Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians

Career Overview

Operate, test, maintain, or adjust unmanned, automated, servomechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May operate unmanned submarines, aircraft, or other equipment to observe or record visual information at sites such as oil rigs, crop fields, buildings, or for similar infrastructure, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. May assist engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.

Also Known As

• Electro-Mechanic
• Electromechanical Technician (EM Technician)
• Electronics Technician (Electronics Tech)
• Mechanical Technician (Mechanical Tech)

Alternate Job Titles

• Automation Technician (Automation Tech)
• Automation Test Specialist
• Calibration Technician
• Certified Control Systems Technician
• Commercial Drone Operator
• Commercial Drone Pilot
• Commercial Drone Technician
• Drone Operator
• Drone Pilot
• Drone Technician
• Electrical and Instrumentation Technician (E and I Tech)
• Electro-Mechanic
• Electromechanical Assembler (EM Assembler)
• Electromechanical Assembly Technician (EM Assembly Technician)
• Electromechanical Engineering Technologist (EM Engineering Technologist)

What You'll Do

In this role, your typical responsibilities include:

• Test performance of electromechanical assemblies, using test instruments such as oscilloscopes, electronic voltmeters, or bridges.
• Install or program computer hardware or machine or instrumentation software in microprocessor-based systems.
• Read blueprints, schematics, diagrams, or technical orders to determine methods and sequences of assembly.
• Modify, maintain, or repair electrical, electronic, or mechanical components, equipment, or systems to ensure proper functioning.
• Inspect parts for surface defects.
• Install electrical or electronic parts and hardware in housings or assemblies, using soldering equipment and hand tools.
• Verify part dimensions or clearances to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments.

Emerging Responsibilities

As this field evolves, you may also:

• Program and calibrate drones for specific missions or tasks, ensuring proper functionality and performance.

Knowledge You'll Use

You'll need solid knowledge in these areas:

• Computers and Electronics
• Mechanical
• Engineering and Technology

Essential Skills

Success in this career requires strong skills in:

1. Operations Monitoring
2. Troubleshooting
3. Monitoring
4. Repairing
5. Critical Thinking
6. Quality Control Analysis

Key Abilities

This career requires key abilities in:

• Control Precision
• Near Vision
• Finger Dexterity
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Problem Sensitivity
• Deductive Reasoning
• Inductive Reasoning
• Information Ordering
• Far Vision
• Manual Dexterity

Work Style

People who excel in this career typically demonstrate:

• Attention to Detail
• Dependability
• Cautiousness
• Intellectual Curiosity
• Achievement Orientation

What Matters in This Career

This career tends to satisfy these work values:

• Relationships
• Support
• Working Conditions
• Independence
• Achievement

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 6 months, up to and including 1 year

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

• Autodesk AutoCAD
• C++
• Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
• ESRI ArcGIS software
• Linux
• Microsoft Access
• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Office software
• Microsoft Outlook
• Microsoft PowerPoint

Tools & Equipment

• Analog oscilloscopes
• Computerized numerical control CNC lathes
• Computerized numerical control CNC machining centers
• Conductivity sensors
• Coordinate measuring machines CMM
• Desktop computers
• Digital cameras
• Digital multimeters
• Digital oscilloscopes
• Digital tachometers
• Direct current DC power supplies
• Drill presses
• DroneDeploy
• Dynamometers
• Fixed wing unmanned aerial vehicles UAV

Work Environment

• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams
• Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
• Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
• Time Pressure
• Contact With Others

Salary & Job Market

Salary Percentile	Annual Wage
Entry-Level (10th percentile)	$47,770
Median	$70,760
Top Earners (90th percentile)	$109,580

Workers Employed Nationally: 14,680

Related Careers

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

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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.