Electronics engineering technician
Design the electronic components used in a huge variety of equipment, from mobile phones and computers to aircraft navigation systems.
About the job
What it's like
You would design, make and fix the systems and components used in all sorts of equipment such as mobile phones, computers and medical instruments.
You could work on the electronic components used in:
Telecommunications - mobile phones, radio and TV
Medical scientific instruments – clinical and laboratory apparatus
Programmable control systems – manufacturing and industrial machinery
Data communications – computers, tablets, PDAs and ‘hole-in-the-wall’ cash machines (ATMs)
Control systems - used in all sorts of machines including aircraft and satellites to cars
Depending where you work you would:
Design printed circuit boards and wiring diagrams using computer-aided design (CAD) software
Research and develop new ideas and products
Test prototype products and analyse the results
Build and install electronic control systems used in computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)
Inspect and calibrate instruments for quality control purposes
Set up maintenance schedules for industrial and commercial equipment
Find and fix equipment faults
You’d use engineering drawings and need to understand engineering principles. You’d also need to be aware of electrical health and safety issues.
You would work closely with a team of engineers, as well as craftspeople from different engineering fields.
Hours
You would normally work a 40-hour week. You may work on a shift system, with overtime and on-call duties.
Environment
You could be based in a factory, workshop or research facility.
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Related industries
Many jobs can be done in lots of different industries. We've highlighted the ones we think are most important for this job.
Engineering and manufacturing Energy Digital technologies
Top skills
Skills are things you're good at. Whether you know what yours are or not, everyone has them!
It's useful to learn which ones are important in a job so you know the areas you need to brush up on. It can also help you work out if you're suited to a career.
Meta skills
Here are some of the meta skills you'll need to do this job.
- problem solving
- working with numbers
- researching
- cooperating
- written communication
- verbal communication
- working with technology
- analysing
- attention to detail
- developing a plan
Your skills are important
Our unique skillsets are what make us stand out from the crowd. Learn about each skill in depth and discover what employers look for in your applications and interviews.
Getting in
Explore each section to find more information about getting into this career.
Colleges and universities will list subjects you'll need for entry to a course. Some useful subjects include:
Design and Manufacture
Engineering Science
Physics
Practical Craft Skills
Practical Electronics
Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
Foundation Apprenticeship: Engineering
You can get a head start in this career by doing a Foundation Apprenticeship in S5 and S6.
You'll get an SCQF level 6 qualification which is the same level as a Higher. You'll also learn new skills and gain valuable experience in a work environment.
Discover what's on offer at your school on Apprenticeships.scot.
You can enter through a Modern Apprenticeship and gain relevant work-based qualifications such as a Scottish Vocational Qualification in Electrical Installation (SVQ level 3).
Or you could start by taking a qualification in electrical or electronic engineering or a similar subject at National Certificate (SCQF level 5/6), Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma (SCQF level 8) in Electrical Engineering.
Some employers may ask for qualifications at SCQF level 4/5, in particular for entry to a Modern Apprenticeship.
You can enter Higher National Certificate (SCQF level 7) or Higher National Diploma courses (SCQF level 8) with National 4/5 qualifications and one to two Highers or equivalent qualifications.
Qualifications that show understanding and experience of the industry and electronics such as Skills for Work Engineering Skills (SCQF level 5) could also be useful.
Normal colour vision as you will be working with electrical wiring.
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