Work Environment

Many industrial systems technicians work on factory floors, where they are subject to noise, dirt, vibration, and heat. Installers and repairers may have to do heavy lifting and work in a variety of positions. They must follow safety guidelines and often wear protective goggles and hard hats. When working on ladders or on elevated equipment, repairers must wear harnesses to avoid falls. Before repairing a piece of machinery, these workers must follow procedures to ensure that others cannot start the equipment during the repair process. They also must take precautions against electrical shock by locking off power to the unit under repair.

Nature of the Work

Industrial systems technicians maintain and repair the various machines used in industry. Their job title may be industrial electrician or industrial mechanic, but more often it is automation technician. To keep automated machines and robots in good working order, these workers must be able to detect minor problems and correct them before they become larger problems. Industrial systems technicians use technical manuals, their understanding of the equipment, and careful observation to discover the cause of the problem.

Automated electronic control systems are becoming increasingly complex, making diagnosis more challenging. With these systems, repairers use software programs and testing equipment to diagnose malfunctions. Among their diagnostic tools are multi-meters, which measure voltage, current, and resistance. After diagnosing the problem, the technician may disassemble the equipment to repair or replace the necessary parts. Increasingly, industrial systems technicians must have the electrical, electronics, and computer programming skills to repair sophisticated equipment on their own. Once they make a repair, they must perform tests to ensure that the machine is running smoothly. Primary responsibilities also include preventive maintenance. For example, they adjust and calibrate automated manufacturing equipment such as industrial robots.