"I like the satisfaction of having a problem...and being able to narrow down the possibilities, fix it and see the boards working like new again." –Cole, Equipment Support Technician
What do you do in your position?
I test and repair circuit boards that are used in the burn-in ovens. Burn-in ovens are made by Micron and are used to test the quality and reliability of our memory devices. The parts are placed on boards that plug into the ovens. The repair work is done at the component level and even includes finding damage that is inside the circuit board itself.
How or why did you decide to enter a technical career?
I was more or less raised on it. My father was a radar design engineer. He got me started in the electronics field when I was eight.
What do you like about your job? Give an example of an interesting project or opportunity.
I like the satisfaction of being faced with a problem that could be caused by many different things and being able to narrow down the possibilities, then fixing it and seeing the boards work like new again. One of the things I like best about my job is the opportunity to test product that has never been tested—or even seen—before. I will get the very first board that is due to go into mass production, but before it is ready, I have to make sure every part of the board is working exactly the way it is supposed to.
What high school courses helped you prepare for your job or
college program?
Math is the main one. I do calculations on a daily basis to determine whether a board is behaving properly and, if it isn't, math helps me determine what may be causing the problem. Unfortunately, my high school did not offer electronics classes. That would have been very beneficial.
What post-high school education did you pursue?
I attended ITT Technical Institute and earned an Associates of Applied Science in Electronics.
What advice would you give a student interested in pursuing a technical career?
Decide as soon as possible where you want to go and what education you are looking for. There are many technical education programs available. Find out which programs go best with your interests and, probably most importantly, find out what education employers desire the most.
What do you enjoy doing outside of work?
I enjoy camping, hiking, playing chess with my wife (who also works in a technical field) and video games (which my wife also plays). Also, we spend a lot of time with our brand new son.
Education: Equipment Support Technician
The degree typically sought for this position is an Associate of Applied Science in Electronics. Candidates with a military background as an electronics technician specialist are also considered for this position.
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