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
Good
Read more
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
Hourly Pay
$14.50
Minimum$17.00
Median$26.34
MaximumAnnual Pay
$10,236
Minimum$35,640
Median$68,159
MaximumCompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
Hourly Pay
$14.00
Minimum$20.80
Median$33.00
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
$36,993 median annual incomeSouthern
$25,532 median annual incomeAnnapolis Valley
N/ANorth Shore
N/ACape Breton
N/ACompared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Manufacturing
Transportation and warehousing
Information and cultural industries
Professional, scientific and technical services
Utilities
What is the age of Employment?
35-44
45-54
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 incomeTrade Certification
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 incomeTrade Certification
$43,975 median annual incomeBachelor
$39,715 median annual incomeEducation & training
Electrical, Electronic and Communications Engineering Technology/Technician
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of electrical, electronics and communication engineers. They include courses in electrical circuitry, prototype development and testing; systems analysis and testing, systems maintenance, instrument calibration, and report preparation.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Electromechanical Technology/Electromechanical Engineering Technology
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers engaged in developing and testing automated, servomechanical, and other electromechanical systems. They include courses in prototype testing, manufacturing and operational testing, systems analysis and maintenance procedures, and report preparation.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Engineering Technology - General
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers engaged in a wide variety of projects. They include courses in various engineering support functions for research, production, and operations, and applications to specific engineering specialties.
Institutions providing this program
Sydney, NS
High School Diploma or Equivalent
High School ProgramAdults without a high school diploma can contact the Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) for tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL oversees adult education programs in Nova Scotia. NSSAL partners with the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations to deliver programs. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED.
Institutions providing this program
Various, NS
Various, NS
Various, NS
Industrial Electronics Technician
College or Trades ProgramThese programs prepare students to apply technical knowledge and skills to assemble, install, operate, maintain, and repair electrical/electronic equipment used in industry and manufacturing. They include courses in installing, maintaining and testing various types of equipment.
Employment requirements & contacts
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