Electronic Engineering Technology
With electronic and computer circuits now being used in everything from the most complex industrial equipment to the simplest of household appliances, the engineering technician in this field is prepared to work in an extremely wide variety of businesses and industries.
Featured Profile
Jeremy Houchins
Engineering Technology Major
The North Charleston native graduated from Southern Wesleyan University with a degree in criminal justice, but he knew it wasn’t a career he wanted to pursue. After graduation, he relocated to Greenwood and took a position with Eaton Electrical. Over time, he knew he needed a change. “I reached that point where I liked my job, but I didn’t want to be in that position for the rest of my life,” he said.
A Career in Electronic Engineering Technology
Electronic and computer circuits have become a very important part of our everyday lives. They're used in everything from the most complex industrial equipment to the simplest of household appliances. Because these circuits have become so widespread, electronic engineering technicians are prepared to work in an extremely wide variety of businesses and industries.
Technicians in this field are skilled in the operation, troubleshooting, calibration and repair of electronic instruments and systems found in process control, communications, computers, manufacturing, programmable logic controllers and microprocessors.
What will I do as an Electronic Engineering Technician?
Because of the scope of the program, graduates are not limited to one specific area of employment. Practical, hands-on experience on sophisticated electronic equipment provides students with the skills necessary to assist in the basic design, construction, analysis, modification, inspection and calibration of electronic circuits and systems.
After completing the program, you'll be qualified for positions like engineering technician, maintenance technician, electrician, electrical tester, product designer and cable technician. Advancement to positions in engineering or management is likely with experience and possibly further education.
Some of your responsibilities may require you to:
- Work with a variety of engineering applications and programs
- Test, calibrate and repair electrical instruments or testing equipment
- Troubleshoot and fix technical design problems during the construction of electrical systems
- Design basic circuitry and draft sketches to clarify design details
- Install and maintain electrical control systems
- Adjust and replace defective circuitry and electronic components
Career Quick Facts
- Career Outlook
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- Median Salary Average: $58,790
- SC Salary Range: $35,650-$93,920
- 100% placement rate for 2015-2017 graduates
- Physical Demands
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- active (walking, standing, carrying)
- occasional heavy lifting/usually less than 50 lbs.
- Entry Level Positions
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- Electronics Technician
- Maintenance Mechanic
- Electrical Maintenance Technician
- Engineering Assistant
- Computer Test Technician
- List of Employers
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Some recent graduates have found work at:
- Aiken Electrical Cooperative
- Ascend
- AT&T
- Austin International
- Baldor Electric Company
- BMW Manufacturing Corp
- Burnstein von Seelen Corporation Precision Casting
- Cardinal Health
- Carolina By Products
- CCL Label
- Ceramtec
- CMS Industrial Technology
- Colgate-Palmolive
- Commissioners of Public Works
- Digital Office
- Dominion Energy
- Duke Energy
- Eaton Corporation
- Flexible Technologies
- Fuji Film
- General Electric
- Greenville Health System
- Greenwood Fabricating & Plating, LLC
- Greenwood Mills
- Item Southeast
- Kinard Control Systems
- Komatsu
- Lonza
- Michelin
- Michelin Laurens Proving Grounds
- Milliken
- Mungo Homes
- New Horizon Electric Cooperative, Inc.
- Norbord
- Northland Cable
- Palmetto Electrical
- Piedmont Technical College
- Prysmian
- Trantech
- Velux
- Walmart Distribution Center
- West Carolina Rural Telephone Incorporated, Inc.
- ZF Transmissions
Program Information
You'll take a variety of courses focused on the different varieties of circuits, engineering technology applications, programming and other courses important to a strong foundation, such as algebra, trigonometry and physics.
Coursework includes: Engineering Technology Applications & Programming; Digital, D.C., A.C. and Electrical Circuits; Control Systems; Introduction to CAD; Data Communications; Programmable Controllers and Microprocessor Fundamentals.
All coursework is strongly application-oriented and includes hands-on labs and project experiences. Students who complete their Associate Degree in Electronic Engineering Technology can also transfer their credit hours toward USC Upstate's Engineering Technology Management B.S. program. The program allows students to complete up to 76 credit hours of the required 127 total credit hours at PTC.