ELECTRONIC-COMPONENT PROCESSORS California Occupational Guide Number 495 Interest Area 6 1998
THE JOB
Electronic products all have components which control or change the electric currents within the circuits. For example, a simple modern radio has hundreds of electronic components mounted on one or more circuit boards. They include integrated circuit modules, transistors, diodes, resistors, capacitors, transformers, cables, relays, and switches.
ELECTRONIC-COMPONENT PROCESSORS prepare the materials, operate the equipment and machinery which manufacture the electronic components, and do any necessary finish work. Some of the machines bake the material, such as ceramic, at very high temperatures; others shape materials, such as epoxy, ceramic, or aluminum, to form the housings for the components; still others cover the surface of the components with coating materials, such as epoxy or silicon. Electronic-Component Processors may measure and mix a variety of different electronics processing materials. They may clean and position internal parts such as lead wires and crystal chips, or use stamping or etching equipment to imprint the company's name and other identifying data on the finished components. Some processors make adjustments to the controls of the machinery, and/or test and inspect the components to be certain they meet all specifications and are not defective. Electronic-Component Processors also sort and count the finished components and keep production records. There are as many different duties involved in electronic-component processing as there are components and methods of manufacture. Some workers perform a single task, while others perform several tasks. Often workers are switched from task to task as needed.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Most electronics manufacturing plants are modern, well lighted, air- conditioned, and offer a pleasant work environment. Sometimes the work is performed in "clean rooms" in which the temperature, humidity, and dust content of the air are carefully controlled.
The work is usually highly repetitive, fast paced, and often involves extremely small components or parts. Electronic-Component Processors sometime must use magnifiers or microscopes to perform their duties; eye strain may occur. Depending on their job duties, Electronic-Component Processors may be required to sit or stand for extended periods of time. Since they may work with chemical cleaning agents, processors cannot be sensitive to these substances.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division.
Estimated number of workers in 1993 6,930 Estimated number of workers in 2005 7,380 Projected Growth 1993-2005 7% Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 2,030
(These figures do not include self-employment or openings due to turnover.)
The number of Electronic Component Processors jobs will grow more slowly than that of the average occupation. There are many component manufacturing companies in California, mostly based in Orange, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Santa Clara counties. When compared to the opportunities for workers in other occupations in the electronics manufacturing industry, the number of jobs available for Electronic- Component Processors is small. Experienced processors with good skills, who are willing to adapt to different procedures, may be able to find employment because of employee turnover. Trainees with little or no background in electronics will find opportunities limited.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
The median wage for the broad work group, Electronic Semiconductor Processors, is $13.47 an hour.
The standard work week is 40 hours, Monday through Friday. Some companies employ processors on swing and night shifts, as well as on day shift. Processors employed on one of the night shifts can usually expect to receive up to an additional ten percent in pay as shift premium. When overtime is required, it is paid at time and one-half.
Fringe benefits usually include all major holidays, paid vacation and sick leave, and health and life insurance plans. Some employers also offer profit sharing, stock-option plans, and bonus programs. Protective clothing and equipment are usually supplied by the employer.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
Electronic-Component Processors must possess good vision, eye-to-hand coordination, and manual dexterity. Most employers prefer high school graduates. Employers also stress the importance of being able to follow detailed written and oral instructions. Prior experience as an electronics assembler is often helpful, as knowledge of color codes, wire sizes, and soldering are often required skills for processors. Many of California's community colleges offer courses which provide good training for this and other electronics related occupations.
ADVANCEMENT
Electronic-component processors who show the ability and skill may advance to Electronics Tester or Quality Control Inspector positions. Those who continue their formal education may advance to the job of Electronics Technician. Some employers sponsor formal training programs to enable production workers to advance to the technician level. Outstanding employees may also be promoted to lead-level and supervisory-level positions.
FINDING THE JOB
Applicants should contact employers directly and respond to want ads in local newspapers and trade journals. Electronic Component Processor positions may also be listed with the Job Service offices of the California Employment Development Department.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
The Electronics Industries Association 2500 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, VA 22201-3834 (703) 907-7500 www.eia.org/cg/
American Electronics Association 601 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W. North Building, Suite 600 Washington, DC 20004 (202) 682-9110 web1.aeanet.org/
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Electronics Assemblers No. 47
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th Ed.,1991) Ceramic Capacitor Processor 590.684-010 Electronic-Component Processor 590.684-014
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Electronic Semiconductor Processors 929020
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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