Railway electronic technician

Railway electronic technicians are responsible for installing, inspecting, testing, and maintaining train control systems, radio, radar, electronic and electromagnetic components.

The following job titles also refer to railway electronic technician:

rail electrician
telecommunication electronic technician
rail electronic inspector
railway overhead power engineer
electrician electric engines
electrician diesel engines
electrical train electrician
electrical rail electrician
overhead power engineer
railway line side equipment engineer
railway electronic inspector
telecommunication electronic inspector
locomotive electrician

A high school diploma is generally the minimum required to work as a railway electronic technician.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Railway electronic technician is a Skill level 2 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to railway electronic technician.

shunter
level crossing signalperson
rolling stock electrician
road transport maintenance scheduler
avionics technician

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of railway electronic technician. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of railway electronic technician with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

rolling stock inspector
aircraft maintenance engineer
printed circuit board designer
international forwarding operations coordinator
second officer

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of railway electronic technician.

• Circuit diagrams: Read and comprehend circuit diagrams showing the connections between the devices, such as power and signal connections.
• Electrical systems used in transportation: Understand the functioning of electrical systems, their specifications, and application in operations and systems for the transportation of freight and people.
• Electronics principles: The study of electric energy, more specifically electron, control and its prominent principles regarding integrated circuits and electrical systems.
• Electronics: The functioning of electronic circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including programming and applications. Apply this knowledge to ensure electronic equipment runs smoothly.
• Electrical wiring plans: Pictorial representation of an electrical circuit. It shows the components of the circuit as simplified shapes, and the power and signal connections between the devices. It gives information about the relative position and arrangement of devices and terminals on the devices, to help in building or servicing the device. A wiring diagram is often used to troubleshoot problems and to make sure that all the connections have been made and that everything is present.

These skills are necessary for the role of railway electronic technician.

• Operate radio equipment: Set up and operate radio devices and accessories, such as broadcast consoles, amplifiers, and microphones. Understand the basics of radio operator language and, when necessary, provide instruction in handling radio equipment correctly.
• Detect malfunctions in train control systems: Detect malfunctions in train control systems such as radios, radar systems, and electronic and electromagnetic components.
• Maintain records of maintenance interventions: Keep written records of all repairs and maintenance interventions undertaken, including information on the parts and materials used, etc.
• Read railway circuit plans: Read and comprehend circuit plans during initial construction, during troubleshooting, maintenance, and testing activities and while repairing or replacing components.
• Ensure safety of mobile electrical systems: Take the necessary precautions while providing temporary power distribution independently. Measure and power up an installation.
• Comply with legal regulations: Ensure you are properly informed of the legal regulations that govern a specific activity and adhere to its rules, policies and laws.
• Use diagnostic tools for electronic repairs: Use diagnostic equipment to measure current, resistance and voltage. Handle sophisticated multimeters to measure inductance, capacitance and current transistor gain.
• Operate railway vehicles: Drive railroad vehicles or other railway equipment in a competent and safe manner.
• Follow written instructions: Follow written directions in order to perform a task or carry out a step-by-step procedure.
• Operate railway warning systems: Operate and maintain grade crossing warning systems, signals and railroad signal equipment such as hot box detectors and interlocks.
• Write routine reports: Compose routine reports; identify appropriate forms or documents to record data from manual inspections and/or electronic systems. Write clear observations as required. A written report is usually a summary of readings from the routine performance of the reticulation system.
• Ensure compliance with railway regulation: Ensure compliance with all railway rules, procedures, and legal regulations relating to safety, operations, and EU frameworks.
• Enforce railway safety regulations: Promote and enforce safety procedures and EU regulations to ensure that railway safety is generally maintained and continuously improved, taking into consideration the development of European legislation.
• Operate railway communication systems: Operate railway communication systems; make announcements over the public address system or communicate with central train administration.
• Test electronic units: Test electronic units using appropriate equipment. Gather and analyse data. Monitor and evaluate system performance and take action if needed.
• Maintain railway signal equipment: Test, operate, and maintain railway signalling equipment such as power switches and grade crossing warning devices.
• Operate railway control panels: Operate various types of railway control panels such as Individual Function Switch (IFS), One Control Switch (OCS) or Entrance Exit (NX).
• Install electronic communication devices on trains: Install, adjust, and test electronic communication equipment, which includes sound, security, navigation, and surveillance systems.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of railway electronic technician. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Principles of mechanical engineering: Understand principles of mechanical engineering, physics, and materials science.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of railway electronic technician. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

• Have computer literacy: Utilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.

7421 – Electronics mechanics and servicers

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References

1. Railway electronic technician – ESCO