Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Electrical Wiring Technician
💰 $45,000 - $75,000
🎯 Role Definition
Are you a hands-on problem-solver with a passion for precision and a deep understanding of electrical systems? This role requires a skilled Electrical Wiring Technician to join our dynamic team. In this critical role, you will be the expert responsible for bringing our electrical designs to life. You will transform complex schematics and blueprints into fully functional, high-quality electrical control panels, assemblies, and wiring harnesses for cutting-edge industrial machinery and systems.
This position is perfect for a meticulous individual who thrives in a project-based environment, enjoys the challenge of intricate wiring, and takes immense pride in their craftsmanship. You will be a key contributor to our production process, ensuring that every connection is perfect and every system is built to last, directly impacting the reliability and performance of our products. If you are ready to apply your technical expertise and build the backbone of modern technology, we want to hear from you.
📈 Career Progression
Typical Career Path
Entry Point From:
- Electrical Assembler
- Apprentice Electrician
- Electronics Technician or Technical School Graduate
Advancement To:
- Lead Electrical Technician / Team Lead
- Electrical Foreman / Supervisor
- Quality Control Inspector (Electrical)
- Field Service Engineer
Lateral Moves:
- Controls Technician
- Maintenance Technician
- Test Technician
Core Responsibilities
Primary Functions
- Read, interpret, and work from complex electrical schematics, blueprints, wire lists, and engineering drawings to build and wire control panels and electrical assemblies.
- Perform precise point-to-point wiring, ensuring all connections are secure, routed correctly, and meet stringent quality standards and design specifications.
- Select appropriate wires, cables, connectors, and components based on technical specifications and the bill of materials (BOM).
- Execute the physical layout and mounting of electrical components, including PLCs, VFDs, relays, power supplies, and terminal blocks, onto backplanes and into enclosures.
- Measure, cut, strip, crimp, and terminate wires and cables using a variety of specialized hand and power tools with high precision.
- Assemble and install complex wire harnesses and cable assemblies, ensuring proper routing, bundling, and strain relief to prevent damage and ensure long-term reliability.
- Perform comprehensive quality control checks and continuity testing on completed assemblies using multimeters, insulation testers, and other diagnostic equipment to verify functionality and safety.
- Troubleshoot, diagnose, and resolve wiring errors, connection issues, or component failures during the assembly and initial testing phases.
- Apply labels, tags, and other identification markers to wires and components according to engineering diagrams to facilitate future maintenance and troubleshooting.
- Collaborate effectively with electrical engineers and designers to identify and resolve discrepancies between schematics and physical builds, suggesting improvements for manufacturability.
- Adhere strictly to all safety protocols, including lockout/tagout (LOTO) procedures, and maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment.
- Perform soldering and de-soldering of components on printed circuit boards (PCBs) and connectors, often adhering to industry standards like IPC-A-610.
- Install and connect electrical systems on large-scale machinery or industrial equipment, which may include routing conduit and raceways.
- Assist in the functional testing and power-up of completed systems, working alongside engineers to validate performance against design criteria.
- Ensure all assemblies comply with relevant industry standards, such as UL 508A, National Electrical Code (NEC), and customer-specific requirements.
Secondary Functions
- Document all work performed, including red-lining drawings to reflect as-built changes and completing quality assurance checklists and documentation.
- Participate in continuous improvement initiatives by providing valuable feedback on processes, tooling, and designs to enhance efficiency and quality.
- Train and mentor junior technicians on proper wiring techniques, safety procedures, and established quality standards.
- Operate light fabrication equipment such as drills, saws, and grinders to modify enclosures and mounting plates as required for custom builds.
- Manage inventory of electrical components for assigned projects, communicating shortages to the supply chain or purchasing department in a timely manner.
Required Skills & Competencies
Hard Skills (Technical)
- Schematic Interpretation: High proficiency in reading and interpreting complex electrical schematics, blueprints, control logic diagrams, and wiring lists.
- Panel Building & Wiring: Demonstrated experience in the layout, assembly, and point-to-point wiring of industrial control panels (UL 508A experience is a major plus).
- Wire & Cable Termination: Expertise in using precision hand tools for crimping, terminating, and assembling various types of connectors.
- Electrical Testing: Competency in using electrical test equipment, including multimeters, continuity testers, and hipot testers, for diagnostics and quality verification.
-Component Knowledge: Strong familiarity with industrial electrical components such as PLCs, VFDs, servos, relays, circuit breakers, and terminal blocks. - Wire Harness Assembly: Proven ability to build, route, and bundle complex multi-conductor wire harnesses and cable assemblies.
- Soldering: Skilled in soldering and de-soldering techniques, with IPC certification (e.g., J-STD-001) being highly desirable.
- Knowledge of Codes: Working knowledge of relevant electrical codes and standards, such as NEC, NFPA 79, and UL.
Soft Skills
- Attention to Detail: An exceptional eye for detail and a commitment to producing high-quality, error-free work.
- Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and troubleshooting skills to diagnose and resolve technical issues efficiently.
- Time Management: Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks and meet project deadlines.
- Communication: Clear and effective communication skills for collaborating with engineers, managers, and team members.
- Work Ethic: Ability to work independently with minimal supervision while also functioning as a productive member of a team.
Education & Experience
Educational Background
Minimum Education:
- High School Diploma or GED equivalent.
Preferred Education:
- Associate's Degree or a technical certificate in a relevant field.
- Completion of an electrical trade school or apprenticeship program.
Relevant Fields of Study:
- Electrical Technology
- Electronics Engineering Technology
- Industrial Maintenance
Experience Requirements
Typical Experience Range: 2-7 years of hands-on experience in electrical wiring, panel building, or a closely related role.
Preferred: Direct experience in a manufacturing environment building control panels for custom automation, industrial machinery, or aerospace systems is highly preferred.