Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technologists and Technicians - What They Do

Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians may work independently or provide technical support and services in the design, development, testing, production and operation of electrical and electronic equipment and systems. They are employed by electrical utilities, communications companies, manufacturers of electrical and electronic equipment, consulting firms, and in governments and a wide range of manufacturing, processing and transportation industries.

Job duties

This group performs some or all of the following duties:

Electrical and electronics engineering technologists
Design, develop and test power equipment and systems, industrial process control systems, telecommunication, broadcast, recording and audiovisual systems, microelectronic systems and circuits, computers, computer systems and networks, and computer software
Supervise the building and testing of prototypes according to general instructions and established standards
Conduct or supervise the installation, commissioning, and operation of electrical and electronic equipment and systems other than aircraft electronics or instruments
Carry out applied research in fields of electrical and electronic engineering and physics under the direction of scientists or engineers
Set up and operate specialized and standard test equipment to diagnose, test and analyze the performance of electrical and electronic components, assemblies and systems
Write specifications, schedules and technical reports and control schedules and budgets.
Electrical and electronics engineering technicians
Assist in the design, development and testing of electrical and electronic components, equipment, and systems
Assist in inspection, testing, adjusting and evaluation of incoming electrical, electro-mechanical and electronic components and assemblies to ensure conformance with product specifications and tolerances
Conduct life tests (burn-ins) on assemblies and record and analyze results
Assist in building and testing prototypes to specifications
Carry out a limited range of technical functions in support of research in electrical and electronic engineering and physics
Install, operate and maintain electrical and electronic equipment and systems
Calibrate electrical or electronic equipment and instruments according to technical manuals and written instructions
Collect and compile operational or experimental data and assist in the preparation of estimates, schedules, budgets, specifications and reports.

Job titles

communications technologist
electrical engineering technician
electrical engineering technologist
electronics design technologist
electronics engineering technician
electronics engineering technologist
electronics manufacturing technician
electronics manufacturing technologist
lighting technologist
metering technologist
microwave maintenance technician
production support technician - electronics manufacturing
electricity distribution network technologist

Employment Requirements

This is what you typically need for the job:

Completion of a two- or three-year college program in electrical or electronics engineering technology, computer engineering technology, telecommunications technology or an equivalent is usually required for electrical or electronics engineering technologists.
Completion of a one- or two-year college program in electrical or electronics engineering technology is usually required for electrical or electronics engineering technicians.
Certification in electrical or electronics engineering technology or in a related field is available through provincial associations of engineering/applied science technologists and technicians and may be required for some positions.
A period of supervised work experience, usually two years, is required before certification.
In Quebec, membership in the regulatory body for professional technologists is required to use the title “Professional Technologist.”

Essential Skills

Working with Technological Equipment and Machinery