Description
Operate, test, maintain, or adjust unmanned, automated, servomechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May operate unmanned submarines, aircraft, or other equipment to observe or record visual information at sites such as oil rigs, crop fields, buildings, or for similar infrastructure, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. May assist engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.
Interests
- Realistic
- Conventional
- Investigative
Work Values
- Relationships
- Support
- Working Conditions
Work Styles
- Attention to Detail
- Dependability
- Initiative
- Analytical Thinking
- Persistence
Responsibilities
Tasks
- Test performance of electromechanical assemblies, using test instruments such as oscilloscopes, electronic voltmeters, or bridges.
- Install or program computer hardware or machine or instrumentation software in microprocessor-based systems.
- Read blueprints, schematics, diagrams, or technical orders to determine methods and sequences of assembly.
- Modify, maintain, or repair electrical, electronic, or mechanical components, equipment, or systems to ensure proper functioning.
- Inspect parts for surface defects.
Work Activities
- Working with Computers
- Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
- Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
- Documenting/Recording Information
- Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
Detailed Work Activities
- Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
- Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
- Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
- Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
- Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
- Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
- Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
- Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
- Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
- Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
T-A-S-K
Technology Skills
- Analytical or scientific software
- Presentation software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Industrial control software
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
Abilities
- Control Precision
- Near Vision
- Arm-Hand Steadiness
- Deductive Reasoning
- Finger Dexterity
Skills
- Operations Monitoring
- Troubleshooting
- Monitoring
- Repairing
- Critical Thinking
Knowledge
- Computers and Electronics
- Mechanical
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
- Mathematics
Education
Most Common Education Level
The “Most Common Education Level” refers to the level of education held by the majority of workers in a given occupation. For example, if the highest percentage of workers in a role have an Associate’s Degree, that suggests this is the typical educational requirement. Knowing this helps you plan how many years of education you may need to pursue for that career.
Certificates
Certificate name
Certified Quality TechnicianCertifying Organization
American Society for Quality
Type
Core
Certificate name
Certified Technology ManagerCertifying Organization
Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering
Type
Core
Certificate name
Microelectro Mechanical Systems FoundationCertifying Organization
Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Fluid Power Pneumatic SpecialistCertifying Organization
International Fluid Power Society
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Certified Miltary Standard EMC Specialist - Associate TechnicianCertifying Organization
Exemplar Global
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Electromagnetic Compatibility (EMC/EMI) CertificationCertifying Organization
Exemplar Global
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
ISA Certified Control Systems Technician - Level ICertifying Organization
International Society of Automation
Type
Core
Certificate name
Corrosion TechnologistCertifying Organization
The Association for Materials Protection and Performance
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
Senior Corrosion TechnologistCertifying Organization
The Association for Materials Protection and Performance
Type
Advanced
Certificate name
ETT Trainee Level ICertifying Organization
InterNational Electrical Testing Association
Type
Core
Income & Employability
Income Percentile
The income percentiles show how earnings are distributed within a profession. The 10th percentile means that 10% of workers earned less than that amount. The median (50th percentile) indicates that half of workers earned more, and half earned less. The 90th percentile reflects what the top 10% of earners in the field make.
| Income Percentile | Annual Income |
|---|---|
| Low (10%) | $58,591 |
| Median (50%) | $65,976 |
| High (90%) | $79,581 |
Income by Experience
This table shows how income typically grows with experience—from entry level (0–2 years), to mid-level (3–5 years), to senior level (6–8 years), to expert level (8+ years).
| Experience | Income |
|---|---|
Entry Level  | $64,537 |
| Mid Level | $75,149 |
| Senior Level | $78,454 |
| Expert Level | N/A |
Employability
There are currently 15,800 jobs in this career path. Over the next 10 years, that number is expected to decrease to 15,600 positions, reflecting a projected decline of -1%.
The Projected Job Growth figure refers to the expected increase or decrease in employment within a specific career field over a certain period of time.
Projected Job Growth of -1%
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Related Careers
The career information and data on this site incorporates information from O*NET Web Services, Lightcast, CareerOneStop, and the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). For more details regarding the data sources and the specific information sourced, click here.
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