In a workshop, a bench technician maintains, repairs, and fabricates electronic components. Bench technicians work in a wide range of electronics-related industries, handling consumer electronics as well as electronic components used in manufacturing equipment and other industrial settings. A high school diploma is required for bench technicians, but an associate degree from a technical school and professional certification are strongly recommended for those interested in pursuing this career.
Bench technicians are in charge of fabricating prototype models in electronics manufacturing companies. These models are used for quality assurance, testing, and further design refinement. They will eventually be used to create plans for mass production of these components. This type of work requires bench technicians to consider not only how to assemble components, but also how to create components for mass production, ideally using existing equipment and technology. They can also maintain and repair products from the company’s current line of products.
Other bench technicians work on electronics, performing maintenance and repairs. These electronics technicians can work in a shop attached to an industrial facility, such as an airplane hanger or a manufacturing plant, maintaining and repairing equipment as needed. Floor technicians in these facilities will perform basic floor tasks, but if a part requires more attention, they will replace it with a working part and send the broken part to a bench technician for inspection and repair. This eliminates delays caused waiting for floor repairs.
Consumer electronics can also be repaired an electronics bench technician. Most electronics manufacturers provide warranty services to their customers, allowing them to send parts to a repair facility for free. When components are out of warranty, people can send them to the manufacturer for service for a fee, taking advantage of the company’s bench technicians’ experience and training. Similar services can be provided Freeland technicians on their own, and bench technicians employed consumer electronics stores can also provide them.
Because bench technicians may need to solder or perform other activities that generate gases or smoke, this work is usually done in well-ventilated areas. Depending on the facility, the environment can be noisy. Technicians on the bench must have steady hands and good coordination. The work can strain the eyes, especially if technicians aren’t used to using magnifiers to help them focus on small tasks on a regular basis. It’s also important to get into the habit of stretching periodically throughout the day to avoid strain caused sitting and leaning. Bench technicians’ pay varies depending on their level of training and experience, and they may be eligible for benefits if they work for a large corporation.