equipment for automation.
Engineering technicians discuss initial project instructions or changes in drafting, design, manufacturing, and assembly with appropriate team members during the testing phase of a process or product. They review project instructions to identify requirements regarding fabrication, assembly, and testing.
Engineering technicians need a strong background in math, science, and computer skills and an associate’s degree or other training including certification as an engineering technician.
Problem Solving Skills
Engineering technicians must identify and setup test equipment and perform testing and troubleshooting of products and/or systems. They troubleshoot and solve problems on equipment and participate in root cause and corrective actions.
Quality Assurance
Engineering technicians perform qualification, verification and validation for new products and procedures, and changes to existing products procedure
Detail Oriented
Engineering technicians build, test and evaluate breadboard circuits with detailed instructions. They take detailed and accurate notes on configuration of experiments, data, deviation from expected results and changes to the product baseline as they occur.
Analyze Data
Engineering technicians collect and analyze data and work with engineers to ensure products meet specifications.
Salary
How much does an Engineering Technician make?
The average Engineering Technician salary in the United States is $63,540, but the salary range typically falls between $53,440 and $75,386. Salary ranges can vary widely depending on many important factors, including education, certifications, additional skills, the number of years you have spent in your profession.
These are 2025 national salary averages and may fluctuate based on location.
Workplace
What does the workplace for an Engineering Technician look like?
Engineering technicians specialize in various industries, including civil, industrial, and mechanical, and usually work under professional engineers’ supervision. They may work in laboratories, construction sites, offices, or industrial and manufacturing plants and assist engineers with research and development, quality control, and design.
They work alongside scientists or quality assurance inspectors and help them create products, improve manufacturing methods, and maintain assembly systems.
They assist engineers with research and development, quality control or design. They may also work alongside scientists or as quality assurance inspectors.
Their job tasks involve both engineering theory and assembly-line production. Electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians may be exposed to hazards from equipment or toxic materials, but incidents are rare if procedures are followed.
How to Start
How to become an Engineering Technician?
To begin your engineering technician career path, a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering or a related field is usually necessary in order to remain a competitive option for employers. Focus on industry-specific skill development during your education in order to be properly equipped when applying for entry-level positions and entering the job force. An engineering technician internship may be required to earn your bachelor’s degree and acquire necessary on-the-job skills before entering the workforce.
Not all industries and companies require continued education to advance your engineering technician career path. However, earning this degree may help you advance to higher-earning positions more quickly. Earning a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering can take 4 years to complete.
Typical Qualifications:
- Must have demonstrated ability to read and analyze basic schematics with guidance (analog, digital, RF etc.)
- Must have the ability to train others and work as a member of inter-disciplinary teams.
- Must have proficient PC skills, proficiency in the use of most Windows based software. This includes, but is not limited to Word, AutoCAD, Excel, and other standard programs.
- Be able to collect, interpret and present data to supervisor or project leader
- Ability to adapt and learn new skills due to continually changing work environment.
