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Job Definition
Operate, test, and maintain unmanned, automated, servo-mechanical, or electromechanical equipment. May operate unmanned submarines, aircraft, or other equipment at worksites, such as oil rigs, deep ocean exploration, or hazardous waste removal. May assist engineers in testing and designing robotics equipment.
Job Zone

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require a four - year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Interests
Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.
Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.
Knowledge
Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
Production and Processing - Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.
Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Design - Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
Skills
Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
Troubleshooting - Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
Equipment Maintenance - Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
Repairing - Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Installation - Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.
Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.
Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
Tasks
Train others to install, use, and maintain robots.
Develop, test, and program new robots.
Operate metalworking machines to fabricate housings, jigs, fittings, and fixtures.
Read blueprints, schematics, diagrams, and technical orders to determine methods and sequences of assembly.
Verify dimensions and clearances of parts to ensure conformance to specifications, using precision measuring instruments.
Align, fit, and assemble component parts, using hand tools, power tools, fixtures, templates, and microscopes.
Analyze and record test results, and prepare written testing documentation.
Inspect parts for surface defects.
Install electrical and electronic parts and hardware in housings or assemblies, using soldering equipment and hand tools.
Repair, rework, and calibrate hydraulic and pneumatic assemblies and systems to meet operational specifications and tolerances.
Test performance of electromechanical assemblies, using test instruments such as oscilloscopes, electronic voltmeters, and bridges.
Wages

In 2008, the California average annual wage was $50,240.00.

Most people employed in this occupation were paid between $29,370.00 and $74,400.00.

Outlook

During 2006, there were approximately 2,200 people employed in this field in California. It is projected that there will be 2,300 employed in 2016. This occupation will have about 10 openings due to growth and about 40 replacement openings for approximately 50 total annual openings. This occupation .

Colleges and Training
Below are college programs that are generally associated with this occupation. To view colleges that offer these programs, click on the titles below.
Electromechanical Technology/Electromechanical Engineering Technology - A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers engaged in developing and testing automated, servomechanical, and other electromechanical systems. Includes instruction in prototype testing, manufacturing and operational testing, systems analysis and maintenance procedures, and report preparation.
Similar Occupations
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Coil Winders, Tapers, and Finishers - Wind wire coils used in electrical components, such as resistors and transformers, and in electrical equipment and instruments, such as field cores, bobbins, armature cores, electrical motors, generators, and control equipment.
Computer-Controlled Machine Tool Operators, Metal and Plastic - Operate computer-controlled machines or robots to perform one or more machine functions on metal or plastic work pieces.
Welders, Cutters, and Welder Fitters - Use hand-welding or flame-cutting equipment to weld or join metal components or to fill holes, indentations, or seams of fabricated metal products.
Welding, Soldering, and Brazing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders - Set up, operate, or tend welding, soldering, or brazing machines or robots that weld, braze, solder, or heat treat metal products, components, or assemblies.
Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators - Operate or maintain stationary engines, boilers, or other mechanical equipment to provide utilities for buildings or industrial processes. Operate equipment, such as steam engines, generators, motors, turbines, and steam boilers.
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