Electronics Manufacturing
What does the Electronics Manufacturing industry do?
What’s it like to work at a Electronics Manufacturing company?
What kinds of jobs are there in the Electronics Manufacturing industry?
How likely is it that a person will be able to find a job in this industry in the Tech Valley Region in the next three to five years?
What does the Electronics Manufacturing industry do?
Electronics manufacturers produce a wide range of products, including computers, computer peripherals, communications equipment and similar electronics. Such products are used in homes, businesses, government and military establishments. In addition, many electronics products or components are incorporated into other industries’ products, such as cars, toys, and appliances.While American manufacturers no long produce many consumer electronics, they still manufacture electronic items for industry and specialized applications. These can include tools that detect and measure microscopic particles, warn of potential failures in power generators and other electronic equipment, and tools for military applications such as guidance systems, power supplies and transformers for complex electronic equipment. There is also an emphasis on creating lighter weight and longer lasting batteries.
Some tools produced for the military, NASA and other companies must function under extreme environments, including those involving salt, pressure, heat, vibration, sand, water and cold.
Advanced electronics manufacturing applies cutting-edge concepts in electronics, computers, software, automation and more to improve products and develop new products.
Someone who prepares for a job in this industry would also be well prepared for the following sectors:
- Performance Plastics
- Precision Metal Parts Manufacturing
- Chemical Manufacturing
- Nanoscale Manufacturing
back to top
What’s it like to work at a Electronics Manufacturing Company?
Most manufacturing work environments are clean, well-lit and well-ventilated. Static electricity and high voltage are two areas of concern; employees must know how to minimize static electricity build-up and how to work around high voltage equipment. Many of the machines used are large, high-speed and powerful. Strict adherence to required safety standards is critical. Employers provide training in these areas.Electronics Manufacturing workers perform more hands-on work than in other high-tech industries and work with hand tools such as soldering irons. Many production workers must be able to read and follow schematic diagrams and work with solder and wire to complete circuits. Most production workers wear protective equipment including gloves, safety glasses, and steel-toed shoes, and may have to wear clean suits to minimize dust.
Physical demands include some moderate to heavy lifting, depending upon the weight and amount of raw materials and finished products.
back to top
What kinds of jobs are there in the Electronics Manufacturing Industry?
Assembler
Minimum Education - High School Diploma or Equivalent
Starting Salary - $10 per hour
Higher levels in the same title - $12 per hour
Machine Operator
Minimum Education - High School Diploma or Equivalent
Starting Salary - $10 per hour
Higher levels in the same title - $18-$20 per hour
Maintenance Technician
Minimum Education - Associate's Degree in a Technical Field
Starting Salary - $12-$15 per hour
Higher levels in the same title - $25 per hour
Quality Technician
Minimum Education - Associate's Degree in a Technical Field
Starting Salary - $12-$18 per hour
Higher levels in the same title - $25 per hour
Engineering/Development Technician
Minimum Education - Associate's Degree in a Technical Field
Starting Salary - $17-$20 per hour
Higher levels in the same title - $25-$30 per hour
Production Supervisor
Minimum Education - Associate's or Bachelor's Degree
Starting Salary - $15 per hour
Higher levels in the same title - $25 per hour
Engineer
Minimum Education - Bachelor's Degree
Starting Salary - $40,000-$45,000
Higher levels in the same title - $60,000-$90,000
back to top
How likely is it that a person will be able to find a job in this industry in the Tech Valley Region in the next three to five years?
Tech Valley Companies that are part of the Nanoscale Manufacturing sector include:
Environment One
Espey Manufacturing
General Electric (GE) Battery
X-Ray Optical Systems
For additional resources and information regarding the Electronics Manufacturing industry, click here.
back to top
