Electrical technicians maintain, test, develop, repair, and design electrical wiring and equipment.
Are you the go-to repairman at your house? Does fixing a dishwasher sound more like a fun activity than a chore? As an electrical technician, you’ll get to spend your days diagnosing and repairing machines that don’t work. With your own set of tools, you’ll see every part of the production facility as you respond to problems that come up with electrical machines.
Electrical technicians keep the manufacturing process going by making sure that every machine is running smoothly and efficiently. It’s an ever-changing job, because you won’t be assigned to just one machine; you’re in charge of repairing all of them. You might work with a partner or a team, coming up with different solutions to problems in order to fix the machines quickly and correctly.
In order to figure out what repairs need to be done on a malfunctioning machine, you’ll run tests, read gauges, and compare numbers. You might need to climb into machines, take them apart, and put them back together again. Depending on the company, you might go beyond repairing machines to installing them and demonstrating how to use them.
While most of the work will be physical, using your hands and your tools, you’ll also need to file reports on the repairs you perform on the various machines. A supervisor will direct you on which machines to look at and he or she will check in with you if you need help.
Electrical technicians apply principles of electricity and electrical technology on a daily basis, so an education or previous training experience will help you get a jump start in the field. Most companies also offer on-the-job training, but previous knowledge of electrical systems will make you stand out in your field.
Also Known As:
Electrical Engineering Technologist, Mechanical Electrician, Field Service Technician
- Analyze Numerical and Visual Test Results
- Comprehend and Follow Visual, Written, and Oral Instructions
- Electrical Systems
- Mechanical Tools and Equipment
- Troubleshoot and Repair Machinery
- Active Listening
- Advanced Computer Skills
- Communication - Internal and External
- Communication - Reading, Writing, Listening and Speaking/Oral
- Complex Problem Solving Skills
- Equipment Maintenance
- Interact with Computers
- Operations Monitoring
- Problem Solving
- Quality Assurance
- Working with Technology
- Test and modify developmental or operational electrical machinery and circuitry
- Assemble and test experimental electrical equipment and components
- Modify electrical prototypes to correct functional deviations under direction of electrical engineer
- Diagnose causes of electrical or mechanical malfunction
- Perform preventative and corrective maintenance
- Develop wiring diagrams, layout drawings, and engineering specifications for system or equipment modifications or expansion
- Direct personnel performing routine installation and maintenance duties
- Conduct and record periodic electrical testing
- Heavy Lifting Ability
- Handyman/Fixing Things
How to get this job
Begin in entry level electrical positions and gain experience with technical drawings, project management, and electrical designs.
Next Steps for this job
Get entry level electrical work, HVAC Certification, Project Management Skills.
Specific job titles and duties vary by employer so check for details.