Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment

Career Overview

Install, adjust, or maintain mobile electronics communication equipment, including sound, sonar, security, navigation, and surveillance systems on trains, watercraft, or other mobile equipment.

Also Known As

• Critical Systems Technician
• Electronic Bench Technician
• Locomotive Electrician
• Power Technician (Power Tech)

Alternate Job Titles

• Body Wirer
• Control Troubleshooter
• Critical Power Install Technician
• Critical Power Technician
• Critical Systems Technician
• Diagnostic Troubleshooter
• Electrical and Electronics Installer
• Electrical and Electronics Repairer
• Electrical Troubleshooter
• Electronic Bench Technician
• Electronic Repair Troubleshooter
• Electronic Security Technician (Electronic Security Tech)
• Electronic Systems Technician (Electronic Systems Tech)
• Electronic Test Technician (Electronic Test Tech)
• Electronic Tester

What You'll Do

In this role, your typical responsibilities include:

• Inspect and test electrical systems and equipment to locate and diagnose malfunctions, using visual inspections, testing devices, and computer software.
• Reassemble and test equipment after repairs.
• Adjust, repair, or replace defective wiring and relays in ignition, lighting, air-conditioning, and safety control systems, using electrician's tools.
• Splice wires with knives or cutting pliers, and solder connections to fixtures, outlets, and equipment.
• Locate and remove or repair circuit defects such as blown fuses or malfunctioning transistors.
• Maintain equipment service records.
• Refer to schematics and manufacturers' specifications that show connections and provide instructions on how to locate problems.

Knowledge You'll Use

You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:

• Engineering and Technology
• Computers and Electronics
• Mathematics
• Public Safety and Security
• Mechanical
• Design

Essential Skills

Success in this career requires strong skills in:

1. Critical Thinking

Key Abilities

This career requires key abilities in:

• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Near Vision
• Problem Sensitivity
• Manual Dexterity
• Visual Color Discrimination
• Finger Dexterity
• Oral Comprehension
• Multilimb Coordination
• Extent Flexibility
• Information Ordering

Work Style

People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:

• Dependability
• Attention to Detail
• Cautiousness
• Integrity
• Perseverance

What Matters in This Career

This career tends to satisfy these work values:

• Support
• Working Conditions
• Relationships
• Achievement
• Recognition

Education & Preparation

Typical Education: Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in agriculture or natural resources, computer services, personal or culinary services, engineering technologies, healthcare, construction trades, mechanic and repair technologies, or precision production)

Related Work Experience Needed: Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years

On-the-Job Training: Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months

Education Details: Most occupations in this zone require training in vocational schools, related on-the-job experience, or an associate's degree.

Experience Required: Previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is required for these occupations. For example, an electrician must have completed three or four years of apprenticeship or several years of vocational training, and often must have passed a licensing exam, in order to perform the job.

Technology You'll Use

Popular Technologies & Software

• Adobe Acrobat
• Adobe Creative Cloud software
• Adobe Illustrator
• Adobe InDesign
• Adobe Photoshop
• Autodesk AutoCAD
• Autodesk Revit
• Linux
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office software

Tools & Equipment

• Adjustable hand wrenches
• Analog ohmmeters
• Ball end hex key sets
• Bench ammeters
• Bench voltmeters
• Breaker bars
• Cabinet-tip screwdrivers
• Cable cutters
• Center punches
• Circuit testing devices
• Clamp ammeters
• Clamp voltmeters
• Conduit fitting and reaming screwdrivers
• Cutting torches
• Diagonal-cutting pliers

Work Environment

• Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
• Time Pressure
• Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
• Exposed to Contaminants

Salary & Job Market

Salary Percentile	Annual Wage
Entry-Level (10th percentile)	$49,490
Median	$82,730
Top Earners (90th percentile)	$106,110

Workers Employed Nationally: 7,310

Related Careers

If you're interested in this career, you might also consider:

---

---

Occupational data sourced from the O*NET OnLine database, developed by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Wage data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), 2024.