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
As an electronics engineering technician, you'll bring innovative ideas to life and keep technology running smoothly. You'll be the one who designs, tests and maintains electronic equipment.
You'll focus on building, fixing and improving electronic systems – from circuit boards to control panels. It’s a role that’s both challenging and rewarding, especially when you see a device you’ve worked on become a complete thing. You might assemble prototypes, run tests or diagnose faults in equipment.
You may find electronics engineering technicians in industries like manufacturing, telecommunications, healthcare, aerospace and renewable energy.
Depending on your interests and the sector you work in, you could specialise in robotics, medical devices or communications systems.
Your tasks might include:
assembling and testing electronic circuits and components
diagnosing faults in equipment using specialist tools
calibrating instruments to make sure they give accurate measurements
updating technical drawings and documentation
supporting electronics engineers with research and development projects
installing and maintaining electronic systems in the field
Green job
In this job you could be doing work to help the environment. You might:
work on renewable energy systems like solar panels or wind turbines
help develop energy-efficient electronic devices
Explore more information about this job
Here are some useful links to learn more about this career:
Tomorrow's Engineers — careers resources for young people from Engineering UK and Royal Academy of Engineering
WISE — inspires girls and women to study and build careers using science, technology, engineering and maths (STEM)
The Engineering Council — the UK regulatory body for the engineering profession
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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.
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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:
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Design and Manufacture
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Engineering Science
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Physics
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Practical Craft Skills
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Practical Electronics
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Skills for Work: Engineering Skills
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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 go to college or do an apprenticeship to become an electronics engineering technician in Scotland.
College
Getting qualifications at college, such as an HNC or HND, could help you secure a job or progress to more advanced study. Useful subjects include:
Electronics
Electrical Engineering
Engineering Systems
Use the My World of Work course search to find HNCs or HNDs.
Apprenticeships
Modern Apprenticeships (MAs) mean you learn on the job. You get paid and work towards a qualification at the same time. You might want to consider an MA in areas such as:
Getting work experience in a relevant role can help you build the skills and experience you’ll need to become an electronics engineering technician. Search for opportunities on Volunteer Scotland.
You'll work with electrical wiring, which means you must have normal colour vision.
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