Electronics Technician Job Descriptions, Average Salary, Interview Questions

What Does an Electronics Technician Do?

An electronics technician oversees various types of electronic equipment. They service and install electronic equipment and parts for companies in a variety of industries, including electronics manufacturing, telecommunications, technology firms, government agencies, and electrical engineering firms. In addition to servicing and installing equipment, electronics technicians run tests to locate issues. They also order parts if needed, and install replacement parts, including reassembling circuit boards or motor components.

Electronics technician candidates should be computer-minded and enjoy working with their hands. They should also have experience using electronic testing equipment and reading wiring diagrams and schematics. It’s essential for an electronics technician to be a critical thinker, an analytical problem solver, and an organized person to maintain equipment and service records.

Are you a job seeker?

Browse zengig’s
comprehensive list
of job openings
and apply online

National Average Salary

Electronics technician salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. To explore salary ranges by local market, please visit our sister site zengig.com.

The average U.S. salary for an Electronics Technician is:

$59,830

Electronics Technician Job Descriptions

It’s important to include the right content in your job description when hiring an electronics technician. The following examples can serve as templates for attracting the best available talent for your team.

Example 1

Electronics technicians needed! [Your Company Name] is looking to hire a new electronics technician capable of maintaining and upgrading electronic equipment. Electronics technicians will be required to troubleshoot and upgrade technology systems in the office. Strong troubleshooting skills and problem-solving skills are essential for this position. The position is full-time. The technician will also be required to occasionally conduct system installations as well as analyze blueprints and user manuals in order to learn new concepts and apply problem-solving skills to new systems. If you are confident in your ability to solve problems and apply yourself to multiple tasks and users at once, this position may be for you! Strong problem-solving ability and communication skills are a major benefit, as well as relevant certifications and previous experience.

Typical duties and responsibilities

  • Test and implement electrical systems and products based on specifications
  • Monitor maintenance and inspection plans
  • Repair and maintain electronic systems as needed
  • Perform system testing to evaluate performance and functionality
  • Maintain inventory control of electronic components and tools
  • Recommend upgrades and modifications to improve system performance

Education and experience

This position requires a high school diploma or its equivalent. Some employers prefer candidates with an associate or bachelor’s degree in electronics technology or a related field.

Required skills and qualifications

  • Analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills
  • Teamwork and interpersonal communication skills
  • Mechanical aptitude and ability to understand wiring diagrams and schematics
  • Strong hand-eye coordination and proficiency in using tools like soldering equipment
  • High-level organization skills

Preferred qualifications

  • Experience using antenna and transmission line analyzers
  • Experience using power and loss meters and OTDRs
  • Experience terminating RF connectors 
  • Experience working outdoors in variable weather conditions
  • Experience using spectrum analyzers
  • Ability to lift 20+ pounds
  • Desire to learn new systems

Example 2

This position will be responsible for

  • Ability to use, setup, configure, and calibrate test equipment such as soldering, oscilloscopes, and other related equipment
  • Ability to troubleshoot and repair products to the component level
  • Understand schematics
  • Work with Quality Control to ensure products are properly setup and calibrated
  • Work with Original Equipment Manufacturers (OEM’s) to obtain New Product Information (NPI) and trouble shoot design or testing issues
  • Understanding the use of a Warehouse Management System (WMS)
  • Ability to train and implement processes to assign department
  • Perform work safely and in accordance with company and customer standards and safety regulation

Education and experience

  • High school diploma or GED and 0-2 years of relevant experience
  • Proficient in the use of Microsoft Outlook and Excel
  • Prior experience in WMS preferred
  • Familiar with PC hardware configuration including Windows OS, LAN, etc.
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Customer service driven
  • Strong team player

Physical and cognitive requirements

  • Ability to follow policies and procedures
  • Ability to read, write, and interpret information
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply and divide
  • Ability to use hands to finger, handle, or feel
  • Ability to sit/walk/stand for up to 8 hours per day
  • Must possess visual acuity, i.e., close, distance, and color vision, depth perception and the ability to adjust focus

Example 3

The Electronics Maintenance Technician will be responsible for the following but not limited to

  • Carry out TCC Technician duties by performing all contract specified organizational and depot level Operations, Maintenance, and Sustainment activities
  • Perform additional duties as assigned (Technical Orders, Safety, HAZMAT, TMDE, tools, vehicle monitor duties, Logistics, and Supply)
  • You will receive initial instruction, or advice from supervisor to perform operations and organizational level maintenance responsibilities for mission equipment identified in the CAMMO contract for SSFB
  • Assist with Depot Level Maintenance responsibilities for mission equipment identified in the CAMMO contract for SSFB
  • Perform recurring Preventive Maintenance Inspections (PMIs) and Service on mission equipment identified in the CAMMO contract independently
  • Perform user account management and system maintenance to include network back-ups, file restores, PMIs, and testing on mission equipment identified in the CAMMO contract
  • Support mission system maintenance to include system restoral, archiving data, and password administration
  • Comply with SSFB security directives and cipher lock/combo lock requirements, all safety requirement, and all HAZMAT and MSDS requirements and use and maintain PPE
  • Utilize standardized procedures, and applicable examples, perform Sys Admin tasks, unscheduled maintenance, troubleshooting and analysis for supported mission equipment
  • Assist with performing organizational level software and firmware maintenance
  • Assist with installation, checkout, and de-install of changes/updates to supported mission systems, with an understanding of previous operational failures and modifications
  • Extract and compile engineering data from manuals or test results to identify errors or inconsistencies
  • Provide support for Emergency/Urgent Depot Level Maintenance as required
  • Assist with maintaining and documenting training records and updates to the Master Task Listing (MTL)

Required qualification

  • Must have a High School Diploma/GED and zero (0) – one (1) year equivalent experience
  • Possess zero (0) – two (2) years of system administration experience
  • Must have a current DoD Secret security clearance
  • Current Security+ Certification or must be willing and able to obtain a Security+ certification, within three (3) months from your start date
    • You will complete all Sec+ Continuing Education units within the three (3) year requirement to maintain a current certification
  • Are capable of lifting 35lbs unassisted
  • Must be able to work in a team environment

Desired qualifications

  • Must have a High School Diploma/GED and two (2) – three (3) years equivalent experience
  • Current Security+ Certification
  • Experience working with Mission Communication Segment equipment
  • Experience using Troubleshooting work-cards
  • Experience Supervising communications-electronics technicians
  • Computer and Network Component knowledge
  • Experience with communications-electronics equipment maintenance and operations
  • Experience with Air Force communication networks and mission control centers, especially at Schriever AFB is highly desirable
  • Experience performing customer service for the Department of Defense
  • Good written and verbal communication skills

Example 4

Key responsibilities

  • Troubleshoots and repairs electronic equipment to component level in accordance with FAA regulations and company IPM (Inspections Procedures Manual)
  • Follows specific layout and schematic diagrams to repair and maintain simple or advanced devices or subunits of equipment and schematic diagrams such as power supplies, oscillators, amplifiers, etc.
  • Modifies equipment according to service bulletin and/or manufacturer documentation
  • Completes repairs in accordance with company ISO procedures and within company objectives
  • Works independently or in collaboration with experienced electronics technicians
  • Carries out prescribed procedures according to an established schedule
  • Receives training in the use of more specialized test instruments and learn advanced troubleshooting procedures
  • Review work orders to ensure customer requested activities have been complied with, prior to release of the repair
  • May work on alternative assignments with detailed written or oral instructions
  • Completes quality and production paper work, prepares estimates, and maintains maintenance documentation in accordance with current quality assurance requirements
  • Communicates with cross-functional departments as required to support repair process
  • Participates in Technician cross training programs and may be assigned to other teams for short or long term assignments

Required skills and experience

  • High School Diploma or GED
  • Minimum of four (4) years related experience in servicing Aircraft electronics to a component level preferred in the commercial airline and/or aviation product support field or a two (2) year college level degree in an electronics related field
  • Must have understanding of Federal Aviation Regulations and other governing regulatory requirements
  • Able to meticulously document incoming product condition and maintenance activities
  • Ability to pass a seven (7) year background check and pre-employment drug test
  • Legally eligible to work in the country in which the position is located
  • Familiarity with both analog and digital electronics, hardware and software
  • Must have experience using a PC (personal computer)
  • Ability to read and understand engineering drawings and wiring diagrams
  • Ability to read technical literature, follow oral instructions and communicate with cross functional team members
  • Required to have an intermediate understanding of electronic theories and techniques and familiarity with standard electronic components
  • Ability to use basic and advanced test instruments and perform adjustments as necessary such as Manual and Automatic Test Benches, PC, oscilloscope, and multimeters

Preferred qualifications

  • Prior military or commercial avionics level 3 component repair experience preferred
  • FAA Repair Certificate a plus
  • Understanding of Federal Aviation Regulations and other governing regulatory requirements
  • Able to meticulously document incoming product condition and maintenance activities
  • Willing to think out-of-the-box to solve operational and technical problems

Candidate Certifications to Look For

  • Master Certified Electronics Technician (MCET). The Master Certified Electronics Technician certificate was created for technicians with over six years of experience in a relevant field. This certification was created for master electronics technicians to showcase their ability and certified level of skill in electronics. This certification is extremely well recognized and a must for any electronics technician that wants to advance their career.
  • Fiber Optics Installer (FOIC). The Fiber Optics Installer certificate gives a general understanding of fiber, splicing, and fiber installation. This certificate is extremely helpful for electronics technicians due to the common use of cable and fiber in modern electronic fields. This certificate ensures that a Fiber Optics Installer is proficient in the common fiber types, cable types, and common techniques and practices.

How to Hire an Electronics Technician

There are a number of important initial considerations when hiring an electronics technician:

  • Recruiting: Do you have the knowledge, tools, and resources to attract and screen candidates?
  • Complexity: Do you need a senior professional, or will mid or junior-level skills and experience suffice?
  • Duration: Are you hiring for a project or an ongoing need?
  • Urgency: How soon does the opening need to be filled? What happens while it remains open?
  • 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, great options exist for every scenario. These are our recommendations:

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
Navy and white 4 Corner Resources banner that says award-winning staffing and recruiting solutions with learn more button

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 electronics 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.

CareerBuilder affiliate banner that says post your job and start your free 5-day trial today

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 skills have you acquired as an electronics technician?
  • What relevant certifications do you have as a technician?
  • What is an ohmmeter?
  • Can you show me how you would go about measuring the voltage in this device? 
  • What are some common industry electronic devices and their functions?
  • Are you able to provide competent troubleshooting to clients who may not understand electronic systems?
  • Do you have previous experience running copper and fiber lines?
  • What do you do if a coworker experiences an electrical shock from a shorted or faulty wire?
  • Are you familiar with OSHA?
  • What were your typical responsibilities in your last technician role?
  • Why do you want to work as an electronics tech in our industry?

About Ashley Mapelli

Need help hiring an Electronics Technician?

We match top professionals with great employers across the country. From filling urgent job openings to developing long-term hiring strategies, our team is here to help. Review our staffing solutions, browse our award-winning Staffing Corner blog, or call today. We look forward to connecting with you soon.

Browse A-Z Job Descriptions