Profession computer hardware test technician

Computer hardware test technicians conduct testing of computer hardware such as circuit boards, computer chips, computer systems, and other electronic and electrical components. They analyse the hardware configuration and test the hardware reliability and conformance to specifications.

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Personality Type

• Realistic / Investigative

Knowledge

• Electronic equipment standards

  The national and international quality and safety standards and regulations with regards to the use and manufacture of electronic equipment and its components, such as semiconductors and printed circuit boards.

• Hardware platforms

  The characteristics of the hardware configuration required to process the applications software product.

• Electrical discharge

  Tthe qualities and applications of electrical discharge, including voltage and electrodes.

• Hardware materials

  The characteristics, applications and environmental effects of materials used to develop hardware.

• Quality assurance procedures

  The procedures to inspect a product or system to ensure that it is according to specifications and requirements.

• Hardware testing methods

  Those processes in which hardware components or systems are tested, such as the system test (ST), the ongoing reliability test (ORT), and the in-circuit test (ICT).

• Hardware components

  The essential components that make up a hardware system, such as liquid-crystal displays (LCD), camera sensors, microprocessors, memories, modems, batteries and their interconnections.

• Circuit diagrams

  Read and comprehend circuit diagrams showing the connections between the devices, such as power and signal connections.

• Instrument performance elements

  Elements that indicate or influence instrument performance. A first indication of the performance of the instrument is the accuracy or precision of the instrument, such as its response time, resolution, and range. A second indication of performance is the technical performance of the instrument, such as its power level, the electromagnetic interference, and transient voltages. A third indication of performance are environmental factors that can influence instrument performance, such as humidity, operating temperatures, or dust.

• Hardware architectures

  The designs laying out the physical hardware components and their interconnections.

• Quality standards

  The national and international requirements, specifications and guidelines to ensure that products, services and processes are of good quality and fit for purpose.

Skills

• Test hardware

  Test computer hardware systems and components using appropriate equipment and testing methods, such as the system test (ST), the ongoing reliability test (ORT), and the in-circuit test (ICT). Monitor and evaluate system performance and take action if needed.

• Read assembly drawings

  Read and interpret drawings listing all the parts and subassemblies of a certain product. The drawing identifies the different components and materials and provides instructions on how to assemble a product.

• Analyse test data

  Interpret and analyse data collected during testing in order to formulate conclusions, new insights or solutions.

• Use measurement instruments

  Use different measurement instruments depending on the property to be measured. Utilise various instruments to measure length, area, volume, speed, energy, force, and others.

• Meet deadlines

  Ensure operative processes are finished at a previously agreed-upon time.

• Communicate test results to other departments

  Communicate testing information such as testing schedules, samples testing statistics and test results, to the relevant departments.

• Read standard blueprints

  Read and comprehend standard blueprints, machine, and process drawings.

• Conduct quality control analysis

  Conduct inspections and tests of services, processes, or products to evaluate quality.

• Measure electrical characteristics

  Measure voltage, current, resistance or other electrical characteristics by using electrical measuring equipment such as multimeters, voltmeters, and ammeters.

• Use testing equipment

  Use equipment to test performance and operation of machinery.

• Read engineering drawings

  Read the technical drawings of a product made by the engineer in order to suggest improvements, make models of the product or operate it.

• Inspect quality of products

  Use various techniques to ensure the product quality is respecting the quality standards and specifications. Oversee defects, packaging and sendbacks of products to different production departments.

• Ensure conformity to specifications

  Ensure that the assembled products are conform to the specifications given.

Optional knowledge and skills

Source: Sisyphus ODB