what is an electromechanic?
As an electromechanic, you combine your knowledge of electrical and electronic systems with mechanical technology to operate electromechanical equipment. Your job is to operate and maintain industrial equipment and ensure efficiency during manufacturing. You read blueprints, diagrams and schematics to assemble machines and equipment. During the assembly process, you verify the dimensions of the parts and check for surface defects.
Other duties include training factory workers on how to operate electromechanical equipment. You use instruments to test the performance of equipment and calibrate hydraulics to ensure efficiency during manufacturing. Since you handle scheduled maintenance, you document the tests, maintenance or repairs done on industrial equipment.
As an electromechanic, you require detail-oriented skills to keep precise and accurate measurements when verifying the dimensions of the parts. Attentiveness to detail is also useful for testing and diagnosing faults in electromechanical equipment. You require manual dexterity since you use hand tools and soldering irons to create electronic components by hand. You also require interpersonal skills to work as a team and take instructions or offer advice when needed. Mechanical skills help you apply your knowledge of industrial machinery or equipment to operate machinery. You also need maths skills to perform the necessary calculations for designing and troubleshooting equipment.
Would working as an electromechanic suit your interest in mechanical and electrical systems? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an electromechanic role.
electromechanic jobsaverage electromechanic salary
According to Job Bank, the average salary of an electromechanic in Canada is $60,743 per year. You receive an hourly rate of $31.15. Entry-level positions attract lower salaries due to the minimal duties involved in the role. For instance, you start with a salary of $54,600 per year and as you move to senior positions, your salary increases to over $75,709 per year.
what factors influence the earnings of an electromechanic?
As an electromechanic, your take-home salary depends on various factors. The main determinants are your qualifications and work experience. When you have minimal work experience, you start with a lower salary, but your earnings gradually increase as you improve your work experience and gain expertise. Having the necessary trade certifications for your role also improves your earning prospects.
The size of the company also influences your earnings. Big manufacturing companies have a lot of industrial equipment, which means you handle complex duties during the installation and maintenance of the equipment. Small companies with little electromechanical equipment pay lower salaries due to fewer duties and less complex roles.
types of electromechanics
Some of the areas of specialization for electromechanics include:
- industrial automation technicians: these are electromechanical professionals who specialize in automated industry equipment. As an industrial automation technician, you ensure processing lines run smoothly. Your job involves troubleshooting, maintaining and repairing automated systems.
- biomedical electromechanic: if you have a specific interest in the medical field, you can specialize in biomedical equipment. Your job is to ensure that the medical equipment used in clinics and hospitals is in good working condition. You perform routine maintenance to avoid errors during operations or medical examinations. The role demands knowledge about electromechanical systems combined with medical and patient safety expertise.
working as an electromechanic
Are you interested in becoming an electromechanic? Let’s explore the specific duties, responsibilities and tasks associated with the role.
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what does an electromechanic do?
Some of the responsibilities and duties of an electromechanic include:
- reading and interpreting blueprints: as an electromechanic, you assemble electromechanical equipment and prepare them for the manufacturing process. You rely on schematics and diagrams to determine the sequence of assembling machine parts and equipment. You read blueprints and interpret technical specifications to determine how equipment or machine parts are put together to function properly.
- inspecting equipment: after installing equipment, you inspect the parts to ensure they meet design specifications. You also use test instruments to check the performance of electromechanical equipment. You perform routine checks to identify issues that arise in the systems.
- operating metalworking machines and performing repairs: as an electromechanic, you use machines to make housings, fixtures and fittings. Whenever the equipment has issues, you perform the necessary repairs and calibrate hydraulics to ensure the machines continue working as expected. You replace parts or repair equipment to ensure the electrical and mechanical systems seamlessly function to enhance operational efficiency.
- modifying system components: aside from operating and maintaining equipment, you work closely with other technical staff for design modifications. You upgrade the design components and hardware parts of machines. With your knowledge of electrical and electronic systems, you can program the controls used to operate the electromechanical systems to improve efficiency.
- analyzing and recording test results: as an electromechanic technician, you document every aspect of maintenance and repair work done on equipment. You keep track of maintenance schedules and replace worn-out parts for optimum operations. Since you conduct tests on the equipment, you document testing results. You analyze those results and prepare written documentation.
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work environment of an electromechanic
As an electromechanic, you work within manufacturing and industrial settings, but the type of work environment may vary based on the projects you are working on. You may also work in laboratories and field sites. That means your work settings range from clean-room atmospheres in laboratories to rugged or noisy environments in mining and construction. Regardless of your work settings, you are expected to maintain work safety requirements to protect yourself.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on the industry you work in, you work alongside electrical engineers, automotive mechanics and assemblers. You also collaborate with mechanical engineers, CNC operators, industrial electricians and industrial engineers. Other professionals you are likely to work with include installers, maintenance managers and factory workers.
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electromechanic work schedule
Your work schedule as an electromechanic technician depends on the industry you work in and the urgency of the projects. In some roles, you work a typical work schedule of 40 hours per week, but some projects may require additional work hours. You work from Monday to Friday in a full-time position, but if the manufacturing company operates 24/7, the role may involve shift work. Shifts usually run from 8 to 12 hours, including weekends and evenings. If you are involved in emergency repair, you may be called to carry out repairs outside of regular working hours.
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career opportunities as an electromechanic
You start your career in electromechanics in an entry-level electromechanic technician position, but you have numerous career opportunities to explore. For instance, you can specialize in robotics and maintain robots in industrial environments. Some electromechanics become aerospace engineers or operations technicians, engineers and electronic installers.
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advantages of finding a job as an electromechanic through randstad
Working with Randstad offers you a range of benefits.
- Always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- Many training opportunities
- A range of jobs in your area
electromechanic skills and education
Some of the educational requirements of becoming an electromechanic in Canada include:
- education: while it’s not mandatory to get a bachelor’s degree, you should pursue a college program to excel in the role. Complete a two or three-year course in electrical engineering technology. The degree course will equip you with relevant knowledge for the role.
- work experience: join internships or find apprenticeships to improve your skills and boost your earning prospects. In Canada, you require certifications available through provincial associations. For instance, to work in Alberta, you require certification from Alberta Advanced Education's Apprenticeship and Industrial Training (AIT). In New Brunswick, the role is regulated by the New Brunswick Society of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (NBSCETT), while in Ontario, you need certification from the Ontario Association of Certified Engineering Technicians and Technologists (OACETT).
competencies and characteristics of electromechanics
Some of the qualities of an electromechanic include:
- communication skills: when working alongside various engineers as an electromechanic, communication skills help you convey your ideas clearly. Written communication is also vital since you prepare reports on the maintenance work and tests you conduct on the equipment. You also document design problems and recommend upgrades to engineers.
- problem-solving skills: as an electromechanic, you deal with numerous problems during installation and maintenance. Your diagnostics skills help you identify and troubleshoot issues that arise before they escalate. Problem-solving ability is also handy for solving the issues that arise in engineering designs and prototypes.
- mechanical and math skills: as an electromechanic, you rely on your math skills to analyze, design and troubleshoot issues in the design. Since you create components for equipment and industrial machinery, mechanical skills help you understand how the components work. You also require expertise in operating engine lathes, grinders and drills.
- manual dexterity: as an electromechanic, you need good manual dexterity and hand-to-eye coordination. You use hand tools to create small parts for industrial machinery or equipment. When you have good hand dexterity, you can minimize accidents.
- logical thinking ability: when you perform your duties, you follow a specific sequence. Logical thinking helps you follow the engineer's designs and specifications during installation or testing.
FAQs
Here, you will find the answers to the most frequently asked questions about the profession of an electromechanic.
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what are the duties of an electromechanic?
As an electromechanic, you use your knowledge of machinery and electronics to install, maintain and repair automated machinery. You also repair computer-controlled mechanical systems to ensure efficiency during manufacturing. Other duties include testing, operating and maintaining robotic equipment at worksites.
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how much do electromechanics make in Canada?
As an electromechanic, you earn an average salary of $60,743 per year, which translates to an hourly rate of $31.15. When you are new in the role, you start with a salary of $54,600 annually. With experience and improved educational qualifications, your earnings gradually increase, and you can take home over $75,709 annually. Some industries pay higher salaries due to the complexity of the duties associated with the role.
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what is the difference between an electrician and an electromechanic?
As an electromechanic, you have knowledge and expertise in installing and repairing electromechanical systems. You handle both the mechanical and electrical aspects of industrial systems. An electrician specializes in electrical systems. Their job is to repair and maintain electrical systems in residential or industrial settings.
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what skills do you need as an electromechanical technician?
As an electromechanic, you require expertise and specialized knowledge in operating electromechanical equipment. Aside from hard skills, you also need soft skills, such as manual dexterity and detail-oriented skills. Manual dexterity is useful when operating hand tools and electrical equipment. Your attentiveness to details helps you keep precise and accurate measurements.
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is electromechanical technician a good career?
If you are interested in science and technology, you will enjoy working as an electromechanic. It is a promising career with many growth opportunities. You can progress to exciting roles and careers in mechatronics technology or manufacturing.
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how do I find a job as an electromechanic?
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