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 get to 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.
Some specialise in areas such as robotics, medical devices or communications systems, depending on their interests and the sector they work in.
Your tasks might include:
assembling and testing electronic circuits and components
diagnosing faults in equipment using specialist tools
calibrating instruments to make sure accurate measurements
updating technical drawings and documentation
supporting 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
The Institution of Engineers in Scotland (ISE) — for more information on engineering careers
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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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Engineering and manufacturing -
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Digital technologies
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.
Electronics engineering technicians have usually done an apprenticeship or gone to college to become qualified.
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:
Engineering: Technical Support
Engineering and Digital Manufacturing
Discover Modern Apprenticeships on Apprenticeships.scot.
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
Explore courses on My World of Work course search.
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.
Normal colour vision as you'll work with electrical wiring.
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