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What does an electronic test technician do?

Updated January 8, 2025
7 min read
What does an electronic test technician do

An Electronics Test Technician is responsible for testing and troubleshooting electronic equipment, components, and parts. As an Electronics Test Technician, you will investigate issues related to process control, SCADA systems, and instrumentation and suggest effective solutions. You will be responsible for analyzing and repairing broken printed circuit boards (PCB) and creating documentation for the testing of PCB assemblies. Other duties include compiling product reports and presenting these to the company heads, ensuring to maintain testing equipment, and performing multipoint safety inspections of products.

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Electronic test technician responsibilities

Here are examples of responsibilities from real electronic test technician resumes:

  • Manage work load for new equipment builds for PC refresh for end of lease equipment and new user setups.
  • Key interface for, DOD, NASA, FDA, IPC, and ISO inspections.
  • Perform software and hardware debugging.
  • Follow ESD procedures and written safety rules.
  • Test and troubleshoot complex wire harnesses and panel assemblies.
  • Test products to adhere to ISO 9000 and FDA regulations.
  • Test, troubleshoot and repair linear and switching power supplies.
  • Maintain accurate QMS database to facilitate ECO and customer upgrades.
  • Perform electrostatic discharges (ESD) for readers and CSD's.
  • Qualify in all areas of incoming testing of optical and laser rod.
  • Test debug and fix PC board problems using custom make tester modules and automate test equipment.
  • Train manufacturing test technicians in debugging down to component level the various types of electronic assemblies.
  • Interface with board vendors on testing of PCB's and provide training on testing of product being build.
  • Test, troubleshoot, and repair PCB circuitry of power supplies according to company standards down to component level.
  • Maintain primary calibration standards on transducers.

Electronic test technician skills and personality traits

We calculated that 9% of Electronic Test Technicians are proficient in RF, Oscilloscopes, and Test Procedures. They’re also known for soft skills such as Math skills, Mechanical skills, and Observational skills.

We break down the percentage of Electronic Test Technicians that have these skills listed on their resume here:

  • RF, 9%

    Designed basic digital circuits for laboratory testing and built prototype circuits for RF communications systems.

  • Oscilloscopes, 8%

    Test and troubleshoot: Validation switches using oscilloscopes, impedance analyzers and network analyzers

  • Test Procedures, 7%

    Guaranteed the quality of computers/systems delivered to the customers, by meticulously following intricate test procedures.

  • Test Data, 6%

    Evaluate test data to support facility investigations and troubleshooting, while characterizing Torpedo system and component level operating performances.

  • Hand Tools, 6%

    Replaced defective components using hand tools and precision instruments.

  • Test Results, 4%

    Used specialized test equipment to document test results and operation performance of electronic assemblies.

"rf," "oscilloscopes," and "test procedures" are among the most common skills that electronic test technicians use at work. You can find even more electronic test technician responsibilities below, including:

Math skills. One of the key soft skills for an electronic test technician to have is math skills. You can see how this relates to what electronic test technicians do because "electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians use mathematics for analysis, design, and troubleshooting tasks." Additionally, an electronic test technician resume shows how electronic test technicians use math skills: "exhibited good math skills by passing a standardized quality testing department math test. "

Mechanical skills. Another soft skill that's essential for fulfilling electronic test technician duties is mechanical skills. The role rewards competence in this skill because "electronic engineering technologists and technicians must use hand tools and soldering irons on small circuitry and electronic parts to build components by hand." According to an electronic test technician resume, here's how electronic test technicians can utilize mechanical skills in their job responsibilities: "automated testing of electronic inverter modules and monitor results used dmm to diagnose electronic subassembly failures replace sub-components electro/mechanical and electronic"

Writing skills. For certain electronic test technician responsibilities to be completed, the job requires competence in "writing skills." The day-to-day duties of an electronic test technician rely on this skill, as "electrical and electronic engineering technologists and technicians write reports about onsite construction, design problems, or testing results." For example, this snippet was taken directly from a resume about how this skill applies to what electronic test technicians do: "analyzed oem failures and assisted in the rewriting of corrective actions. "

Most common electronic test technician skills

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Compare different electronic test technicians

Electronic test technician vs. Engineering associate

An engineering associate is an individual whose job duties include analysis of project plans, development of product designs, and maintenance of equipment. The engineering fields where an engineering associate can find a job include civil, mechanical, and environmental. The requirements to qualify for the position include obtaining a bachelor's degree in engineering, familiarity with a specific industry, prior work experience related to the field, and possessing strong technical skills.

The annual salary of engineering associates is $27,637 higher than the average salary of electronic test technicians.While their salaries may differ, the common ground between electronic test technicians and engineering associates are a few of the skills required in each roleacirc;euro;trade;s responsibilities. In both careers, employee duties involve skills like rf, test procedures, and test data.

There are some key differences in the responsibilities of each position. For example, electronic test technician responsibilities require skills like "oscilloscopes," "hand tools," "test results," and "analog." Meanwhile a typical engineering associate has skills in areas such as "python," "java," "cad," and "c++." This difference in skills reveals the differences in what each career does.

Engineering associates earn the highest salaries when working in the energy industry, with an average yearly salary of $88,950. On the other hand, electronic test technicians are paid more in the energy industry with an average salary of $55,497.On average, engineering associates reach higher levels of education than electronic test technicians. Engineering associates are 6.8% more likely to earn a Master's Degree and 0.6% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Electronic test technician vs. Technical testing engineer

A technical testing engineer is responsible for inspecting and reporting the quality of products across the production cycle. You will thoroughly check procedures, materials, and electrical and mechanical systems to produce high-quality products for customers. Your main job is to test various components and features of the product to identify and resolve technical issues. Other duties include organizing and conducting training for junior team members, creating test environments, and identifying the root cause of technical issues.

A career as a technical testing engineer brings a higher average salary when compared to the average annual salary of an electronic test technician. In fact, technical testing engineers salary is $45,347 higher than the salary of electronic test technicians per year.Only some things about these jobs are the same. Take their skills, for example. Electronic test technicians and technical testing engineers both require similar skills like "rf," "test procedures," and "test data" to carry out their responsibilities.

In addition to the difference in salary, there are some other key differences worth noting. For example, electronic test technician responsibilities are more likely to require skills like "oscilloscopes," "analog," "dexterity," and "electronic devices." Meanwhile, a technical testing engineer has duties that require skills in areas such as "schematics," "c++," "ul," and "test reports." These differences highlight just how different the day-to-day in each role looks.

Technical testing engineers may earn a higher salary than electronic test technicians, but technical testing engineers earn the most pay in the automotive industry with an average salary of $93,229. On the other hand, electronic test technicians receive higher pay in the energy industry, where they earn an average salary of $55,497.In general, technical testing engineers achieve similar levels of education than electronic test technicians. They're 1.1% more likely to obtain a Master's Degree while being 0.6% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Electronic test technician vs. Instrument and controls technician

An instrument and controls technician is responsible for checking and inspecting the condition of production equipment and machinery, ensuring its stability to support business functions and manufacturing processes. Instrument and control technicians study schematics and blueprints of system components to assemble parts and analyze its features for measurement. They also resolve system failures and write resolution reports to prevent the reoccurrence of downtime that may pose risks to the production, avoiding operational delays and potential hazards within the premises.

On average, instrument and controls technicians earn higher salaries than electronic test technicians, with a $21,496 difference per year.electronic test technicians and instrument and controls technicians both have job responsibilities that require similar skill sets. These similarities include skills such as "hand tools," "iso," and "ac dc," but they differ when it comes to other required skills.

The required skills of the two careers differ considerably. For example, electronic test technicians are more likely to have skills like "rf," "oscilloscopes," "test procedures," and "test data." But a instrument and controls technician is more likely to have skills like "control systems," "electrical equipment," "process control," and "preventative maintenance."

Instrument and controls technicians earn the highest salary when working in the energy industry, where they receive an average salary of $71,218. Comparatively, electronic test technicians have the highest earning potential in the energy industry, with an average salary of $55,497.instrument and controls technicians typically earn similar educational levels compared to electronic test technicians. Specifically, they're 1.5% more likely to graduate with a Master's Degree, and 0.1% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.

Electronic test 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.

Technicians average a lower salary than the annual salary of electronic test technicians. The difference is about $4,975 per year.While their salaries may vary, electronic test technicians and technicians both use similar skills to perform their duties. Resumes from both professions include skills like "rf," "hand tools," and "test results. "Each job also requires different skills to carry out their responsibilities. An electronic test technician uses "oscilloscopes," "test procedures," "test data," and "analog." Technicians are more likely to have duties that require skills in "patients," "customer service," "patient care," and "diagnosis. "technicians enjoy the best pay in the telecommunication industry, with an average salary of $46,660. For comparison, electronic test technicians earn the highest salary in the energy industry.technicians reach similar levels of education compared to electronic test technicians, in general. The difference is that they're 0.6% more likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 0.3% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.

Types of electronic test technician

Updated January 8, 2025

Zippia Research Team
Zippia Team

Editorial Staff

The Zippia Research Team has spent countless hours reviewing resumes, job postings, and government data to determine what goes into getting a job in each phase of life. Professional writers and data scientists comprise the Zippia Research Team.

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