Electronics assemblers and fabricators assemble and fabricate electronic equipment, parts and components. They are employed in electronic manufacturing plants that produce such products as telephone sets and switching equipment, computer equipment and systems, radar detection devices, electronic controls and systems, and various communication devices.
As an electronic assembler, you work from specified drawings to solder and manually assemble electronic components onto circuit boards. Initially, you place the components on the board by hand and proceed to prepare the circuit board.
Preparing a circuit board may require different types of assembly. Some assembly work may demand working with automatic and semi-automatic machines to position and solder components onto circuit boards. Most assembly work involves working with small power or hand tools. Once your acquire experience, you may also be expected to inspect and test your own work and identify any defects.
Electronics manufacturers are demanding higher qualifications as the electronics field expands. Certification in electronic assembly is available at the college level. This certificate course offers you a range of experience with the various techniques of electronics assembly.
Training for this position is split between formal classroom time and on-the-job experience. Courses in soldering techniques and component identification are vital to any electronics assembly job and are specific to an individual manufacturer's standards. Other courses taught include static control and safety. In addition, new product training is an ongoing element of this business.
Some manufacturers may prefer to hire you directly from high school and train you in the company's standards, procedures and products.
Pay in this job is based on an hourly wage. Though most manufacturers work a regular day, some businesses may demand shift work.
Since the work requires precision, you should have good eye-hand coordination and be able to concentrate for long periods of time. Though the work may be repetitive, you should be able to pay attention to detail and meet production deadlines. Since many of the components used in the assembly work are identified by colour, you must be able to distinguish between colours.
As companies develop more of a team-oriented approach to this work, you must be able to communicate with other members of your team. You also should be safety-conscious and well- groomed, especially since you are working with fine components.