What Does an Electronic Systems Technician Do?

From the gadget that opens your electric garage door to air missile defense systems that defend the country, electronic components are critical to modern technologies. And the people who make sure all systems are go are known as electronic systems technicians. They install, operate, maintain, troubleshoot, and repair all kinds of electronic systems and equipment. Are you a problem-solver with a knack for electronics? A career as an electronic systems technician might be a good path to pursue.

What Responsibilities Does an Electronic Systems Tech Have?

As an electronic systems technician, you might install a variety of systems, including security, audiovisual, industrial automation, and communications. Even home appliances need to be installed according to exact specifications and blueprint diagrams. Once systems are set up, they need regular inspection and maintenance. That may involve cleaning, calibrating, and replacing worn parts to prevent breakdowns. For example, if you worked in telecommunications, you may regularly inspect routers, switches, and servers. You might check transmission lines or test signal strength. Your job is to find small issues before they become big problems.

But even with proper maintenance, electronic systems can malfunction. That’s when you’re called in to figure out what the problem is, identify possible solutions, and restore functionality. To help diagnose the problem, you use a variety of tools and equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, and other testing devices. You may need to troubleshoot electrical circuits, replace faulty components, and then test equipment to make sure everything is running properly.

On the other hand, you may find that the problem with a system is less technical and more human. Your role as an electronic systems technician can include providing technical support. Whether remotely or onsite, you offer knowledge and guidance on how a system works, what users can expect from properly functioning systems, what they might be able to handle on their own, and when to call for help.

Another important responsibility you have as an electronic systems tech is to document all the work you do. You need to maintain detailed records of your work, including installation procedures, maintenance activities, repair logs, and equipment inventory. Your attention to detail here is critical to ensure compliance with industry and safety standards and to help track system performance.

What Skills Do You Need to Be an Electronic Systems Technician?

To succeed as an electronic systems tech, you need a combination of soft skills, physical abilities, and technical know-how. Which skills do you already possess, and which can you acquire?

5 Soft Skills Needed to Be an Electronic Systems Tech

1. Problem-Solving: You need to be able to look at complex technical issues, identify possible problems, and develop effective solutions as quickly and efficiently as possible.
2. Attention to Detail: Because you work with intricate electronic components and systems where small errors can have significant consequences, attention to detail is critical.
3. Caution: Working with electrical systems and equipment poses inherent risks, so you need to follow safety protocols such as using personal protective equipment and maintaining a safe work environment.
4. Communication: Effective communication helps you work well with your team. It also means you can turn technical jargon into non-technical language that customers can understand. You need to provide clear instructions, both verbally and in written context.
5. Eagerness to Learn: Electronic systems are constantly evolving, with new technologies, products, and standards always on the horizon. You need a willingness to learn and the ability to adapt to keep up with industry changes and advancements.

Physical Abilities

You may be required to perform physical tasks and lift various weights. You will also need to be able to distinguish between wire colors and various electronic systems and have good hand-eye coordination. Depending upon the specialty you choose, there may be other physical demands. For example, if you work installing security systems, you may need to lay wire, bend, lift, and crawl into small spaces. And you need to be able to lift and operate various hand tools such as drills, and soldering irons.

5 Technical Areas of Knowledge for Electronic Systems Techs

1. Basic electricity principles: Most all your work will be on systems run by electricity so you need a solid understanding of electrical safety and wiring, grounding and bonding of electrical systems, the National Electrical Code, and how to find the applicable codes and requirements of the electrical trade.
2. Communication systems: If you work for a phone or cable company, you need to understand how communication systems are installed, operated, maintained, and repaired. Among your areas of expertise should be different types of data networks, fiber-optic cabling, system cables, cable color coding, cable connectors, and installation and testing techniques.
3. Audiovisual systems: Installation of corporate and residential stereo and video systems requires the knowledge and skills to install and troubleshoot rack and integrated systems. You need to understand the full spectrum of involved processes, maintenance, and repair, including how to finish phase testing.
4. Fire and alarm systems: If you work with fire or burglar alarm systems, you need to know how to install and troubleshoot call signaling, entry and access controls, intrusion detection, security, and surveillance systems. You need an understanding of proper wiring and cable, fire-detection equipment, and system layout and planning. And you need to be familiar with the latest software in the industries.
5. Safety and Compliance: It’s critical to follow safety protocols, industry standards (e.g., ISO, IEEE), and regulatory requirements (e.g., FCC, OSHA) related to electronic systems installation, operation, maintenance, and repair.

Do you want to work with your hands and also the problem-solving skills you were born with? Lincoln Tech has an Electrical and Electronic Systems Technology program that you can complete in less than a year, and these programs are available at 11 campuses.