What does an electrical test technician do?
An electrical test technician is an individual who assures the proper functioning of electrical power systems. Electrical test technicians execute tests on manufactured products. The technicians manipulate and monitor the processes and instruments used in testing the products. They perform periodic tests on equipment in service to extend service life and indicate the necessity of corrective maintenance or replacement. Also, they investigate issues associated with production.
Electrical test technician responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real electrical test technician resumes:
- Remove and replace RF cards, baseband cards, and recalibrate to achieve calibration standards.
- Install and manage windows applications for the user, maintain servers and manage help desk operations.
- Prove PLC programs and VFDs operate according to manufacture's specifications.
- Test equipment and PLC programs, and troubleshot the units for optimum functionality.
- Perform electrical testing on mold case breakers, draw out breakers, static switches and much more.
- Have RF experience using RF generators, spectrum analyzers, oscilloscopes, function generators, and frequency counters.
- Instruct other technicians to test and debug digital and analog circuits systematically by following troubleshooting flow chart.
- Diagnose incoming RMA systems to determine fault mechanism - H/W or S/W.
- Inspect all income parts such as bare-boards, finish boards power supply boards and microprocessor boards.
- Bench test and trouble-shot to component level, various microprocessor base modules used in remote environmental applications.
Electrical test technician skills and personality traits
We calculated that 14% of Electrical Test Technicians are proficient in Troubleshoot, Safety Procedures, and Electrical Systems. They’re also known for soft skills such as Observational skills, Writing skills, and Mechanical skills.
We break down the percentage of Electrical Test Technicians that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Troubleshoot, 14%
Test, troubleshoot, and repair 480VAC Static Switches, Power Distribution Units, and Power Supplies in a production environment.
- Safety Procedures, 10%
Managed and maintained 5S+ safety procedures and protocols for two new production areas.
- Electrical Systems, 8%
Performed testing and trouble shooting on rail car electrical systems.Used schematics, and measuring tools to perform electrical and mechanical testing.
- OSHA, 7%
Maintained a safe work policy according to ANSI, NETA, NFPA 70, and OSHA standards.
- PC, 6%
Perform hardware and software updates on PC unit and, IV pumps and various other electronic biomedical devices from CareFusion.
- Insulation Resistance, 6%
Cable testing (AC & DC Hi-Pot, VLF, insulation resistance etc.)
Common skills that an electrical test technician uses to do their job include "troubleshoot," "safety procedures," and "electrical systems." You can find details on the most important electrical test technician responsibilities below.
Writing skills. Many electrical test technician duties rely on writing skills. "electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians write reports about onsite construction, design problems, or testing results," so an electrical test technician will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways electrical test technician responsibilities rely on writing skills: "managed department duties included customer test inspections, writing and revising the internal test procedures. "
Mechanical skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of electrical test technicians is mechanical skills. This skill is critical to many everyday electrical test technician duties, as "electronic engineering technologists and technicians must use hand tools and soldering irons on small circuitry and electronic parts to build components by hand." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "implemented new work procedures for mechanical & electrical build to iso standards. "
Math skills. A big part of what electrical test technicians do relies on "math skills." You can see how essential it is to electrical test 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 test technician tasks: "use charts and statistics to analyze test results. "
The three companies that hire the most electrical test technicians are:
- Eaton55 electrical test technicians jobs
- Advanced Technology Services12 electrical test technicians jobs
- ABM Industries10 electrical test technicians jobs
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Compare different electrical test technicians
Electrical test technician vs. Electrical engineering professor
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 test technicians and electrical engineering professor. For instance, electrical test technician responsibilities require skills such as "troubleshoot," "safety procedures," "electrical systems," and "osha." Whereas a electrical engineering professor is skilled in "engineering technology," "abet," "electronic circuits," and "circuit analysis." This is part of what separates the two careers.
Electrical engineering professors tend to reach higher levels of education than electrical test technicians. In fact, electrical engineering professors are 17.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 11.2% more likely to have a Doctoral Degree.Electrical test technician vs. Technician
Electrical engineers are responsible for designing and developing new electrical systems, solving issues, and testing equipment. They work on various technologies, including telecommunication systems, satellite communications, and electrical power stations. Electrical engineers study and apply the mathematics and physics of electromagnetism, electronics, and electricity to small and large-scale electrical systems to transmit energy and process information. They often work with all types of electronic devices, such as supercomputers and power transmission. They also work in the emerging field of microelectronics.
Each career also uses different skills, according to real electrical test technician resumes. While electrical test technician responsibilities can utilize skills like "troubleshoot," "pc," "insulation resistance," and "test procedures," technicians use skills like "patients," "customer service," "patient care," and "diagnosis."
Technicians may earn a lower salary than electrical test technicians, but technicians earn the most pay in the telecommunication industry with an average salary of $46,660. On the other hand, electrical test technicians receive higher pay in the technology industry, where they earn an average salary of $62,798.technicians earn similar levels of education than electrical test technicians in general. They're 0.3% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 11.2% less likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Electrical test technician vs. Electrical engineer
An Engineering Technician's duties vary according to the industry or company, whether mechanical, industrial, civil, agricultural, or more. However, most of the time, the responsibilities often revolve around resolving technical issues, working with and assisting Engineers in building, assembling, designing, gathering and testing data, and conducting more manual activities. Furthermore, Engineering Technicians can specialize and work in various fields after a certain training period, closely mentored or monitored by an engineer or someone with extensive expertise.
Some important key differences between the two careers include a few of the skills necessary to fulfill the responsibilities of each. Some examples from electrical test technician resumes include skills like "safety procedures," "osha," "insulation resistance," and "ttr," whereas an electrical engineer is more likely to list skills in "autocad," "ul," "electrical design," and "cad. "
Electrical engineers earn the best pay in the technology industry, where they command an average salary of $86,871. Electrical test technicians earn the highest pay from the technology industry, with an average salary of $62,798.When it comes to education, electrical engineers tend to earn higher degree levels compared to electrical test technicians. In fact, they're 9.0% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.2% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Electrical test technician vs. Engineering technician
Types of electrical test technician
Updated January 8, 2025
