Electronic Engineering Technician

About the Field

Electrical engineers study the laws and mechanics of electricity, power generation and power distribution. Advancing technology means most electronics—from GPS units to cell phones—need input from an electrical engineer. Using logic and creativity, these engineers design, test and troubleshoot power control systems and devices. The field has been categorized into two major specializations, according to the Department of Labor (DOL), which also emphasizes the strong similarities between electrical and electronic engineering work, using engineering and design software and equipment to perform various tasks.

Specializations and Work Environment

Since electrical engineering involves practically any products and systems related to electricity and power, there is a broad variety of specializations that engineers can choose to dedicate their career to, ranging from motors to electronics to aviation. At the technician level, electrical engineers may work as electricians or electrical and power technicians. They may install and maintain wiring and power systems in homes, offices or factories, help construct power systems, or build and repair power technologies. Some electrical engineering degree programs teach computer engineering, while others focus on the skills needed to design and troubleshoot power control systems for aircraft, naval vessels and submarines. According to the U.S. Department of Labor Statistics, most electrical engineers are employed in the power plant industry.

Qualifications and Skills

• Strong math and problem-solving abilities
• Eye for details and ability to concentrate
• Creativity and innovation to remain competitive in an ever-evolving field
• Interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate and communicate with other engineers and clients
• Ability to balance interpersonal skills with problem-solving and analytical capabilities

Education Pathways

The profession is accessible to aspiring engineers of any background, age, and experience. Depending on how you would like to start your career or education, you may choose to enter the field as an electrical or electronic engineering technician with an associate's degree, or as an engineer with a bachelor's degree. Most electrical engineering online programs are master of science in engineering (MSE) degrees or master of engineering (ME) non-thesis degrees. Applied technology programs are appropriate for engineering technicians at the undergraduate level. The most prestigious electrical engineering programs have earned additional programmatic accreditation from the Accrediting Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET).

Online electrical engineering programs typically include coursework in these disciplines:

• Electronics engineering
• Control and signal processing
• Microelectronics
• Telecommunications
• Computer engineering
• Instrumentation

Licensing and Certification

Licenses are not required for most entry-level positions, but as competitive professionals seek to advance their careers, they may be interested in a Professional Engineer certification, which is issued by states.

Pay

• Electrical or electronic engineering technician (associate's degree): average over $60,000 annually
• Electrical engineer (bachelor's degree): average nearly $95,000 annually