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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Electronic Repair Technician

💰 $45,000 - $75,000

Skilled TradesManufacturingTechnologyRepair and Maintenance

🎯 Role Definition

Are you a hands-on problem-solver with a passion for making things work again? This role requires a skilled and meticulous Electronic Repair Technician to join our dynamic technical team. In this pivotal role, you will be the expert responsible for breathing new life into a wide range of electronic devices and systems. You'll apply your deep technical knowledge to diagnose complex failures, perform precision repairs, and ensure every piece of equipment meets our stringent quality and performance standards. If you thrive on the challenge of component-level troubleshooting and take pride in the quality of your work, this is the opportunity for you to make a significant impact.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Electronics Assembly Technician
  • Technical School or Associate's Degree Graduate (Electronics)
  • Field Service Technician Trainee
  • Avid Electronics Hobbyist with demonstrated skills

Advancement To:

  • Senior Electronic Repair Technician
  • Repair Department Supervisor / Team Lead
  • Field Service Engineer
  • Test Engineer or Quality Assurance Engineer

Lateral Moves:

  • Calibration Technician
  • Quality Control Inspector
  • Test Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform comprehensive diagnostics and troubleshooting of electronic assemblies, circuit boards, and systems down to the component level to identify root causes of failures.
  • Execute precise soldering and de-soldering of surface mount (SMT) and through-hole components using industry-standard tools and techniques.
  • Utilize a wide range of electronic test equipment, including oscilloscopes, digital multimeters (DMMs), spectrum analyzers, and function generators to test and validate repairs.
  • Read, interpret, and work from complex technical documents, including electronic schematics, assembly drawings, wiring diagrams, and bills of materials (BOMs).
  • Meticulously document all repair activities, including faults found, components replaced, and tests performed, in the company's maintenance tracking system.
  • Conduct functional and final testing on repaired units to ensure they meet all performance specifications and quality standards before being returned to service.
  • Perform intricate rework, modifications, and repairs on printed circuit boards (PCBs), including trace repair, pad replacement, and BGA rework.
  • Identify, source, and verify replacement components for compatibility and quality to ensure the long-term reliability of the repaired product.
  • Adhere strictly to all electrostatic discharge (ESD) prevention procedures to protect sensitive electronic components from damage during handling and repair.
  • Collaborate with engineering and quality assurance teams to provide detailed feedback on failure trends, potential design flaws, and opportunities for product improvement.
  • Install, configure, and update firmware and software on electronic devices as part of the broader repair and testing process.
  • Calibrate, maintain, and perform basic repairs on test equipment and repair tools to ensure they are functioning correctly and providing accurate measurements.
  • Disassemble and reassemble complex electronic and electro-mechanical products and sub-assemblies according to documented procedures and engineering specifications.
  • Manage a queue of repair orders, prioritizing tasks effectively to meet turnaround time (TAT) targets and customer expectations.
  • Analyze and interpret complex test data to confirm fault resolution and perform root cause analysis on recurring or challenging issues.
  • Perform detailed visual inspections of PCBs and assemblies under a microscope to identify defects such as cold solder joints, solder bridges, and physical damage.
  • Execute Engineering Change Orders (ECOs) on electronic assemblies, ensuring all modifications are implemented correctly and fully documented.
  • Analyze and troubleshoot system-level failures involving the interaction of multiple electronic and mechanical components.
  • Build and test custom cable assemblies and test fixtures as needed to support diagnostic and repair activities.
  • Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment in the repair lab, adhering to all company safety policies and 5S principles.

Secondary Functions

  • Maintain and manage inventory levels of spare parts, components, and repair supplies, initiating orders as necessary to prevent stockouts.
  • Contribute to the creation, review, and refinement of technical documentation, standard operating procedures (SOPs), and work instructions for the repair department.
  • Assist in training and mentoring junior technicians on complex repair techniques, diagnostic methodologies, and safety protocols.
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives aimed at reducing repair cycle times, improving first-pass yield, and lowering operational costs.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Component-level troubleshooting and diagnostics of analog and digital circuits.
  • Advanced soldering and de-soldering skills (SMT, BGA, and through-hole) meeting high-quality standards.
  • Proficiency with a wide array of electronic test equipment (oscilloscopes, multimeters, power supplies, spectrum analyzers, etc.).
  • Strong ability to read and interpret electronic schematics, blueprints, and technical diagrams.
  • Expertise in Printed Circuit Board (PCB) rework, repair, and modification techniques.
  • Solid understanding of analog, digital, and microprocessor/microcontroller circuit principles.
  • Familiarity with IPC standards for electronics assembly and repair (e.g., IPC-A-610, J-STD-001).
  • Strict adherence to Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) safety protocols and handling procedures.
  • Experience with diagnostic software, firmware flashing, and device configuration.
  • Application of Root Cause Analysis (RCA) techniques to identify and resolve underlying causes of failures.

Soft Skills

  • Exceptional problem-solving, critical thinking, and analytical abilities.
  • Meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to precision and quality.
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills for clear documentation and effective collaboration.
  • Proven ability to work independently with minimal supervision and take ownership of tasks.
  • Effective time management and organizational skills to prioritize a dynamic workload.
  • A collaborative, team-oriented mindset with a willingness to share knowledge and support colleagues.
  • Adaptability and a passion for continuous learning in a rapidly evolving technological field.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • Associate's Degree in Electronics Technology, a Technical/Vocational School Certificate in Electronic Repair, or equivalent military training (e.g., Avionics Technician).

Preferred Education:

  • Bachelor's Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology (EET) or a related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Electronics Technology
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Computer Engineering Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

  • 2-5 years of direct, hands-on experience in the troubleshooting and repair of electronic equipment to the component level.

Preferred:

  • 5+ years of experience in a high-volume repair environment, with specific expertise in RF, power supply, or complex digital system repair. IPC certification is highly desirable.
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