Summary
Electro-mechanical technicians operate, test, and maintain unmanned, automated, robotic, or electromechanical equipment.
What they do
Electro-mechanical technicians combine knowledge of mechanical technology with knowledge of electrical and electronic circuits. They operate, test, and maintain unmanned, automated, robotic, or electromechanical equipment.
Electro-mechanical technicians typically do the following:
- Read blueprints, schematics, and diagrams to determine the method and sequence of assembly of a part, machine, or piece of equipment
- Verify dimensions of parts, using precision measuring instruments, to ensure that specifications are met
- Operate metalworking machines to make housings, fittings, and fixtures
- Inspect parts for surface defects
- Repair and calibrate hydraulic and pneumatic assemblies
- Test the performance of electro-mechanical assemblies, using test instruments
- Install electronic parts and hardware, using soldering equipment and hand tools
- Operate, test, or maintain robotic equipment
- Analyze and record test results, and prepare written documentation
Electro-mechanical technicians test and operate machines in factories and other worksites. They also analyze and record test results and prepare written documentation to describe the tests they performed and what the test results were.
Electro-mechanical technicians install, maintain, and repair automated machinery and computer-controlled mechanical systems in industrial settings. This kind of work requires knowledge and training in the application of photonics, the science of light. The technological aspects of the work have to do with the generation, control, and detection of the light waves so that the automated processes can proceed as designed by the engineers.
Electro-mechanical technicians also test, operate, or maintain robotic equipment at worksites. This equipment may include unmanned submarines, aircraft, or similar types of equipment for uses that include oil drilling, deep-ocean exploration, or hazardous-waste removal. These technicians also work on energy projects involving solar power and wind.
Work Environment
Electro-mechanical technicians work closely with electrical engineers and mechanical engineers. They work in many industrial environments, including energy, plastics, computer and communications equipment manufacturing, and aerospace. They often work both at production sites and in offices.
Because their job involves manual work with many machines and types of equipment, electro-mechanical technicians are sometimes exposed to hazards from equipment or toxic materials. However, incidents are rare as long as they follow proper safety procedures.
How to become an Electro-mechanical Technician
Electro-mechanical technicians typically need either an associate degree or a postsecondary certificate.
Associate degree programs and postsecondary certificates for electro-mechanical technicians are offered at vocational–technical schools and community colleges. Vocational–technical schools include postsecondary public institutions that serve local students and emphasize teaching the skills needed by local employers. Community colleges offer programs similar to those in technical institutes, but they may include more theory-based and liberal arts coursework.
ABET accredits associate’s and higher degree programs. Most associate degree programs that are accredited by ABET include at least college algebra and trigonometry, as well as basic science courses.
In community college programs, prospective electro-mechanical technicians can concentrate in fields such as the following:
- Electro-mechanics/mechatronics
- Industrial maintenance
- Process control
Earning an associate degree in electronic or mechanical technology facilitates entry into bachelor’s degree programs in electrical engineering and mechanical engineering. For more information, see the profiles on electrical and electronics engineers and mechanical engineers.
Training in mechatronics provides an understanding of four key systems on which this occupation works: mechanical systems, electronic systems, control systems, and computer systems.
Pay
The median annual wage for electro-mechanical technicians was $58,350 in May 2019. The median wage is the wage at which half the workers in an occupation earned more than that amount and half earned less. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $36,520, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $93,450.
Job Outlook
Employment of electro-mechanical technicians is projected to grow 3 percent from 2019 to 2029, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
Many of these technicians are employed in manufacturing industries, for which employment projections vary. Industries in which new jobs are expected for these workers include machinery manufacturing; motor vehicle parts manufacturing; and navigational, measuring, electro-medical, and control instruments manufacturing.
Similar Job Titles
Electro-Mechanic, Electro-Mechanical Technician (E/M Technician), Electronic Technician, Engineering Technician, Laboratory Technician (Lab Technician), Maintenance Technician, Mechanical Technician, Product Test Specialist, Test Technician, Tester
Related Occupations
Manufacturing Production Technician, Avionics Technician, Electrical and Electronics Repairer-Commercial and Industrial Equipment, Computer Numerically Controlled Machine Tool Programmers-Metal and Plastic, Printing Press Operator
More Information
The trade associations listed below represent organizations made up of people (members) who work and promote advancement in the field. Members are very interested in telling others about their work and about careers in those areas. As well, trade associations provide opportunities for organizational networking and learning more about the field’s trends and directions.
- Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology - This organization accredit college and university programs in the disciplines of applied and natural science, computing, engineering and engineering technology at the associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree levels.
- National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies - This organization promotes excellence in engineering technologies globally through rigorous professional certification.
- ASHRAE - The mission of this organization is to serve humanity by advancing the arts and sciences of heating, ventilation, air conditioning, refrigeration and their allied fields.
- SAE International - SAE International is a global association of more than 128,000 engineers and related technical experts in the aerospace, automotive and commercial-vehicle industries. Their core competencies are life-long learning and voluntary consensus standards development.
- Society of Women Engineers - This organization’s mission is to empower women to achieve full potential in careers as engineers and leaders, expand the image of the engineering and technology professions as a positive force in improving the quality of life, and demonstrate the value of diversity and inclusion. A long list of available scholarships is provided. As well, students, checkout the Youth Programs section of the website.
- The American Society of Mechanical Engineers - ASME is a not-for-profit membership organization that enables collaboration, knowledge sharing, career enrichment, and skills development across all engineering disciplines, toward a goal of helping the global engineering community develop solutions to benefit lives and livelihoods.
Magazines and Publications
Video Transcript
Have you ever wanted to work hands-on with cutting-edge machines? Electro-mechanical technicians work with some of the most advanced equipment available in the manufacturing industry. Electro-mechanical technicians combine a knowledge of mechanical technology with an understanding of electronic circuits. They test and maintain unmanned, automated, robotic, or electromechanical equipment, including unmanned submarines, aircraft, and related equipment used in oil drilling, deep ocean exploration, and hazardous waste removal. They read blueprints and diagrams to assemble parts or machines, and verify that specifications are met. They operate machines to make parts, repair and calibrate assemblies and robotic equipment, and conduct tests to assure the quality of operation. They also document test results for reports. Electro-mechanical technicians work in many industries, including energy, plastics, computer and communications equipment manufacturing, and aerospace. They often spend time both at production sites and in offices. Exposure to hazards from equipment and materials requires that these technicians follow safety procedures on a daily basis. Most work full time on regular shifts, though extra hours may be required for repairs to keep manufacturing operations running. Electro-mechanical technicians typically need either an associate’s degree or a certificate.
Content retrieved from: US Bureau of Labor Statistics-OOH www.bls.gov/ooh,
CareerOneStop www.careeronestop.org, O*Net Online www.onetonline.org