Electro-mechanical Technicians

Electro-mechanical technicians combine knowledge of mechanical technology with knowledge of electrical and electronic circuits. They operate, test, and maintain unmanned, automated, robotic, or electromechanical equipment.

Duties

Electro-mechanical technicians typically do the following:

• Read blueprints, schematics, and diagrams to determine the method and sequence of assembly of a part, machine, or piece of equipment
• Verify dimensions of parts, using precision measuring instruments, to ensure that specifications are met
• Operate metalworking machines to make housings, fittings, and fixtures
• Inspect parts for surface defects
• Repair and calibrate hydraulic and pneumatic assemblies
• Test the performance of electro-mechanical assemblies, using test instruments
• Install electronic parts and hardware, using soldering equipment and hand tools
• Operate, test, or maintain robotic equipment
• Analyze and record test results, and prepare written documentation

Electro-mechanical technicians test and operate machines in factories and other worksites. They also analyze and record test results, and prepare written documentation to describe the tests they performed and what the test results were.

Electro-mechanical technicians install, maintain, and repair automated machinery and computer-controlled mechanical systems in industrial settings. This kind of work requires knowledge and training in the application of photonics, the science of light. The technological aspects of the work have to do with the generation, control, and detection of the light waves so that the automated processes can proceed as designed by the engineers.

Electro-mechanical technicians also test, operate, or maintain robotic equipment at worksites. This equipment may include unmanned submarines, aircraft, or similar types of equipment for uses that include oil drilling, deep-ocean exploration, or hazardous-waste removal. These technicians also work on energy projects involving solar power and wind.

Electro-mechanical technicians held about 14,000 jobs in 2018. The largest employers of electro-mechanical technicians were as follows:

Machinery manufacturing	11%
Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing	11
Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing	9
Engineering services	9
Transportation equipment manufacturing	8

Electro-mechanical technicians work closely with electrical engineers and mechanical engineers. They work in many industrial environments, including energy, plastics, computer and communications equipment manufacturing, and aerospace. They often work both at production sites and in offices.

Because their job involves manual work with many machines and types of equipment, electro-mechanical technicians are sometimes exposed to hazards from equipment or toxic materials. However, incidents are rare as long as they follow proper safety procedures.

Work Schedules

Electro-mechanical technicians often work for large companies in manufacturing or for engineering firms. Like others at these firms, these technicians tend to work regular shifts. However, sometimes they must work additional hours to make repairs so that manufacturing operations can continue.

Electro-mechanical technicians typically need either an associate’s degree or a postsecondary certificate.

Education

Associate’s degree programs and postsecondary certificates for electro-mechanical technicians are offered at vocational–technical schools and community colleges. Vocational–technical schools include postsecondary public institutions that serve local students and emphasize teaching the skills needed by local employers. Community colleges offer programs similar to those in technical institutes, but they may include more theory-based and liberal arts coursework.

ABET accredits associate’s and higher degree programs. Most associate’s degree programs that are accredited by ABET include at least college algebra and trigonometry, as well as basic science courses.

In community college programs, prospective electro-mechanical technicians can concentrate in fields such as the following:

• Electro-mechanics/mechatronics
• Industrial maintenance
• Process control

Earning an associate’s degree in electronic or mechanical technology facilitates entry into bachelor’s degree programs in electrical engineering and mechanical engineering. For more information, see the profiles on electrical and electronics engineers and mechanical engineers.

Training in mechatronics provides an understanding of four key systems on which this occupation works: mechanical systems, electronic systems, control systems, and computer systems.

Important Qualities

Detail oriented. Electro-mechanical technicians must make and keep the precise, accurate measurements that mechanical engineers need.

Dexterity. Electro-mechanical technicians must use hand tools and soldering irons on small circuitry and electronic parts to create detailed electronic components by hand.

Interpersonal skills. Electro-mechanical technicians must take instruction and offer advice when needed. In addition, they often need to coordinate their work with that of others.

Logical-thinking skills. To carry out engineers’ designs, inspect designs for quality control, and assemble prototypes, electro-mechanical technicians must read instructions and follow a logical sequence or a specific set of rules.

Math skills. Electro-mechanical technicians use math for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work.

Mechanical skills. Electro-mechanical technicians apply the theory and instructions of engineers by creating or building new components for industrial machinery or equipment. They must be adept at operating machinery, including drill presses, grinders, and engine lathes.

Writing skills. Electro-mechanical technicians must write reports that cover onsite construction, the results of testing, or problems they find when carrying out designs. Their writing must be clear and well organized so that the engineers they work with can understand the reports.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Electro-mechanical technicians can gain certification as a way to demonstrate professional competence.

The International Society of Automation offers certification as a Certified Control Systems Technician. This requires, at a minimum, 5 years of experience on the job, or 3 years of work experience if the technician has completed 2 years of postsecondary education.

The National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) offers certification in electrical power testing, industrial instrumentation, and other specialties.

The median annual wage for electro-mechanical technicians was $57,790 in May 2018.

The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $37,090, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $88,860.

In May 2018, the median annual wages for electro-mechanical technicians in the top industries in which they worked were as follows:

Engineering services	$60,140
Transportation equipment manufacturing	57,450
Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing	55,740
Semiconductor and other electronic component manufacturing	55,020
Machinery manufacturing	54,190

Electro-mechanical technicians often work for large companies in manufacturing or for engineering firms. Like others at these firms, these technicians tend to work regular shifts. However, sometimes they must work additional hours to make repairs so that manufacturing operations can continue.

Employment of electro-mechanical technicians is projected to show little or no change from 2018 to 2028. Many of these technicians are employed in manufacturing industries that are projected to have employment declines.

Employment projections data for electro-mechanical technicians, 2018-28

Occupational Title	SOC Code	Employment, 2018	Projected Employment, 2028	Change, 2018-28		Employment by Industry
				Percent	Numeric
SOURCE: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Employment Projections program
Electro-mechanical technicians	17-3024	14,000	14,100	1	100	Get data

This table shows a list of occupations with job duties that are similar to those of electro-mechanical technicians.

	Occupation	Job Duties	Entry-Level Education	Median Annual Pay, May 2018
	Drafters	Drafters use software to convert the designs of engineers and architects into technical drawings.	Associate’s degree	$55,550
	Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technicians	Electrical and electronics engineering technicians help engineers design and develop electrical and electronic equipment.	Associate’s degree	$64,330
	Electrical and Electronics Engineers	Electrical engineers design, develop, test, and supervise the manufacture of electrical equipment.	Bachelor’s degree	$99,070
	Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers	Electrical and electronics installers and repairers install or repair a variety of electrical equipment.	See How to Become One	$57,890
	Machinists and Tool and Die Makers	Machinists and tool and die makers set up and operate machine tools to produce precision metal parts, instruments, and tools.	See How to Become One	$44,950
	Mechanical Engineering Technicians	Mechanical engineering technicians help mechanical engineers design, develop, test, and manufacture mechanical devices.	Associate’s degree	$56,250
	Mechanical Engineers	Mechanical engineers design, develop, build, and test mechanical and thermal sensors and devices.	Bachelor’s degree	$87,370

For more information about general engineering education and career resources, visit

American Society for Engineering Education

IEEE

Technology Student Association

For more information on accredited programs, visit

ABET

For more information about certification, visit

International Society of Automation

National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET)

For information about working in automation, visit

Automation Federation

O*NET

Electro-Mechanical Technicians

Robotics Technicians