What does an Electronic Systems Technician do?

An electronic systems technician typically works with a variety of electronic equipment, systems, and devices to install, repair, maintain, and troubleshoot them. Someone who does this job may also have the responsibility of monitoring and evaluating the progress of the projects to which he is assigned as well as preparing reports for his superiors. In some cases, a technician also has the job of assisting engineers with the development, manufacturing, and testing of electronic equipment and systems.

A person who becomes an electronic systems technician may perform a wide range of duties in this field, and the equipment with which he works may depend on his employer's needs. An individual could work with radar equipment or devices that are used in navigation, equipment used in medical monitoring, as well as with various types of computers. Other technicians work with audio and video equipment and electronics used in industrial processes.

One example of a task this technician may perform is the installation of a sound system and intercom in a medical or educational facility. He may also be called on to install and program an alarm or fire protection system, while in another job, he may work to assemble prototypes, and when needed, repair them. A person in this field may also have the job of performing maintenance on audio and video equipment or repairing various electronic devices.

In order to become an electronic systems technician, a person must first usually earn a high school diploma or a general educational development (GED) credential and then earn a two-year degree in electronics technology or a related field. Employers may not always require this level of education, however, and someone might secure this job with a high school diploma and experience working with electronics. He may even find some employers who are willing to train him as long as he has electronics aptitude. Most employers prefer job candidates who have both classroom and hands-on training, however.