What does an electrical engineering technician do?
An electrical engineering technician is responsible for evaluating and designing electrical systems and improving the control equipment to support business functions and operations. Electrical engineering technicians assemble and install components by analyzing blueprints and schematics accurately. They also strategize cost-reduction techniques without compromising the quality standards, requiring them to negotiate with trusted suppliers and vendors for tools and materials needed for the production. An electrical engineering technician monitors the conceptualization of layout designs until the final output launch to ensure stability and prevent downtimes.
Electrical engineering technician responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real electrical engineering technician resumes:
- Manage over 10,000 tags in a PC base HMI database on a 19 node network.
- Manage and distribute cad standards to contributing design consultants and assist with any design issues as necessary.
- Assemble distribution DC power panels.
- Insure all equipment meets NEC and OSHA standards.
- Install circuit breakers, transformers, stabilizers, generators and distribution systems.
- Interface with vendors for parts, equipment, PCB layout, and assembly.
- Operate equipment such as power see, CNC bending machine, and calipers.
- Carry out & troubleshoot and correct faults on fire and gas detector/ transmitters.
- Design, build and deploy printed circuit boards (schematic and PCB layout).
- Assist in engineering and construction of prototype high speed DC circuit breakers and switching equipment.
- Follow up OSHA and company safety policies: lockout /tagout procedure, fall protection and PPE.
- Force air cooling & force oil circulation cooling transformers, primary 230KV two secondary 15.75KV / 6.6KV.
- Measure parts to determine tolerances, using precision measuring instruments, such as micrometers, calipers and squares.
- Ship to shore container cranes electromechanical technician G1 responsible of modifications, calibration, critical adjustments and testing in cranes.
- Create the parameters need within the families to have Revit automatically calculate within the panel schedules once circuit to a panel.
Electrical engineering technician skills and personality traits
We calculated that 7% of Electrical Engineering Technicians are proficient in Test Equipment, PLC, and CAD. They’re also known for soft skills such as Observational skills, Mechanical skills, and Writing skills.
We break down the percentage of Electrical Engineering Technicians that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Test Equipment, 7%
Utilized various electric and electronic test equipment in the diagnosis and inspection of electrical distribution systems and system failures.
- PLC, 5%
Install, integrate and test control and shaker amplifier and associated PLC, buffer cards, AC and DC motor.
- CAD, 4%
Correct CAD documentation using MicroStation.
- Electrical Schematics, 4%
Reconfigured and incorporated all programming/electrical schematics dealing with the installation of the new rubber-mixing machine.
- Hand Tools, 4%
Adjust or replace defective or improperly functioning circuitry or electronics components, using hand tools.
- UL, 4%
Follow test procedure to perform safety test following UL, ISO, IEC and CSA standards.
Most electrical engineering technicians use their skills in "test equipment," "plc," and "cad" to do their jobs. You can find more detail on essential electrical engineering technician responsibilities here:
Mechanical skills. Many electrical engineering technician duties rely on mechanical skills. "electronic engineering technologists and technicians must use hand tools and soldering irons on small circuitry and electronic parts to build components by hand.," so an electrical engineering technician will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways electrical engineering technician responsibilities rely on mechanical skills: "provided autocad 3d mechanical piping, hvac duct, plumbing, domestic water, medical gas design for consulting. "
Writing skills. electrical engineering technicians are also known for writing skills, which are critical to their duties. You can see how this skill relates to electrical engineering technician responsibilities, because "electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians write reports about onsite construction, design problems, or testing results." An electrical engineering technician resume example shows how writing skills is used in the workplace: "present test results data collection and plan/report writing. "
Math skills. A big part of what electrical engineering technicians do relies on "math skills." You can see how essential it is to electrical engineering technician responsibilities because "electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians use mathematics for analysis, design, and troubleshooting tasks." Here's an example of how this skill is used from a resume that represents typical electrical engineering technician tasks: "used mathematical and computer skills in surveying, light carpentry and plumbing, and materials preparation. "
Communication skills. Lastly, "communication skills" is an important element of what an electrical engineering technician does. Electrical engineering technician responsibilities require this skill because "electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians must be able to follow instructions from engineers and others." This resume example highlights how electrical engineering technician duties rely on this skill: "installed wiring and communications cable and programed plcs developed ladder logic to accomplish job needs for desired results"
The three companies that hire the most electrical engineering technicians are:
- Black & Veatch99 electrical engineering technicians jobs
- American Electric Power82 electrical engineering technicians jobs
- Larson Design Group14 electrical engineering technicians jobs
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Compare different electrical engineering technicians
Electrical engineering technician vs. Technician
Technicians are skilled professionals who primarily work with technology in different industries. They are knowledgeable about the technical aspects of the various items they work with. They are usually working with electricity or with technological advancements. Technicians may be assigned to do the construction of equipment or materials related to their field of study. They may also be assigned to conduct diagnostics and other maintenance activities to ensure that the equipment works properly. Technicians may also be required to conduct basic repairs in case of problems. It is important that technicians have good analytical skills and decision-making skills.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between electrical engineering technicians and technician. For instance, electrical engineering technician responsibilities require skills such as "cad," "electrical schematics," "ul," and "autocad." Whereas a technician is skilled in "patients," "customer service," "patient care," and "diagnosis." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Technicians tend to make the most money working in the telecommunication industry, where they earn an average salary of $46,660. In contrast, electrical engineering technicians make the biggest average salary, $62,359, in the transportation industry.On average, technicians reach similar levels of education than electrical engineering technicians. Technicians are 1.5% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.3% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Electrical engineering technician vs. Electrical apprentice
Sometimes called electrician apprentices, electrical apprentices assist the electricians in maintaining, repairing, and operating the electrical systems. Typically, they work in huge construction sites and facilities on their power distribution, lighting systems, and cables. These apprentices assist electricians in the installation of electrical systems. They have to be equipped with skills and knowledge in electrical equipment, installation, and safety regulations. It is also expected from them to become motivated team players and be well-organized.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that electrical engineering technician responsibilities requires skills like "cad," "electrical schematics," "ul," and "autocad." But an electrical apprentice might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "run conduit," "receptacles," "emt," and "light fixtures."
On average, electrical apprentices earn a lower salary than electrical engineering technicians. Some industries support higher salaries in each profession. Interestingly enough, electrical apprentices earn the most pay in the construction industry with an average salary of $46,514. Whereas electrical engineering technicians have higher pay in the transportation industry, with an average salary of $62,359.In general, electrical apprentices achieve similar levels of education than electrical engineering technicians. They're 3.1% less likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.3% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Electrical engineering technician vs. Electrical assistant
A controls technician is in charge of operating various systems within a building or facility. Although the responsibilities will vary upon the line of work or employment, the duties still revolve around using software to control types of machinery and systems such as manufacturing devices and equipment, even lighting and ventilation. It is crucial to coordinate with department managers and supervisors to avoid any technical problems and ensure a safe work environment for everyone.
The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, electrical engineering technicians are more likely to have skills like "electrical schematics," "hand tools," "ul," and "autocad." But a electrical assistant is more likely to have skills like "light fixtures," "circuit breakers," "electrical outlets," and "defective electrical equipment."
Most electrical assistants achieve a similar degree level compared to electrical engineering technicians. For example, they're 2.5% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.0% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Electrical engineering technician vs. Controls technician
Types of electrical engineering technician
Updated January 8, 2025
