Wherever you find large-scale or industrial electrical equipment, you will also find skilled electrical and electronics installers and repairers keeping things running smoothly. These workers install or repair a variety of electrical equipment in telecommunications, transportation, utilities, and other industries. Installers and repairers use wiring diagrams and testing equipment to find system failures, and solve equipment problems. Most specialize: Motor, tool, and related repairers work on motors, wiring, and switches for products ranging from generators to golf carts. Transportation equipment specialists bring their expertise to trains, boats, and other vehicles to keep sonar, security, navigation, and surveillance systems in working order. Commercial equipment repairers keep industrial controls, transmitters, and antennas functioning in industrial settings. Powerhouse, substation, and relay repairers are responsible for the electrical equipment that generates and distributes electrical power. Specialists in motor vehicles work with digital audio and video players, security systems, and navigation equipment. Installers and repairers generally work full time, and spend most of their day walking, standing, or kneeling. While they put in some desk time for recordkeeping, their work can involve lifting heavy equipment and— at times—working in awkward positions. Most electrical and electronics installers and repairers need specialized courses at a technical college. Obtaining a related certification is helpful.
What they do:
Install, adjust, or maintain mobile electronics communication equipment, including sound, sonar, security, navigation, and surveillance systems on trains, watercraft, or other mobile equipment.
On the job, you would:
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.
Engineering and Technology
product and service development
computers and electronics
Math and Science
arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
physics
Safety and Government
public safety and security
Arts and Humanities
English language
Basic Skills
thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions
Problem Solving
noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Hand and Finger Use
keep your arm or hand steady
hold or move items with your hands
Verbal
listen and understand what people say
communicate by speaking
Ideas and Logic
notice when problems happen
order or arrange things
People interested in this work like activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
Attention to Detail
Integrity
Dependability
Analytical Thinking
Persistence
Initiative
You might use software like this on the job:
Computer aided design CAD software
Autodesk Revit
Trimble SketchUp Pro
Presentation software
Microsoft PowerPoint
Spreadsheet software
IBM Lotus 1-2-3
Microsoft Excel
certificate after high school or high school diploma/GED usually needed
Get started on your career:
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
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