Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Electrical Engineering Technologist

🎯 Role Definition

An Electrical Engineering Technologist is a mid-level technical professional who applies applied electrical engineering principles to design, test, install, commission, maintain and improve electrical and control systems in industrial, commercial, or research environments. This role bridges hands-on technical execution and engineering design — producing wiring and schematic documentation, configuring PLC/SCADA and control systems, performing diagnostics and root-cause analysis, enforcing regulatory code compliance (NEC, CSA, IEC), and supporting continuous improvement and project delivery. Ideal candidates combine practical field experience with strong documentation, CAD, and test-lab skills.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

Electrical Technician / Maintenance Electrician
Apprentice Electrician or Journeyman Electrician
Junior Controls Technician / Junior Engineering Technologist

Advancement To:

Senior Electrical Technologist
Controls Engineer / Automation Engineer
Electrical Design Engineer
Project Engineer / Project Manager (Electrical-focused)

Lateral Moves:

Instrumentation & Controls Technologist
Electrical Maintenance Supervisor
Quality & Test Technologist (electrical testing)

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

Lead the development of electrical schematics, single-line diagrams, wiring diagrams and PCB/interface layouts using AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN or similar tools, ensuring all documentation is accurate, standardized and revision-controlled.
Design, program and commission PLC ladder logic and function block code (e.g., Allen-Bradley, Siemens, Schneider) and verify control logic integration with HMI/SCADA systems for automated lines and process equipment.
Perform detailed electrical troubleshooting and root-cause analysis on production equipment, power distribution systems and control panels using oscilloscopes, multimeters, insulation testers and power analyzers; provide permanent corrective actions.
Plan and execute factory acceptance tests (FAT) and site acceptance tests (SAT), prepare test procedures, witness test results, and generate formal test reports documenting pass/fail criteria.
Support project lifecycle activities: scope definition, BOM creation, supplier evaluation, technical procurement specifications, cost estimates, installation oversight and final sign-off for electrical subsystems.
Install, wire and commission low-voltage and medium-voltage distribution equipment, MCCs, motor starters, VFDs and protection relays, ensuring compliance with NEC/CSA and company safety standards.
Maintain and update as-built drawings, schematics and P&IDs after modifications, managing document control and ensuring changes are communicated to operations and maintenance teams.
Calibrate, configure and validate instrumentation and sensors (temperature, pressure, flow, proximity, encoders) and ensure proper signal conditioning and grounding practices for reliable data acquisition.
Implement and maintain electrical preventative maintenance plans, perform predictive testing (infrared thermography, vibration, motor testing), and recommend lifecycle replacements or upgrades.
Provide technical support to manufacturing and field service teams during installations, upgrades and downtime events, coordinating contractors, electricians and cross-functional stakeholders.
Analyze electrical loads and perform short-circuit, voltage drop and coordination studies to size conductors, protective devices and transformers for safe and efficient power distribution.
Assemble and wire control panels and enclosures to UL/CSA standards, follow panel layout best practices, route wiring, label terminations, and perform continuity and hipot testing prior to energization.
Execute product and prototype testing in the lab: build test rigs, write test scripts, collect data, analyze performance against design specifications, and iterate on design changes.
Implement and enforce lockout / tagout procedures, PPE requirements and electrical safety programs, lead safety reviews for new installations and participate in incident investigations.
Support continuous improvement initiatives and root-cause corrective action (RCCA) processes for electrical reliability, yield improvement and mean time between failures (MTBF) increases.
Troubleshoot and support field equipment remotely using remote access, PLC diagnostics and SCADA logs, providing rapid triage and directing on-site corrective actions as needed.
Collaborate with mechanical, software and process engineers to resolve cross-discipline integration challenges, ensure mechanical/electrical interfaces are robust and meet safety and performance targets.
Prepare and present technical reports, risk assessments, and change-control documentation for stakeholders and regulatory audits; ensure alignment with quality management systems (ISO 9001).
Train and mentor junior technologists, technicians and apprentices on diagnostic techniques, wiring best practices, control logic interpretation and safe work methods.
Support energy management and power quality initiatives, analyze utility usage, recommend energy-efficient motor drives and lighting upgrades, and contribute to sustainability programs.
Participate in vendor evaluation and acceptance — review technical datasheets, witness vendor tests, and qualify suppliers for electrical components and subassemblies.

Secondary Functions

Support ad-hoc field investigations and compile lessons-learned reports to inform design standards and preventive measures.
Maintain and reconcile electrical spares inventory and lead time planning for critical components to minimize downtime risk.
Contribute to R&D and pilot projects by providing practical feasibility feedback on manufacturability and maintainability of prototypes.
Assist procurement with technical bid evaluations, RFQs and vendor clarifications to ensure electrical specifications are met and compliant.
Participate in internal audits (safety, quality) and external regulatory inspections; implement corrective actions for non-conformances.
Draft and maintain standard operating procedures (SOPs), maintenance manuals and electrical checklists for operations and field service teams.
Coordinate with IT and OT teams to ensure secure integration of PLC/SCADA systems (network segmentation, patching, and access control).
Provide subject-matter expertise for claims, warranty investigations and failure analysis including writing technical summaries for stakeholders.
Help design training modules and deliver hands-on workshops for plant electricians on new equipment and updated procedures.
Support continuous documentation improvements to enable knowledge transfer and accurate digital twins or asset registries.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

Proficient in reading, creating and revising electrical schematics, single-line diagrams and wiring diagrams (AutoCAD Electrical, EPLAN).
PLC programming and debugging (Allen-Bradley RSLogix/Studio 5000, Siemens TIA Portal, Schneider).
HMI/SCADA configuration and troubleshooting (Wonderware, Ignition, FactoryTalk or similar).
Hands-on electrical testing and measurement: oscilloscopes, digital multimeters, insulation resistance testers, power analyzers and hipot testers.
Motor controls, VFD configuration and drive parameter tuning for energy-efficient motor operation.
Knowledge of electrical codes and standards (NEC, CSA, IEC) and local regulatory compliance for installation and safety.
Control panel assembly, UL/CSA panel standards, wire routing, terminalization and labeling best practices.
Instrumentation and sensor calibration, signal conditioning, and analog/digital I/O mapping.
Power system analysis basics: load calculations, short-circuit analysis, voltage drop and protective device coordination.
Experience with BOM creation, procurement spec writing and supplier technical evaluation.
Test procedure development, FAT/SAT planning and formal test reporting.
Familiarity with PLC/SCADA cybersecurity best practices and OT networking fundamentals.
Experience with lab testing, prototype validation, data acquisition and test automation (LabVIEW or similar is a plus).
Experience using fault-finding methods, preventive and predictive maintenance tools (infrared thermography, vibration analysis).
Technical documentation and version control practices, including change control and revision history.

Soft Skills

Clear technical communication with engineers, electricians, vendors and non-technical stakeholders.
Strong analytical troubleshooting and structured problem-solving capability under production pressure.
Project coordination and time management with the ability to prioritize multiple concurrent tasks and deliverables.
Leadership and mentorship: coach junior staff and promote safe, standardized electrical work practices.
Attention to detail and accuracy in documentation, wiring, testing and compliance records.
Adaptability and collaboration in cross-functional teams and multi-disciplinary projects.
Customer-service orientation when supporting internal operations or external field service calls.
Continuous improvement mindset with practical suggestions for reliability and maintainability improvements.
Professional judgement and ethical adherence to safety and regulatory requirements.
Ability to learn new controls platforms, software tools and evolving industry standards quickly.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Diploma or Associate Degree in Electrical Engineering Technology, Electrical Power Technology, or equivalent apprenticeship and journeyman experience.

Preferred Education:

Bachelor of Engineering Technology (Electrical) or Bachelor of Electrical Engineering (B.Eng/B.EngTech).
Additional certifications such as C.Tech, CET, EIT (or working toward), PLC vendor certifications, or journeyman electrician certification are strong assets.

Relevant Fields of Study:

Electrical Engineering Technology
Power Systems and Controls
Industrial Automation and Controls
Instrumentation and Process Control

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

2–7 years of relevant hands-on experience in electrical systems, controls, and industrial equipment (manufacturing, utilities, or automation environments).

Preferred:

5+ years of progressively responsible experience in electrical design, PLC/HMI programming, commissioning and troubleshooting of industrial systems.
Proven track record with commissioning projects, FAT/SAT execution, and cross-functional project delivery.
Experience with regulatory compliance programs and safety management systems (lockout/tagout, arc flash studies, PPE programs).