Careers · Explore one path
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.
Other titles employers use
Automation Technician (Automation Tech) · Electro-Mechanic · Electromechanical Assembler (EM Assembler) · Electromechanical Technician (EM Technician) · Electronics Technician (Electronics Tech) · Mechanical Technician (Mechanical Tech) · Process Control Tech · Product Test Specialist
Inside the work
What you would actually do.
6 responsibilities that define the role, before job titles and workplaces change the details.
- 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.
Who it suits
Would this work hold your attention?
This career often appeals to people drawn to practical, organizing and analytical work.
- Practical
- Building, repairing, using tools, or working outdoors
- Organizing
- Creating order, checking details, and keeping work accurate
- Analytical
- Investigating questions, testing ideas, and solving problems
Skills and strengths
What you would get good at.
Compare the skills the work relies on, the subjects behind it, and the abilities that make it easier to learn.
Core skills
- Operations Monitoring
- Troubleshooting
- Monitoring
- Repairing
- Critical Thinking
- Quality Control Analysis
Subjects to know
- Computers and Electronics
- Mechanical
- Engineering and Technology
- English Language
- Production and Processing
Useful strengths
- Control Precision
- Near Vision
- Problem Sensitivity
- Deductive Reasoning
- Inductive Reasoning
Working day
Picture yourself doing it.
These measures show how much of the day involves people, movement, conversation, and hands-on work.
| Measure | Out of 5 | What that means here |
|---|---|---|
| Close to other people | 3.4 | Shared rooms, but not shoulder to shoulder |
| On your feet | 3.0 | Mostly seated |
| Talking face to face | 4.7 | Continuous — the job is conversations |
| Working with your hands | 4.3 | Handling tools, instruments or materials |
Preparation
How people prepare for this work.
Employers usually ask for an associate degree. Other routes may also lead into the field.
- A certificate or some college 39%
- A two-year degree 30%
- A four-year degree 11%
- High school or less 11%
- A master's degree 5%
- A doctorate or professional degree 4%
Tools of the work
Technology you may use.
- Analytical or scientific software
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Object or component oriented development software
- Operating system software
- Enterprise resource planning ERP software
- Data base user interface and query software
- Spreadsheet software
- Office suite software
Opportunity near you
See where this work is growing.
Choose a state to compare the size of the field, annual openings, and expected hiring change.
- People doing this work
- 2,400
- Job openings each year
- 220
- Expected hiring change, 2022–2032
- 4.3%
Compare every available state
| State | People doing it | Job openings each year | Expected change |
|---|---|---|---|
| California | 2,400 | 220 | 4.3% |
| Ohio | 1,400 | 120 | −2.8% |
| Texas | 1,180 | 110 | 4.4% |
| Tennessee | 940 | 90 | 13.3% |
| Florida | 910 | 90 | 11.0% |
| Pennsylvania | 760 | 70 | −3.8% |
| Michigan | 710 | 60 | −4.1% |
| North Carolina | 660 | 60 | 6.5% |
| Wisconsin | 430 | 40 | 10.3% |
| New York | 410 | 0 | 2.5% |
| Virginia | 410 | 40 | −4.7% |
| Missouri | 380 | 30 | — |
| Minnesota | 370 | 30 | — |
| Massachusetts | 350 | 30 | −2.8% |
| Utah | 340 | 30 | 17.2% |
| Nevada | 310 | 30 | 10.7% |
| New Jersey | 300 | 30 | −6.3% |
| Maryland | 290 | 30 | — |
| Arizona | 240 | 20 | 26.3% |
| Georgia | 230 | 20 | −4.2% |
| Iowa | 210 | 20 | — |
| Oklahoma | 210 | 20 | 5.0% |
| Washington | 200 | 20 | 5.3% |
| Colorado | 180 | 20 | — |
| South Carolina | 170 | 20 | 6.3% |
| Illinois | 150 | 10 | −6.3% |
| Kentucky | 130 | 10 | — |
| Indiana | 110 | 10 | 10.0% |
| Oregon | 110 | 10 | — |
| Idaho | 80 | 10 | — |
| Louisiana | 80 | 10 | — |
| North Dakota | 80 | 10 | 14.3% |
| Alaska | 60 | 10 | 50.0% |
| Nebraska | 60 | 10 | — |
| Maine | 50 | 10 | — |
| Mississippi | 50 | 0 | — |
| Alabama | 40 | 0 | 33.3% |
Career to college
Build a path toward this work.
Start with a related major, then compare colleges where students complete that field.
Where to study
Colleges with strong activity in these fields.
Start with program size, admission, and likely cost. Open a college for the full picture.
Texas A & M University-College Station
- Degrees each year
- 275
- Admit rate
- 63%
- Annual cost after aid
- $17,000
New Jersey Institute of Technology
- Degrees each year
- 182
- Admit rate
- 67%
- Annual cost after aid
- $16,000
Purdue University-Main Campus
- Degrees each year
- 328
- Admit rate
- 50%
- Annual cost after aid
- $9,000
Rochester Institute of Technology
- Degrees each year
- 132
- Admit rate
- 71%
- Annual cost after aid
- $29,000
San Jose State University
- Degrees each year
- 101
- Admit rate
- 80%
- Annual cost after aid
- $12,000
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Altoona
- Degrees each year
- 32
- Admit rate
- 97%
- Annual cost after aid
- $19,000
Kennesaw State University
- Degrees each year
- 131
- Admit rate
- 69%
- Annual cost after aid
- $15,000
Pennsylvania State University-Penn State Berks
- Degrees each year
- 26
- Admit rate
- 97%
- Annual cost after aid
- $24,000
Compare every college offering electromechanical technologies/technicians