Electronics engineering technician

Career path and progression

With experience, you could become a project team leader or a maintenance or quality control manager.

You could also teach in a further education college.

What it takes

Skills and knowledge

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

Related subjects

Most relevant

• Electronics - Electronics engineering technicians design, build, and maintain electronic systems and components every day. They work with printed circuit boards, wiring diagrams, and electronic control systems – all of which require a deep understanding of how electronic circuits and components function.
• Physics - Electronics engineering technicians need to understand electricity, magnetism, circuits, and how signals behave in electronic systems. This knowledge is essential when testing prototypes, diagnosing faults, and ensuring that components work correctly together.
• Mathematics - Electronics engineering technicians use maths constantly – calculating voltages, currents, resistances, and signal frequencies. They also analyse test results and use mathematical models when designing circuits and troubleshooting faults.
• Engineering - Electronics engineering technicians apply engineering principles when developing new products, building control systems, and setting up maintenance schedules. Understanding engineering design processes and manufacturing methods is central to the role.
• Design and Technology - Electronics engineering technicians use CAD software to design circuit boards and wiring diagrams, and they build physical prototypes to test their designs. Skills in technical drawing, working with tools, and understanding how products go from concept to manufacture are used daily.

Also relevant

• Computer Science - Electronics engineering technicians often work with programmable components, embedded systems, and software tools that control electronic hardware. Understanding programming logic and how software interacts with hardware helps when developing and configuring electronic systems.
• Chemistry - Electronics engineering technicians benefit from understanding the properties of materials used in electronic components, such as semiconductors, conductors, and insulators. This knowledge helps when selecting materials and understanding how components behave under different conditions.
• Business - Electronics engineering technicians who progress into project leadership or quality control management need to understand budgets, timelines, and how manufacturing operations run. Business awareness helps when planning maintenance schedules and managing resources effectively.