Electronics engineering technician
Electronics engineering technicians design, build and maintain electronic systems and components.
Also known as: Electronics maintenance technician, electronics technician
- Starter salary£26,000 a year
- Experienced£42,000 a year
- Typical hours41 to 43 a week
What you'll do
As an electronics engineering technician, you could:
- use CAD software to design printed circuit boards and wiring diagrams
- research and develop new products with engineers
- test prototypes and analyse results
- find and fix faults in machinery and equipment
- assemble and install electronic manufacturing control systems
- calibrate electronic instruments
- set up maintenance schedules for equipment servicing
- make sure all work meets quality and safety standards
Working environment
You could work at a manufacturing plant, in a laboratory or in an office.
Your working environment may be noisy.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- maths knowledge
- design skills and knowledge
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- analytical thinking skills
- the ability to work well with your hands
- complex problem-solving skills
- the ability to work well with others
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a electronics engineering technician
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
University
You can do a foundation degree or higher national diploma in electrical and electronic engineering.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
College
You could take a college course, which would teach you some of the skills needed in this job.
Relevant courses include:
- electrical and electronic engineering
- electronic systems engineering
- T Level in Design and Development for Engineering and Manufacturing
- T Level in Maintenance, Installation and Repair for Engineering and Manufacturing
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
Apprenticeship
You can apply for a place on an apprenticeship to start as a trainee, for example:
- Engineering and Manufacturing Level 2 Foundation Apprenticeship
- Engineering Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
You might do a Mechatronics Maintenance Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, if you want to work in the service and repair of production line machinery or robotics.
You can also train to be an electronics technician in the Army .
Foundation apprenticeship
You can apply for a foundation apprenticeship if you're aged 16 to 21.
If you're aged 22 to 24, you can apply if you:
- have an education, health and care (EHC) plan
- are in care or have been in care
- are in prison or have been in prison
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- no specific qualifications or experience to apply for a foundation apprenticeship
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths, for an advanced apprenticeship
Career path and progression
With experience and further training, you could become a project team leader, maintenance manager or electronics engineer.
You might work towards EngTech status , which demonstrates your skills and expertise in the industry.
You could also teach in a further education college .
Career tips
You'll find career opportunities in many industries, including:
- power generation
- advanced manufacturing
- robotics
- medical technology
- aerospace
- defence
Guides for this industry
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