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OVERVIEW Engineering technicians use engineering, science, and mathematics to help engineers and other professionals in research and development, quality control, manufacturing, and many other fields. Approximately 511,000 engineering technicians are employed in the United States. Only a small percentage of all engineering technicians work in the telecommunications industry. HISTORY Engineering technicians assist engineers, scientists, and other workers in a variety of tasks. They are highly trained workers with strong backgrounds in a specialized technological field, such as civil, electrical, materials, and many other types of engineering. In short, engineering technicians can be found supporting engineers and other workers in any engineering discipline that comes to mind. They bridge the gap between the engineers who design the products, structures, and machines, and those who implement them. Engineering technicians have been valuable members of the engineering team ever since the first engineering projects were envisioned, planned, and implemented. THE JOB Many engineering technicians work for companies and contractors in the telecommunications industry, namely, cable, wire line and cellular telephone, and the Internet. Their duties vary according to their particular field. Civil engineering technicians help in the collection, data analysis, and planning for the construction of structures needed in the transmission of telecommunication signals. Technicians employed at Comcast, for example, may help in the design, construction, and installation of towers and antennas or utility houses. They may also be involved in the planning of location, and the construction of trenches in which to lay cables and conduits. Electrical and electronics engineering technicians help engineers design, test, improve, and repair electronic equipment and devices. For example, technicians working at Lucent Technologies may be involved in projects such as fine tuning or testing switches, capacitors, or other components found in circuit boards and other telecommunications equipment. Electronic and electrical engineers may work in subspecialties such as electronics development, electronic drafting, electronics manufacturing and production, service, and maintenance. Mechanical engineering technicians assist a team of engineers and other professionals in the design, manufacturing, and testing of different machines, mechanical devices, tools, and accessories used in the telecommunications industry. For example, technicians at Nokia may help design future models of cellular phones. Their work makes it possible for these cellular phones to be sleeker, smaller, and have the capacity to access the Internet and play music and videos, among other features. Industrial engineering technicians assist industrial engineers in their duties: they collect and analyze data and make recommendations for the efficient use of personnel, materials, and machines to produce goods or to provide services. They may study the time, movements, and methods a worker uses to accomplish daily tasks in production, maintenance, or clerical areas. The kind of work done by industrial engineering technicians varies, depending on the size and type of company for which they work. A variety of subspecialties are available, including methods engineering technicians, materials handling technicians, plant layout technicians, work measurement technicians, time-study technicians, production-control technicians, and inventory control technicians. Some materials engineering technicians specialize in fiber optics communication, which uses light in the form of glass or plastic optical fiber bundles to transmit information quickly over great distances. Companies that transmit digital information using fiber optics include telephone carriers, cable television companies, and Internet carriers. Robotics engineering technicians assist robotics engineers in a wide variety of tasks relating to the design, development, production, testing, operation, repair, and maintenance of telecommunications equipment and robotic devices. Engineering technicians work in a variety of conditions depending on their field of specialization. Technicians who specialize in design may find that they spend most of their time at the drafting board or computer. Those who specialize in manufacturing may spend some time at a desk but also spend considerable time in manufacturing areas or shops. REQUIREMENTS High School You will need a minimum of an associate’s degree to work in this field. Preparation for this career begins in high school. Although entrance requirements to associate’s degree programs vary some what from school to school, mathematics and physical science form the backbone of a good preparatory curriculum. Classes should include algebra, geometry, science, trigonometry, calculus, chemistry, mechanical drawing, shop, and physics. Because computers have become essential for engineering technicians, computer courses are also important. English and speech courses provide invaluable experience in improving verbal and written communication skills. Since some technicians go on to become technical writers or teachers, and since all of these occupations require the ability to explain technical matters clearly and concisely, you will need to develop solid written and verbal communication skills in high school. Postsecondary Training While some current engineering technicians have entered the field without formal academic training, it is increasingly difficult to do so. Most employers are interested in hiring graduates with at least a two-year degree in engineering technology. Technical institutes, community colleges, vocational schools, and universities all offer this course of study. The Technology Accreditation Commission of the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (http://www.abet.org) accredits engineering technology programs. Some engineering technicians decide to pursue advancement in their field by becoming engineering technologists. Others decide to branch off into research and development or become engineers. These higher-level and higher-paid positions typically require the completion of a bachelor’s degree in engineering technology for engineering technologists or at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering for technicians interested in working in research and development or becoming engineers. Certification or Licensing Certification and licensing requirements vary by specialty. Check with your state’s department of labor and telecommunications associations for further information. Many engineering technicians choose to become certified by the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies. To become certified, you must combine a specific amount of job-related experience with a written examination. Certifications are offered at several levels of expertise. Such certification is generally voluntary, although obtaining certification shows a high level of commitment and dedication that employers find highly desirable. Electronics engineering technicians may obtain voluntary certification from the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians, the Electronics Technicians Association International, and the International Association for Radio, Telecommunications and Electromagnetics. Certification is regarded as a demonstration of professional dedication, determination, and know-how. Engineering technicians are encouraged to become affiliated with professional groups, such as the American Society of Certified Engineering Technicians, that offer continuing education sessions for members. Additionally, some engineering technicians may be required to belong to unions. Other Requirements All engineering technicians are relied upon for solutions and must express their ideas clearly in speech and in writing. Good communication skills are important for a technician in the writing and presenting of reports and plans. These skills are also important for working alongside other technicians and professionals, people who are often from many different backgrounds and skilled in varying areas of engineering. Engineering technicians need mathematical and mechanical aptitude. They must understand abstract concepts and apply scientific principles to problems in the shop, laboratory, or work site. Many tasks assigned to engineering technicians require patience and methodical, persistent work. Good technicians work well with their hands, paying close attention to every detail of a project. Some technicians are bored by the repetitiveness of some tasks, while others enjoy the routine. Individuals planning to advance beyond the technician’s level should be willing to and capable of pursuing some form of higher education.
EXPLORING If you are interested in a career as an engineering technician, you can gain relevant experience by taking shop courses, joining electronics or radio clubs in school, and assembling electronic equipment with commercial kits. You should take every opportunity to discuss the field with people working in it. Try to visit a variety of different kinds of engineering facilities—service shops, manufacturing plants, and research laboratories—either through individual visits or through field trips organized by teachers or guidance counselors. These visits will pro vide a realistic idea of the opportunities in the different areas of the telecommunications industry. If you enroll in a community college or technical school, you may be able to secure off-quarter or part- time internships with local employers through your school’s career services office. Internships are a valuable way to gain experience while still in school. EMPLOYERS Approximately 511,000 engineering technicians are employed in the United States. Only a small percentage of the total number of engineering technicians are employed in the telecommunications industry. Engineering technicians work for all major telecommunications companies including Qualcomm, AT&T, Verizon, Motorola, Nokia, Sony, Comcast Cable Communications, Time Warner Cable, Cox Communications, DirecTV, and Dish Network Services. STARTING OUT Most technical schools, community colleges, and universities have career services offices. Telecommunications companies actively recruit employees while they are still in school or are nearing graduation. Because these job services are the primary source of entry-level jobs for engineering technicians, you should check out a school’s placement rate for your specific field before making a final decision about attending. Another way to obtain employment is through direct contact with a particular telecommunications company. It is best to write to the personnel department and include a resume summarizing your education and experience. If the company has an appropriate opening, a company representative will schedule an interview with you. There are also many excellent public and commercial employment organizations that can help graduates obtain jobs appropriate to their training and experience. Newspaper want ads and employment services are other methods of getting jobs. Professional or trade magazines often have job listings and can be good sources for job seekers. Professional associations compile information on job openings and publish job lists. For example, the International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians offers lists of job openings around the country at its Web site. Information about job openings can also be found in trade magazines. Professional organizations are also good for networking with other technicians and are up to date on industry advancement, changes, and areas of employment. ADVANCEMENT As engineering technicians remain with a company, they become more valuable to the employer. Opportunities for advancement are available for engineering technicians who are willing to accept greater responsibilities either by specializing in a specific field, taking on more technically complex assignments, or by assuming supervisory duties. Some technicians advance by moving into technical sales or customer relations. Others pursue advanced education to become engineering technologists or engineers. EARNINGS The earnings of engineering technicians vary widely depending on skills and experience, the type of work, geographical location, and other factors. The U.S. Department of Labor reports the following mean salaries for engineering technicians employed in the telecommunications industry by specialty in 2006: civil, $65,730; electrical and electronics, $53,780; and all other engineering specialties, $61,460. Salaries for engineering technicians employed in all industries ranged from less than $24,000 to $76,000 or more annually. Engineering technicians generally receive premium pay for overtime work on Sundays and holidays and for evening and night-shift work. Most employers offer benefits packages that include paid holidays, paid vacations, sick days, and health insurance. Companies may also offer pension and retirement plans, profit sharing, 401(k) plans, tuition assistance programs, and release time for additional education. WORK ENVIRONMENT Depending on their jobs, engineering technicians may work in the shop or office areas or in both. The type of plant facilities depends on the product. For example, a plant producing microchips for cell phones requires very clean working conditions. Technicians employed in manufacturing may work in loud, busy settings. Engineering technicians often travel to other locations or areas. They may accompany engineers to technical conventions or on visits to other companies to gain insight into new or different methods of operation and production. Continuing education plays a large role in the life of engineering technicians. They may attend classes or seminars, keeping up-to- date with emerging technology and methods of managing production efficiently. Hours of work may vary and depend on factory shifts. Engineering technicians are often asked to get jobs done quickly and to meet very tight deadlines. OUTLOOK According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook (OOH), employment of electrical and electronics engineering technicians—one of the largest technician specialties in the telecommunications industry—is expected to grow more slowly than the average for all occupations through 2016. Computer-aided design allows individual technicians to increase productivity, thereby limiting job growth. Those with training in sophisticated technologies and those with degrees in technology will have the best employment opportunities. For all industries, the OOH reports the following employment outlooks for engineering technicians by specialty: civil, about as fast as the average; electrical and electronics, more slowly than the average; industrial, about as fast as the average; and mechanical, more slowly than the average. FOR MORE INFORMATION Visit the ASEE’s precollege Web site for information on engineering and engineering technology careers. American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE) 1818 N Street, NW, Suite 600 Washington, DC 20036-2479 Tel: 202-331-3500 Email: outreach@asee.org http://www.engineeringk12.org/students/default.php Contact the society for information on training and certification. American Society of Certified Engineering Technicians PO Box 1536 Brandon, MS 39043-1536 Tel: 601-824-8991 Email: general-manager@ascet.org This organization offers information on certification and student membership. Electronics Technicians Association International 5 Depot Street Greencastle, IN 46135-8024 Tel: 800-288-3824 Email: eta@eta-i.org For information on certification, contact International Association for Radio, Telecommunications and Electromagnetics 840 Queen Street New Bern, NC 2 8560-4856 Tel: 800-896-2783 Contact the society for information on certification and student membership. International Society of Certified Electronics Technicians 3608 Pershing Avenue Fort Worth, TX 76107-4527 Tel: 817-921-9101 Email: info@iscet.org For information on careers, educational programs, and student clubs, contact Junior Engineering Technical Society 1420 King Street, Suite 405 Alexandria, VA 22314-2794 Tel: 703-548-5387 Email: info@jets.org For information on careers and the cable industry, contact National Cable and Telecommunications Association 25 Massachusetts Avenue, NW, Suite 100 Washington, DC 20001-1434 Tel: 202-222-2300 For information on educational programs and job opportunities in wireless technology (cellular, PCS, and satellite), contact Personal Communications Industry Association 901 North Washington Street, Suite 600 Alexandria VA 22314-1535 Tel: 800-759-0300 PREV: Electrical and Electronics Engineers |