Electronics Assemblers, Fabricators, Inspectors and Testers
(NOC 9523)
in All Manufacturing and UtilitiesElectronics assemblers and fabricators assemble and make electronic equipment, parts and components. Electronics inspectors and testers inspect and test electronic and electromechanical assemblies, subassemblies, parts and components to make sure they meet prescribed standards. They work for electronics manufacturing plants.
Job Outlook
Undetermined
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Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
This is not a large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities may not be that frequent. With a moderate percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to contribute somewhat to employment opportunities over the coming years. Electronics Assemblers, Fabricators, Inspectors, and Testers most commonly work full-time hours.
The median employment income for 69% of Electronics Assemblers, Fabricators, Inspectors, and Testers who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $38,580. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)
Hourly Pay
$14.00
Minimum$17.50
Median$22.50
MaximumAnnual Pay
$10,236
Minimum$35,640
Median$68,159
MaximumCompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
Hourly Pay
$13.00
Minimum$23.91
Median$35.04
MaximumAnnual Pay
$6,056
Minimum$30,111
Median$70,518
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
Electronics assemblers and fabricators assemble and make electronic equipment, parts and components. Electronics inspectors and testers inspect and test electronic and electromechanical assemblies, subassemblies, parts and components to make sure they meet prescribed standards. They work for electronics manufacturing plants.
Job duties
Electronics assemblers:
- Solder and manually assemble electronic components like resistors, diodes, transistors, capacitors, integrated circuits, switches, wires and other electronic parts to designated locations on printed circuit boards.
- Assemble microcircuits requiring fine hand assembly, the use of microscopes and follow cleanroom procedures.
- Install, mount, fasten, align and adjust parts, components, wiring and harnesses to subassemblies and assemblies using hand and small power tools.
- Use machines to position, solder and clean components on printed circuit boards.
- May replace defective components and repair and overhaul older devices.
Electronics fabricators:
- Use and monitor process equipment and machines to make electronic components, solder, clean, seal and stamp components and perform other process operations as specified.
- Set up process equipment and follow cleanroom procedures as required.
Electronics inspectors:
- Inspect electronic components and assemblies to confirm correct component selection and placement, wiring and soldering quality, proper pin insertions, location and diameter of plated holes, breaks in circuitry and line spacing in printed circuit board and other requirements while products are being assembled or made.
- Check final assembly for finish, labelling and packaging methods.
- Check mechanical dimensions and perform "go-no-go" electrical tests.
- Identify and mark acceptable and defective assemblies and return faulty assemblies to production for repair.
- Collect, record and summarize inspection results.
- Investigate equipment malfunction and instruct on proper operation.
Electronics testers:
- Use test equipment and tools to perform simple electrical and continuity testing of electronic components, parts and systems.
- Set up and use automatic testing equipment to locate circuit and wiring faults, shorts and component defects.
- Compare test results to specifications and set parts or products aside for repair or replace components or parts as indicated by test equipment.
- May carry out life tests (burn-ins) on components, subassemblies and assemblies.
- Maintain test result reports.
Sample job titles
- capacitor assembler
- circuit board assembler
- component inserting machine operator
- crystal final tester
- electronic components tester
- electronics inspector
- precision instrument assembler
- printed circuit board (PCB) assembly inspector
- surface mount assembler
- through-hole assembler
- wafer fabrication operator
- wave soldering machine operator
- wiring and assembly operator
Skills
This work requires excellent spatial perception, form perception, and eye-to-finger coordination. You must be accurate and able to pay close attention to detail. A keen interest in working with machines and routine processes is necessary. You should also be physically fit and have good eyesight and hearing.
Job requirements
- High school is required.
- On-the-job training is usually provided for jobs in this group.
- Electronics testers may need college courses in basic electronic theory, testing techniques and testing equipment.
- Electronics inspectors and testers may need experience as an electronics assembler or component fabricator.
Other considerations
Movement from electronics assembler or component fabricator to electronics inspector or tester is possible with additional training and experience. Self-employment in these jobs is rare, and work is not typically seasonal.
By the numbers
Quick look
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Halifax
Southern
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Manufacturing
Professional, scientific and technical services
Utilities
Public administration
Transportation and warehousing
What is the age of Employment?
45-54
35-44
55-64
25-34
15-24
65+
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
High school
$34,914 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$37,003 median annual incomeLess than high school
$35,186 median annual incomeBachelor
$40,485 median annual incomeApprenticeship
N/ACompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
High school
$28,505 median annual incomeLess than high school
$19,224 median annual incomeCollege Diploma
$38,781 median annual incomeApprenticeship
$43,975 median annual incomeBachelor
$39,715 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Electrical, electronic and communications engineering technology/technician
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of electrical, electronics and communication engineers. These programs include courses in electrical circuitry, prototype development and testing; systems analysis and testing, systems maintenance, instrument calibration, and report preparation.
Institutions providing this program
236 Belcher Street
Kentville, NS B4N 0A6
(902) 678-7341
PO Box 820, 39 Acadia Avenue
Stellarton, NS B0K 1S0
(902) 752-2002
PO Box 1042, 1240 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6J7
(902) 563-2450
80 Mawiomi Place
Dartmouth, NS B2Y 0A5
(902) 491-1100
Electromechanical and instrumentation and maintenance technologies/technicians - Other
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program not listed above that relates to Electromechanical and Instrumentation and Maintenance Technologies/Technicians.
Institutions providing this program
PO Box 820, 39 Acadia Avenue
Stellarton, NS B0K 1S0
(902) 752-2002
Engineering technology - General
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that generally prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers engaged in a wide variety of projects. These programs include courses in various engineering support functions for research, production, and operations, and applications to specific engineering specialties.
Institutions providing this program
PO Box 5300 1250 Grand Lake Road
Sydney, NS B1P 6L2
(888) 959-9995
Industrial electronics technology/technician
This program is typically offered at the trades/college level.This instructional program class includes any program that prepares individuals to apply technical knowledge and skills to assemble, install, operate, maintain, and repair electrical/electronic equipment used in industry and manufacturing. These programs include courses in installing, maintaining and testing various types of equipment.
Institutions providing this program
Department of Labour and Advanced Education 1256 Barrington Street, 3rd Fl, Box 578
Halifax, NS B3J 2S9
(800) 494-5651
Employment requirements & contacts
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