Electronics
Writing About Research
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Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
Electronic Technician
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The primary job this class prepares for is an
electronic technician, but electrical and electronic
skills are used in a variety of jobs and tasks.
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Look for these skills as you research careers.
When applying for a job, always do research on
the company.
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Look for products, mission, and market.
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Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
Job Descriptions
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Electrical and electronics
engineering technicians
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Broadcast technicians
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design, develop, test and manufacture
electrical and electronic equipment.
install, test, repair, setup, and operate
electronic equipment in recording and
transmitting information via radio,
television, cable, and film.
Service technicians
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install, repair or adjust commercial or
consumer electronic equipment.
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Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
Places of Employment
A.
Large companies
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Microsoft, IBM, GE, GM, Google, J.P. Morgan Chase,
Shell, Exxon Mobile, Halliburton, Walmart, Texas
Instruments, Samsung
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All of these companies have technical divisions
or departments.
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These companies are stable and profitable.
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There are many different industries and many different
employment options.
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Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
Additional Categories
B.
Small companies and independent repair shops
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Consumer electronics repair shop
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Radio and television equipment repair shop
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(Note: The repair of communication equipment and systems
requires licensing by the Federal Communications
Commission).
Automotive and aircraft electronic equipment
repair shop
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Places of Employment (continued)
C.
D.
Large private repair and servicing firms
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Service organizations providing specialized service for
medical or office equipment
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Technical representatives
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Manufacturers
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Merchandisers
Government agencies
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Military services (includes Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines,
National Guard, and Coast Guard)
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Government Laboratories
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Government Bureau of Standards
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State and local government service departments
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Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
Places of Employment (continued)
E.
National communications industries
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Radio and television networks
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Telephone and Internet companies
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Satellite communications
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Microwave and laser communication industries
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Computer industries
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Emerging electronic industries
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Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
Sample Job Description
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The following slide shows a sample technical
job description
Place each requirement into one of the two categories
 Hard skills
 Soft skills
Are there any other skill requirements necessary for the job
but not listed?
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Software Engineer
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This position will design and maintain Embedded software control systems.
Specific responsibilities are as follows:
Design, release, maintain, and enhance Windows CE-based applications (on an Embedded platform) using Visual C++,
as
well as various other Embedded single board computer devices using an AVR C compiler in a Real Time environment.
Manage change requests including product enhancements, new features, and issue resolutions.
Manage software verification and validation through internal and external testing.
Develop new software architecture as required and develop specifications for software systems.
Develop and enhance communication between systems using RS485, RS232, and Ethernet.
Assist in the development of electrical and mechanical systems as required.
Generate Design, Product documents and other appropriate documents to verify and communicate design, including but not limited to
Review Meeting Minutes, Test Plans, Flow Charts and Source Code.
Meet with customers, collect customer requirements, create project specifications from requirements, and create time estimates based
on specifications.
Travel to customer locations to perform on-site testing and troubleshooting when needed.
Provide technical support, as required, to customers, distributors, and internal personal.
Work with Production, Product Support, Manufacturing Engineering and Marketing & Sales personnel through the design and release
of products.
Success requires the following:
A Bachelor of Science degree in Computer Science or Electrical Engineering is required.
A minimum of three years software experience is required, with preferred experience in designing software for Embedded
Microprocessor controlled industrial equipment and software development for industrial machines.
Proficiency writing C++ in the Windows CE environment is preferred, but knowledge of C++ programming in
general is required.
Proficiency writing C in an Embedded environment is preferred, but knowledge of C programming in general is required.
Proven communicator with customers, engineers, technicians, sales staff, and distributors.
Must be able to self-direct and possess strong project management skills.
Must be able to thrive in a fast-paced and dynamic environment.
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Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
Second Internet Assignment
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Pick a career or job to write a research paper about.
Describe the knowledge and skills required.
List reasons an individual would want this career.
 What is the expected salary or income?
 What are possible promotion paths?
Describe the education or experience needed.
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Copyright © Texas Education Agency, 2013. All rights reserved.
Sources for Employment
Information
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Newspapers
Internet
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http://online.onetcenter.org/
http://www.occupationalinfo.org/
Search engines
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Type the words “technical jobs”
search engine
into a
Textbooks
Trade magazines
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Important Skill
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One important skill mentioned in many job
descriptions is electronic maintenance.
What does this mean?
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Steps Involved in Electronics
Maintenance
1.
2.
3.
4.
Analysis of the symptom
Troubleshooting
Repair
Certification
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Analysis of Symptoms
1.
2.
3.
Operate or attempt
to operate the
equipment.
Observe what
appears to
be wrong.
Diagnose the cause of
the problem.
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Troubleshooting
1.
2.
Obtain specifications or fact sheets for
the equipment. (Note: Every
manufacturer of electronic equipment
provides specifications regarding which
state and what should be measured at
various parts of the circuit. Be sure to
check their website first).
Using proper test equipment, isolate
the trouble and measure for correct
outputs or signals at various parts of
the circuit, especially in the area where
the trouble is suspected.
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Troubleshooting (Continued)
3.
4.
5.
Continue test and measurement
using mid-point techniques until
problem is identified.
Determine which component or
components are the cause of
the
faulty indication.
Repair or attach tag to
equipment briefly describing
trouble, faulty test indications,
and component(s) to
be replaced.
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Repair
1.
2.
3.
4.
Disassemble the equipment.
Remove the faulty
component(s).
Install new component(s).
Reassemble the equipment.
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Certification
1.
2.
3.
Check for proper circuit
outputs.
Adjust current or voltage
levels as necessary.
Operate equipment to make
sure trouble symptoms are
removed.
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