What Is an Electromechanical Technician and What Do They Do?

Electromechanical technicians play a vital role in our economy as many industrial systems are built with electromechanical devices. These technicians have in depth knowledge of maintaining electromechanical systems through their understanding of circuits and mechanics. Interested in learning more about this kind of work? Here’s everything you need to know about being an electromechanical technician.  

What is an electromechanical technician?

Electromechanical technicians solve technical problems in manufacturing and other industrial settings by applying principles in mechanical technology, electrical and electronic circuits. Their role often entails installing, testing, operating, and maintaining various electromechanical devices at worksites. The type of equipments they deal with are vast, depending on the type of industry they work in. These can range from equipment for uses in oil drilling, deep-ocean exploration, solar power and wind, or hazardous-waste removal.

Responsibilities

Electromechanical technicians have diverse responsibilities. While they are primarily responsible for testing and operating machines, these tasks require very specialized skills. Some of their duties include 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.
• 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.
• Analyze and record test results, and prepare written documentation.

Important qualities

If you’re deciding on becoming an electromechanical technician or if you want to stand out from other candidates in this field, it’s important to demonstrate the following qualities:

• Detail oriented – must be able to record precise, accurate measurements of machinery and equipment.
• Dexterity – must be skilled in using various tools and soldering irons on small circuitry and electronic parts to create detailed electronic components by hand.
• Interpersonal skills – must be able to take instruction and offer advice when needed and coordinate work with others.
• Mechanical skills – must be adept at operating machinery, including drill presses, grinders, and engine lathes.
• Logical-thinking skills – to carry out designs, inspect designs for quality control, and assemble prototypes, it’s essential to properly read instructions and follow a logical sequence or a specific set of rules.
• Math skills – required for analysis, design, and troubleshooting.
• Writing skills – must be able to write clear reports.

How to become an electromechanical technician

You generally need to complete an associate’s degree or a postsecondary certificate program in order to qualify as an electromechanical technician. These programs for electromechanical technicians are offered at vocational schools, community colleges, and even online. For instance, George Brown College’s online Electromechanical Technician Certificate program provides flexible skills-based training in electronics and electromechanical system.

In most programs, prospective electromechanical technicians need to take a variety of mathematics and science courses as a foundation before specializing further in process control, industrial maintenance & mechatronics. After completing this their degree, some go on take more advanced engineering training while others decide to enter the field immediately.

A rapidly-growing industry

Career outlook for electromechanical technicians is bright as industries become increasingly dependent on electromechanical systems. If you’re interested in pursuing a career in this field, you can learn more about it by reading this article about different electromechanical systems and learning about our online program.