Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians

Also called: Automation Technician, Automation Test Specialist, Calibration Technician, Certified Control Systems Technician, Commercial Drone Pilot

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courses available

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estimated salary

Electro-mechanical and mechatronics technologists and technicians 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.

Test performance of electromechanical assemblies, using test instruments such as oscilloscopes, electronic voltmeters, or bridges.
Read blueprints, schematics, diagrams, or technical orders to determine methods and sequences of assembly.
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.
Align, fit, or assemble component parts, using hand or power tools, fixtures, templates, or microscopes.
Develop, test, or program new robots.
Prepare written documentation of electromechanical test results.
Repair, rework, or calibrate hydraulic or pneumatic assemblies or systems to meet operational specifications or tolerances.
Operate, test, or maintain robotic equipment used for green production applications, such as waste-to-energy conversion systems, minimization of material waste, or replacement of human operators in dangerous work environments.
Train others to install, use, or maintain robots.
Operate metalworking machines to fabricate housings, jigs, fittings, or fixtures.
Analyze engineering designs of logic or digital circuitry, motor controls, instrumentation, or data acquisition for implementation into new or existing automated, servomechanical, or other electromechanical systems.
Collaborate with engineers to implement electromechanical designs in industrial or other settings.
Conduct statistical studies to analyze or compare production costs for sustainable and nonsustainable designs.
Consult with machinists to ensure that electromechanical equipment or systems meet design specifications.
Determine whether selected electromechanical components comply with environmental standards and regulations.
Develop or implement programs related to the environmental impact of engineering activities.
Establish and maintain inventory, records, or documentation systems.
Fabricate or assemble mechanical, electrical, or electronic components or assemblies.
Identify energy-conserving production or fabrication methods, such as by bending metal rather than cutting and welding or casting metal.
Install or program computer hardware or machine or instrumentation software in microprocessor-based systems.
Modify, maintain, or repair electrical, electronic, or mechanical components, equipment, or systems to ensure proper functioning.
Produce electrical, electronic, or mechanical drawings or other related documents or graphics necessary for electromechanical design, using computer-aided design (CAD) software.
Select and use laboratory, operational, or diagnostic techniques or test equipment to assess electromechanical circuits, equipment, processes, systems, or subsystems.
Select electromechanical equipment, materials, components, or systems to meet functional specifications.
Specify, coordinate, or conduct quality-control or quality-assurance programs and procedures.
Test and analyze thermodynamic systems for renewable energy applications, such as solar or wind, to maximize energy production.
Translate electromechanical drawings into design specifications, applying principles of engineering, thermal or fluid sciences, mathematics, or statistics.

Work Context

Face-to-Face Discussions — 86% responded "Every day".
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls — 61% responded "Continually or almost continually".
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate — 67% responded "Extremely important".
Time Pressure — 59% responded "Every day".
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled — 79% responded "Every day".
Contact With Others — 60% responded "Constant contact with others".
Work With Work Group or Team — 54% responded "Extremely important".

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets — 68% responded "Every day".

Frequency of Decision Making — 69% responded "Every day".

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks — 45% responded "Extremely important".

Level of Competition — 48% responded "Extremely competitive".

Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable — 42% responded "Every day".

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results — 51% responded "Important results".

Telephone — 58% responded "Every day".

Exposed to Contaminants — 47% responded "Every day".

Consequence of Error — 45% responded "Extremely serious".

Coordinate or Lead Others — 36% responded "Extremely important".

Electronic Mail — 63% responded "Every day".

Freedom to Make Decisions — 41% responded "A lot of freedom".

Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People — 42% responded "Once a week or more but not every day".

Frequency of Conflict Situations — 33% responded "Once a week or more but not every day".

Physical Proximity — 46% responded "Moderately close (at arm's length)".

Responsibility for Outcomes and Results — 42% responded "Moderate responsibility".

Responsible for Others' Health and Safety — 29% responded "Very high responsibility".

Letters and Memos — 49% responded "Every day".

Structured versus Unstructured Work — 33% responded "Very little freedom".

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled — 39% responded "Never".

Spend Time Sitting — 30% responded "Continually or almost continually".

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions — 38% responded "About half the time".

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment — 25% responded "Every day".

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions — 38% responded "Once a week or more but not every day".

Spend Time Standing — 42% responded "Less than half the time".

Work Activities

Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates — Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material — Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment — Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
Documenting/Recording Information — Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
Controlling Machines and Processes — Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings — Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
Getting Information — Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Making Decisions and Solving Problems — Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

Analyzing Data or Information — Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.

Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards — Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships — Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.

Processing Information — Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.

Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events — Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work — Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.

Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment — Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Interacting With Computers — Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.

Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge — Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.

Performing General Physical Activities — Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials.

Thinking Creatively — Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.

Provide Consultation and Advice to Others — Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.

Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others — Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.

Detailed Work Activities

Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.
Review technical documents to plan work.
Install instrumentation or electronic equipment or systems.
Assemble equipment or components.
Inspect finished products to locate flaws.
Inspect finished products to locate flaws.

Mechanical

Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Computers and Electronics

Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.

Engineering and Technology

Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

Operation Monitoring

Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Troubleshooting

Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.

Monitoring

Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Quality Control Analysis

Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Repairing

Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.

Critical Thinking

Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Operation and Control

Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

Complex Problem Solving

Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Judgment and Decision Making

Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

Speaking

Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Writing

Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.

Reading Comprehension

Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Time Management

Managing one's own time and the time of others.

Equipment Maintenance

Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

Installation

Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.

Active Listening

Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Equipment Selection

Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

Coordination

Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

Social Perceptiveness

Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

Management of Personnel Resources

Motivating, developing, and directing people as they work, identifying the best people for the job.

Control Precision

The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

Arm-Hand Steadiness

The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

Finger Dexterity

The ability to make precisely coordinated movements of the fingers of one or both hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble very small objects.

Near Vision

The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

Problem Sensitivity

The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.

Information Ordering

The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).

Inductive Reasoning

The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).

Deductive Reasoning

The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Visual Color Discrimination

The ability to match or detect differences between colors, including shades of color and brightness.

Manual Dexterity

The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

Far Vision

The ability to see details at a distance.

Perceptual Speed

The ability to quickly and accurately compare similarities and differences among sets of letters, numbers, objects, pictures, or patterns. The things to be compared may be presented at the same time or one after the other. This ability also includes comparing a presented object with a remembered object.

Hearing Sensitivity

The ability to detect or tell the differences between sounds that vary in pitch and loudness.

Selective Attention

The ability to concentrate on a task over a period of time without being distracted.

Oral Comprehension

The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Written Comprehension

The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.

Speech Clarity

The ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

Flexibility of Closure

The ability to identify or detect a known pattern (a figure, object, word, or sound) that is hidden in other distracting material.

Reaction Time

The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.

Category Flexibility

The ability to generate or use different sets of rules for combining or grouping things in different ways.

Oral Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.

Visualization

The ability to imagine how something will look after it is moved around or when its parts are moved or rearranged.

Speech Recognition

The ability to identify and understand the speech of another person.

Written Expression

The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.

Multilimb Coordination

The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

Auditory Attention