Electromechanical Engineering Technician

Definition and Nature of the Work

Electromechanical engineering technicians work with equipment that uses electric power to operate mechanical controls. Technicians who work on this equipment understand the basic laws of electricity and electronics as well as mechanics. They design, develop, test, and manufacture electrical and computer-controlled mechanical systems. Their work often overlaps the work of electrical and electronics engineering technicians, and mechanical engineering technicians.

Most electromechanical engineering technicians work in the computer and office machines industries. Electromechanical equipment in these industries includes photocopy and facsimile machines as well as computers and related hardware. Electromechanical engineering technicians working in the computer and office machines industries work on the design and manufacture of new equipment. They also work as customer engineers who service computers and office machines.

Electromechanical engineering technicians work in a wide variety of other industries that use electromechanical equipment, such as automatic pilot systems, elevator controls, vending machines, and guided missile systems. Electromechanical equipment is used to take photographs of distant stars and regulate cancer treatments. It is also used in many manufacturing processes. Often the electromechanical equipment measures the size, shape, color, weight, or temperature of a product. It is generally linked to systems that adjust the manufacturing process automatically. For example, electromechanical devices used in the manufacture of paper control the texture of the fibers as well as the thickness of the final product. Electromechanical controls are also used in steel rolling mills and factories that make ball bearings, plastics, and many other kinds of goods.

Still other technicians work in factories in which electromechanical equipment is made. Many electromechanical engineering technicians work with the mechanical and electrical engineers who design and develop new equipment. They help the engineers by performing tests, recording information, preparing written reports, and taking care of other details. Technicians may also be directly involved in the production of new electromechanical equipment.

Education and Training Requirements

Many colleges and technical institutes offer training that can lead to a career as an electromechanical engineering technician. Some of these schools have specific training programs in electromechanical technology. Others offer programs in related areas, such as electronics or electrical or mechanical engineering technology. Most companies prefer to hire technicians who are graduates of one of these programs, which usually take two years to complete and provide the graduate with an associate degree. A few employers will hire people with less education, provided they have a good background in science and mathematics. Because the field of

electromechanical technology is changing so rapidly, technicians should keep up with new trends throughout their careers.