Electrical Engineering Technician

Electrical Engineering Technicians develop, test, and maintain electrical systems and equipment. They assist engineers by preparing designs, conducting experiments, collecting data, and troubleshooting issues. Their work spans various industries, from manufacturing to telecommunications, ensuring that electrical components function optimally. With a focus on efficiency and safety, these technicians are vital in implementing technological advancements and maintaining the reliability of electrical infrastructures.

At a Glance

Imagine you are a renewable energy technician working for an engineering firm focused on wind turbines. Your current project involves inspecting a newly completed wind turbine station with your supervisor and a team of technicians. This inspection aims to ensure the electrical systems, particularly the intricate wiring and control mechanisms of the turbines, are functioning correctly before the station becomes operational.

As you and your team approach the towering turbines, you are equipped with diagnostic tools and checklists, ready to assess each component methodically. Your training in electrical circuitry and safety protocols is essential here, guiding you through the inspection process. Upon reaching the control system housed within the turbine, you notice a discrepancy in the wiring layout, potentially leading to operational inefficiencies or safety hazards.

Working closely with your colleagues, you use your troubleshooting skills to pinpoint the exact nature of the issue. The problem is a misconfigured wire, which you promptly rectify using the appropriate tools and techniques. Your attention to detail is crucial here, ensuring that the repair not only resolves the immediate issue but also adheres to the industry's stringent safety standards.

After completing the repair, you document the fault and the actions taken to correct it, contributing to the turbine's maintenance records. This meticulous documentation is vital for ongoing maintenance and future inspections.

The successful identification and resolution of the fault underscore the importance of your role as a renewable energy technician. Your expertise ensures the reliability and safety of the wind turbine station, directly impacting the effectiveness of renewable energy solutions in the broader context of environmental sustainability.

Job Duties

Job duties vary from one position to the next, but in general, electrical engineer technicians are involved in the following activities:

Install and maintain electrical equipment and systems for optimal performance and safety.
Conduct inspections and preventive maintenance to avert system failures and uphold safety standards.
Identify and fix electrical systems and equipment faults, including intricate wiring and control systems.
Assist in conceptualizing and creating new electrical systems and components for engineering projects.
Work with engineers and architects to execute and refine electrical solutions for diverse projects.
To meet technical specifications and performance criteria, test electrical systems and components.
Prepare detailed technical documents, including schematics, maintenance records, and performance analyses.
Advice on selecting and using electrical equipment, ensuring optimal procurement and application.
Implementing energy-saving measures and integrating renewable energy technologies for sustainability.
Train and mentor junior technicians on electrical system operations and safety practices.

Work Environment

Electrical engineer technicians operate within the office, field, and laboratory. In each of these settings, individuals in this occupation carry out various duties.

The office:

Use computer-aided design software for designing and simulating electrical systems and circuits to meet exact specifications and standards.
Develop project plans, outlining timelines, budgets, and resource distribution, ensuring timely and on-budget completion.
Generate comprehensive documentation for electrical system development and upkeep, including design specs, wiring diagrams, and setup guides.
Confirm that all designs and projects align with industry norms, safety rules, and environmental regulations.
Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, such as mechanical engineers, software developers, and project managers, to synchronize project efforts and integrate electrical systems with various components.
Engage with clients to understand their needs, offer technical guidance, and share updates or proposals.

The field

Inspect and assess electrical installations at project sites for adherence to design specs and safety standards.
Test electrical systems and components on-site to confirm their performance and safety before the operation.
Diagnose and fix issues with electrical systems and equipment in the field to minimize downtime and maintain optimal function.
Collect performance data and environmental conditions related to electrical systems for future analysis and design refinement.
Offer technical support and training to clients for properly operating and maintaining electrical systems.
Perform safety audits and risk assessments on electrical installations to prevent accidents and ensure safety protocol compliance.

The laboratory:

Evaluate the properties, performance, and durability of electrical components and materials through controlled testing.
Construct and test new electrical system prototypes or components using data analysis for design improvements.
Investigate new electrical technologies, materials, and methods to enhance and innovate product designs.
Establish procedures to verify that products and components comply with required standards and specs.
Conduct detailed electrical measurements to study component and system behaviours under different scenarios.
Document and report on lab tests, research outcomes, and analyses for peer review and technical journal publication.

Where to Work

Electrical engineering technicians work in multiple industries, including manufacturing, renewable energy, telecommunications, construction, public utilities, research labs, healthcare, transportation, and government, such as:

Electrical equipment manufacturing companies
Renewable energy plants (solar, wind turbine stations)
Telecommunications companies
Industrial and manufacturing plants
Construction and building sites
Public utility companies
Research and development laboratories
Hospitals and healthcare facilities
Transportation infrastructure (airports, railway systems)
Government agencies (city planning, environmental departments

Search for jobs on the ECO Canada Job Board.

Education and Skills

Education

If you are considering a career as an electrical engineering technician, you should have a keen interest in:

Circuit design and electronics.
Problem-solving and troubleshooting technical issues
Hands-on projects and technical experimentation.
Technological advancements and innovations.
Renewable energy solutions.

If you are a post-secondary student considering a career as an electrical engineering technician, the following undergraduate programs are most applicable:

Electrical engineering technology.
Electronics technology.
Renewable energy and sustainable systems technology.
Instrumentation and control technology.
Electrical power and industrial control technology.

In most cases, the minimum education requirement to work as an electrical engineer technician is an undergraduate degree or technical diploma.

Professional certifications for electrical engineering technicians in Canada can enhance professional credibility and demonstrate a technician's expertise and adherence to national standards in the field. Key certifications include:

Certified Engineering Technologist: Offered by provincial technology associations in Canada, recognizes proficiency in applied engineering and engineering technology practices.
Red Seal Endorsement for Industrial Electricians (442A): A nationally recognized certification in Canada that validates the skills and knowledge of industrial electricians, a closely related field to electrical engineering technicians.
Certified Technician (C.Tech): Also offered by provincial technology associations, is for technicians applying well-defined engineering principles in their work, a key aspect of the role of an electrical engineering technician.

Our Environmental Professional (EP) designation can also help you progress in your chosen environmental career.

Skills

Technical Skills

Circuit analysis and design
Electrical code proficiency
Instrumentation and diagnostic tools usage
Programmable logic controller programming
Computer-aided design software proficiency
Installation and maintenance of electrical systems
Renewable energy systems
Electrical safety and emergency procedures
Control systems and automation
Data analysis and reporting

Personal and Professional skills

Problem-solving
Attention to detail
Communication skills
Teamwork
Adaptability
Critical thinking
Time management
Customer service orientation
Continuous learning
Creativity and innovation

Environmental employers look for professionals who can combine technical knowledge with soft skills. Watch our free webinar Essential Not Optional: Skills Needed to Succeed in Canada’s Environmental Industry or take our Essential Skills courses.

Role Models

Your Impact

Electrical engineering technicians are crucial in designing, testing, and maintaining electrical systems and equipment, directly impacting the environment and sustainability. Developing renewable energy technologies effectively reduces dependence on fossil fuels and minimizes greenhouse gas emissions. Technicians ensure electrical installations and systems operate efficiently, conserving energy and minimizing waste, reinforcing the sustainability aspect of their role.

Economically, they support industries in transitioning to greener technologies, which can lead to cost savings through energy efficiency and open new markets in the renewable energy sector. Socially, their work creates a safer environment by implementing and maintaining systems that adhere to safety standards, thereby protecting community health. Moreover, their involvement in public utility sectors ensures that essential services are delivered reliably and sustainably, affecting everyday life.

Electrical engineering technicians help shape a sustainable future, balancing the demands of technology, the environment, the economy, and society in everyday work.

Occupational Classification

Electrical engineering technicians are classified into the following occupational grouping:

NOC Code 22310 – Electrical and electronics engineering technologists and technicians

The National Occupational Classification (NOC) provides a standardized language for describing the work performed by Canadians in the labour market. It gives statisticians, labour market analysts, career counsellors, employers, and individual job seekers a consistent way to collect data and describe and understand the nature of work within different occupations.

See ECO’s Blue National Occupational Standard for a career competency profile for an electrical engineering technician that outlines the specific skills, knowledge, and behaviours required for individuals to perform effectively in this particular role. This profile is a benchmark for training and development, ensuring consistency and quality across professions within the blue economy.