Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Electronics Specialist
💰 $55,000 - $85,000
🎯 Role Definition
Are you a master of circuits, schematics, and soldering? We're on the hunt for a dedicated Electronics Specialist to become a pivotal part of our technical operations. In this role, you will be the go-to expert for all things electronic, from component-level troubleshooting and repair to the assembly and testing of cutting-edge prototypes. This is your chance to apply your deep technical knowledge in a hands-on environment, working with a team of passionate engineers and technicians to solve complex challenges and drive innovation. If you thrive on diagnosing elusive faults and bringing systems back to life, we want to hear from you!
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Electronics Technician
- Field Service Technician
- Assembly & Test Technician
- Junior Electronics Engineer
Advancement To:
- Senior Electronics Specialist / Lead Electronics Technician
- Electronics Engineer
- Field Engineering Manager
- Quality Assurance Engineer
Lateral Moves:
- Instrumentation & Controls Technician
- Automation Specialist
- Technical Trainer
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Perform intricate component-level diagnostics, troubleshooting, and repair of analog and digital circuit boards, assemblies, and systems.
- Assemble, install, configure, and validate new electronic systems, prototypes, and custom test fixtures according to engineering specifications.
- Execute precision soldering and de-soldering of surface-mount (SMT/SMD) and through-hole components, ensuring compliance with IPC standards.
- Utilize a wide range of advanced electronic test and measurement equipment, including oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, digital multimeters (DMMs), logic analyzers, and function generators.
- Interpret and analyze complex schematics, wiring diagrams, assembly drawings, and technical documentation to facilitate repairs and new builds.
- Develop, document, and execute comprehensive test procedures to verify product functionality, performance, and reliability.
- Conduct preventative maintenance, calibration, and performance verification on electronic equipment and production-line test systems.
- Identify, document, and track electronic component failures, performing root cause analysis to recommend corrective actions and design improvements.
- Manage and maintain an organized inventory of electronic components, tools, and consumables, initiating procurement requests as needed.
- Build, test, and repair custom wiring harnesses, connectors, and cable assemblies with high attention to detail and quality.
- Rework, modify, and update PCBs and electronic assemblies based on Engineering Change Orders (ECOs).
- Provide expert technical support and guidance to production staff, field service teams, and junior technicians.
- Maintain meticulous and accurate records of all maintenance, repair, testing, and calibration activities within a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS).
- Ensure a safe working environment by strictly adhering to all electrostatic discharge (ESD) and other safety protocols.
- Set up and operate environmental test chambers to perform thermal cycling, vibration, and humidity testing on electronic products.
Secondary Functions
- Collaborate directly with design and sustaining engineering teams to provide feedback on product manufacturability, testability, and serviceability.
- Assist in the evaluation and qualification of new components, tools, and suppliers to improve quality and reduce costs.
- Develop and deliver technical training sessions for other technicians and operators on new products or procedures.
- Author and refine technical documentation, including work instructions, troubleshooting guides, and service manuals.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives, suggesting process enhancements to increase efficiency and quality.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Component-Level Troubleshooting: Expert ability to diagnose and repair electronic circuits down to the individual component.
- Advanced Soldering: High proficiency in SMT, BGA, and through-hole soldering and rework techniques, preferably with IPC certification (e.g., IPC-A-610, J-STD-001).
- Test Equipment Proficiency: Hands-on mastery of oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, DMMs, power supplies, and logic analyzers.
- Schematic Interpretation: Ability to read, understand, and analyze complex electronic schematics, blueprints, and technical diagrams.
- Analog & Digital Electronics: Strong foundational knowledge of both analog (op-amps, filters, power supplies) and digital (microcontrollers, logic gates) circuits.
- System-Level Integration: Experience with assembling, testing, and debugging complete electronic systems and sub-assemblies.
- RF Systems Knowledge: Familiarity with testing and troubleshooting radio-frequency circuits and systems is a significant plus.
- Firmware & Software Tools: Experience loading firmware, configuring systems, and using diagnostic software.
- PCB Assembly & Rework: Skilled in modifying and reworking printed circuit board assemblies without damaging the board or adjacent components.
- Technical Documentation: Ability to clearly document test results, failure analysis reports, and repair procedures.
Soft Skills
- Meticulous Attention to Detail
- Strong Analytical and Problem-Solving Skills
- Excellent Written and Verbal Communication
- Ability to Work Independently with Minimal Supervision
- Collaborative Team Player
- Effective Time Management and Prioritization
- Adaptability to New Technologies and Changing Requirements
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- Associate's Degree (A.S.) or a Technical/Vocational Diploma in a relevant field.
Preferred Education:
- Bachelor's of Science (B.S.)
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Electronics Engineering Technology
- Electrical Engineering
- Mechatronics Technology
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range: 3-8 years of hands-on experience in an electronics technician or specialist role.
Preferred: Demonstrated experience in an R&D, manufacturing, aerospace, medical device, or field service environment is highly desirable. Experience working in an ISO 9001 or similarly regulated environment is a strong asset.