What Does an Electro-Mechanical Technician Do?
Electro-mechanical technicians operate, test, maintain, and calibrate electro-mechanical equipment — everything from unmanned submarines or aircraft to worksite equipment for operations like oil rigs, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. In addition to operating and maintaining hardware, electro-mechanical technicians run tests on equipment to locate potential issues. They frequently work alongside engineers to design, test, and program robots and robotic equipment.
An electro-mechanical technician should be computer savvy and enjoy working in a hands-on environment. They should have in-depth experience using testing equipment as well as reading blueprints and schematics.
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National Average Salary
Electro-mechanical technician salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for an Electro-Mechanical Technician is:
$64,945
Electro-Mechanical Technician Job Descriptions
It’s important to include the right content in your job description when hiring an electro-mechanical technician. The following examples can serve as templates for attracting the best available talent for your team.
Example 1
Are you looking for a hands-on job? Are you interested in working with robots, unmanned vehicles, heavy machinery, and more? [Your Company Name] is hiring an electro-mechanical technician to help our company grow. Electro-mechanical technicians are analytical thinkers with great logical thinking skills and high technical and spatial reasoning skills. They design, test, and program robots and robotic equipment to take on tasks that are hazardous, complicated, or just plain impossible for humans. These technicians will generally work alongside engineers, developers, and other technicians and use a wide variety of physical and digital tools to diagnose, repair, maintain, and build machinery and its accompanying documentation.
Typical duties and responsibilities
- Read blueprints, schematics, and diagrams to determine how to assemble parts, machines, and other equipment
- Use specialized instruments to measure parts and ensure they meet specifications
- Inspect parts for defects
- Test the performance of electro-mechanical assemblies
- Install electronic components using soldering equipment and hand tools
- Operate, test and maintain robotic equipment
- Analyze and record test results, and prepare written documentation
Education and experience
This position requires an associate degree or higher in electronic or mechanical technology.
Required skills and qualifications
- Analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills
- Teamwork and interpersonal communication skills
- Mechanical aptitude and ability to understand complex diagrams and schematics
- Strong hand-eye coordination and proficiency in using tools like soldering equipment
- High-level organization skills
Preferred qualifications
- Hands-on electrical and mechanical engineering/equipment experience at a previous position
- Great attention to detail and self-driven
- Multitasking & prioritizing in a high-pressure environment without a lot of direction or management
- Professional verbal and written communication skills
- Proficient with MS Office – Word, Excel, & PowerPoint
- Experience with bench and automated test equipment
Example 2
The position is responsible for repairing and installing advanced production/manufacturing equipment. Inspects equipment for proper functioning and performs preventative maintenance duties per manufacturer’s specifications. May mentor and provide support to less experienced mechanics. Diagnoses equipment malfunctions and makes more complicated repairs or adjustments as needed. Must have own hand tools.
This position requires continuous work near heat, noise, gas, and chemicals. The position requires frequent lifting, climbing, standing, walking, crouching, squatting, bending, and kneeling. The position may require weekend and/or holiday work.
Primary duties
- Perform preventative maintenance on more advanced/sophisticated production equipment
- Perform repairs on more advanced production equipment as needed
- Perform breakdown analysis
- Oversee or perform general housekeeping, as well as upgrade production lines with new/upgraded equipment/technology
- Direct activities of outside contractors working on assigned line
- Change line for package changeovers
- Enforce GMP, safety, and audit standards
- Work independently under limited supervision (self-management)
- Documentation of work schedule and work tasks completed
Qualifications
- 18 years or older
- Pass technical assessment addressing job-critical maintenance knowledge areas
- Experience with basic electrical systems (e.g., starters, fuses, contacts, relays)
- Experience with electrical systems (installation, frequency drive, troubleshooting)
- Experience with product manuals (e.g., reading and applying knowledge to make repairs).
- Experience with schematics (e.g., electrical blueprints with switches, starters, maps, relays).
- Experience with troubleshooting mechanical breakdowns (pinpointing and fixing breakdowns).
- Experience with troubleshooting (e.g., diagnostics, problem solving, etc.).
- Experience with reading mechanical drawings (e.g., hydraulics, pneumatics).
- Must be able to sufficiently read, write, and speak English due to the safety sensitivity of this role.
Example 3
Learn the skills necessary to move up the career ladder as an Assistant Lineman, Lineman, and Electro-mechanic responsible for the highly skilled repair and maintenance of the Rail System.
Responsibilities
- Maintenance and inspection of the following:
- Wayside Railroad Signal System
- Railroad Grade Crossings
- Railroad Track Switches
- Traction Power Generation and Distribution
- Operation of overhead bucket trucks and cranes
- Various lighting systems
- Ventilation systems
- Pumps and pump controls
Example 4
The right candidate will be responsible for mechanical and electronic assembly. The position includes soldering, crimping, and component wiring per wiring diagrams, schematics, verbal instruction, and working with assembly of some miniature mechanical and electrical components. The right candidate will take responsibility for Quality Control and troubleshooting and will learn the requirements of the Quality Management System.
Job responsibilities
- Cable assembly
- Mechanical assembly of platforms, frames, custom enclosures. Slight part modification/fabrication as needed
- Support the efforts of the engineering development team
- Learn product usage and application through system testing
- Prepare and create final product for shipment
- Part inspection with basic tools
- Adherence to ISO 9001:2015
- Other duties as assigned
Requirements
- Ability to read and work from wiring instructions, diagrams and schematics
- Ability to read and work from assembly instructions and assembly drawings
- Possess a high aptitude for attention to detail and receptive to learning procedural work
- Familiar with standard fasteners, such as a variety of screws, bolts, pins, nuts,, and washers
- Ability to work independently as well as in a team environment
- Must be a US citizen
- Must be able to pass a background check and drug screening test
Preferred qualifications
- 3+ years of hands-on experience as an assembly tech in an electronic or related manufacturing environment
- Proficient soldering skills
- An understanding of ISO Quality systems
- Technical certifications and/or AS in Electronics
- IPC-A-610, IPC-WHMA-A-620, or J-STD-001 certifications
- Documentation, organization, and communication skills
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office products
Candidate Certifications to Look For
- Master Certified Electronics Technician. The CETma is for techs that have 6 or more years of combined work and training. This master’s certification is meant to showcase the techs that demonstrate high proficiency in multiple fields of electronics. In order to qualify, one must have 6 unique certifications with no more than two originating from the same specialized category.
- Industrial Electronics. The IND teaches basic concepts and knowledge in the field of industrial electronics. Candidates will demonstrate they have a working knowledge of things like amplifiers, optical wiring, block diagrams and schematics, power supplies, test equipment, safety, communications, cabling, motors, troubleshooting, and much more.
- Telecommunications Electronics Technician. This certification shows the holder has a working understanding of wired and wireless communication concepts. Candidates will have a grasp of cables, telephony equipment, safety, distribution methods, testing equipment, optical wiring, and troubleshooting.
- Senior Certified Electronics Technician. The CETsr provided by ETA International is for experienced technicians to stand out amongst the competition. This is the ultimate certification to obtain after getting some years of experience to demonstrate a candidate’s prowess with electronics maintenance and repair.
How to Hire an Electro-Mechanical Technician
Consider the following when hiring an electro-mechanical technician:
- Recruiting: Do you have the internal resources and tools to source and recruit for this role successfully?
- Complexity: Do you need a senior professional, or will mid, or even junior-level skills suffice?
- Duration: Is this a one-time project, or an indefinite need?
- Management: Can you effectively direct the work effort?
- Urgency: Are there any deadlines associated with this need?
- Headcount: Do you have the budget and approval for an internal employee, or should you consider alternate options?
Answering these questions will help determine the best course of action for your current hiring need. Fortunately, various great options exist for every scenario, no matter how unique. We recommend the following options when hiring an electro-mechanical technician:
1. Use 4 Corner Resources (or another professional recruiting firm)
The heavy lifting is done for you when working with a top-tier staffing company like 4 Corner Resources. We source, screen, recruit, and deliver only the most qualified candidate(s), saving you significant time and effort throughout the hiring process while you remain focused on your core business. Understanding your needs and ensuring the right candidate for the position is the key to our success.
This is the best route to take when:
- You need to fill the position quickly
- You want access to a vast talent pool of high-quality, prescreened candidates
- Your position is suited for temporary hiring services, contract staffing, or contract-to-hire recruiting, and you intend to direct the work activity.
- You are hiring an employee as a direct placement but aren’t able to recruit effectively or efficiently with your internal staff.
- You aren’t familiar with current salary rates, market trends, and available skill sets
2. Advertise your opening on a top job board
Your best option may be to advertise your opening on a proven job board. There are many widely used job sites out there that draw visits from qualified candidates. If you have someone internally who can dedicate the time and energy to sort through applications and screen individuals effectively, this can be a great choice.
We recommend using a job board when:
- Your internal recruiting team has the knowledge and experience to assess candidate qualifications
- You are hiring a direct employee and have time to manage the entire recruiting effort
- You have a process for receiving, screening, and tracking all resumes and applications
- You are prepared to respond to all applicants
We recommend using CareerBuilder when hiring an electro-mechanical technician:
CareerBuilder
CareerBuilder has been a trusted source for hiring since 1995. Reach 80+ million unique, diverse U.S. job seekers annually by posting your jobs through their talent acquisition channels. Through CareerBuilder, you can engage candidates and drive them into your sourcing pipeline. We recommend using CareerBuilder for hiring when you have the internal resources and processes to review, screen, and reply to all applicants.
3. Leverage your internal resources
You can utilize your own website, social media, and employees to assist in your search for top candidates.
A company website posting should be the first step in notifying prospective candidates that you are hiring. Social media can also be a powerful tool for spreading the word about your new opening. As far as exposure is concerned, this option can be as good as some job boards when you have a large enough following across various platforms, like LinkedIn, Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and Twitter.
Current employees are every organization’s greatest asset. Encourage your internal team to promote job openings to their network by offering cash and other incentives.
We recommend these options when:
- Your brand has great name recognition
- You can consistently monitor and respond to candidate activity through your website and social media accounts
- You have a process in place to quickly and broadly communicate job openings and requirements
- You have an effective employee referral program in place
If you aren’t sure which path is best, schedule a discovery call today with our seasoned recruiting professionals. The 4 Corner team is on standby to help you find the best option for your unique hiring need.
Sample Interview Questions
- What measures do you take to prevent accidents in electro-mechanical systems?
- What does torque mean, and how does it affect mechanical performance?
- Do you have any experience designing and implementing complex electromechanical projects?
- What resources do you use to make sure electro-mechanical systems meet industry standards and regulations?
- How have you used hydraulic and pneumatic systems in your work?
- Is there a way you ensure effective collaboration and communication with a team on an electro-mechanical project?
- Could you explain the differences between AC and DC motors, and give examples of where each might be used?
- What tools do you use to troubleshoot electrical and mechanical problems?
- How have you used programmable logic controllers (PLCs) in your work?