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Engineering ServicesISCO 7421

Railway electronic technician

A railway electronic technician is a person who installs, inspects, tests and maintains the train control systems, radio communications, radar and the electronic and electromagnetic equipment a railway runs on. The subject of the work is the signalling and control layer rather than the track or the rolling stock.

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Rate 5 of the 23 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

operate radio equipment

interpret circuit diagrams

detect malfunctions in train control systems

read railway circuit plans

comply with legal regulations

About railway electronic technician

Signalling is the first field. The technician looks after the signalling devices used on the railway, operates railway control panels, works the railway warning systems, and detects irregularities in train control systems. The aim is to find deviations from correct operation before they lead to a failure or an incident.

Diagnosis is instrument work. The technician uses diagnostic tools for electronic equipment repair and operates radio equipment. Installing, inspecting and testing the radio and radar equipment falls to the same role.

Records close each job. The technician keeps the maintenance log and prepares routine reports. On a railway the record is part of the safety system rather than administration: the next technician, the traffic controller and any subsequent investigation all work from what was written down about what was tested, what was found and what was returned to service.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (23)

electrical systems used in transportationelectrical systems used in transportationThe functioning of electrical systems, their specifications, and application in operations and systems for the transportation of freight and people.electronics principleselectronics principlesThe study of electric energy, more specifically electron, control and its prominent principles regarding integrated circuits and electrical systems.electronicselectronicsThe functioning of electronic circuit boards, processors, chips, and computer hardware and software, including programming and applications.electrical wiring planselectrical wiring plansPictorial 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...operate radio equipmentoperate radio equipmentSet 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 ...interpret circuit diagramsinterpret circuit diagramsRead and comprehend circuit diagrams showing the connections between the devices, such as power and signal connections.detect malfunctions in train control systemsdetect malfunctions in train control systemsDetect malfunctions in train control systems such as radios, radar systems, and electronic and electromagnetic components.maintain records of maintenance interventionsmaintain records of maintenance interventionsKeep written records of all repairs and maintenance interventions undertaken, including information on the parts and materials used, etc.read railway circuit plansread railway circuit plansRead and comprehend circuit plans during initial construction, during troubleshooting, maintenance, and testing activities and while repairing or replacing components.ensure safety of mobile electrical systemsensure safety of mobile electrical systemsTake the necessary precautions while providing temporary power distribution independently. Measure and power up an installation.comply with legal regulationscomply with legal regulationsEnsure 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 repairsuse diagnostic tools for electronic repairsUse diagnostic equipment to measure current, resistance and voltage. Handle sophisticated multimeters to measure inductance, capacitance and current transistor gain.operate railway vehiclesoperate railway vehiclesDrive railroad vehicles or other railway equipment in a competent and safe manner.follow written instructionsfollow written instructionsFollow written directions in order to perform a task or carry out a step-by-step procedure.operate railway warning systemsoperate railway warning systemsOperate and maintain grade crossing warning systems, signals and railroad signal equipment such as hot box detectors and interlocks.write routine reportswrite routine reportsCompose regular reports by writing clear observations on the monitored processes in a respective field.ensure compliance with railway regulationensure compliance with railway regulationEnsure compliance with all railway rules, procedures, and legal regulations relating to safety, operations, and EU frameworks.enforce railway safety regulationsenforce railway safety regulationsPromote 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 legislat...operate railway communication systemsoperate railway communication systemsOperate railway communication systems. Make announcements over the public address system or communicate with central train administration.test electronic unitstest electronic unitsTest electronic units using appropriate equipment. Gather and analyse data. Monitor and evaluate system performance and take action if needed.maintain railway signal equipmentmaintain railway signal equipmentTest, operate, and maintain railway signalling equipment such as power switches and grade crossing warning devices.operate railway control panelsoperate railway control panelsOperate 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 trainsinstall electronic communication devices on trainsInstall, adjust, and test electronic communication equipment, which includes sound, security, navigation, and surveillance systems.
Optional (3) — show
principles of mechanical engineeringprinciples of mechanical engineeringThe principles of mechanical engineering, physics, and materials science.design wayside signalling interlockingsdesign wayside signalling interlockingsDesign procedures to implement wayside signalling interlockings. Analyse routes and aspect charts and take into account highway crossing warning systems.have computer literacyhave computer literacyUtilise computers, IT equipment and modern day technology in an efficient way.

Related Occupations

Occupations that need many of the same essential skills, so the move between them is shortest.

shunter7 shared essential skillsavionics technician5 shared essential skillslevel crossing signalperson5 shared essential skillsrolling stock electrician4 shared essential skillsrolling stock inspector4 shared essential skillselectrical supervisor3 shared essential skillselectronic equipment inspector3 shared essential skillselectronics engineering technician3 shared essential skills

Frequently asked questions

What does a railway electronic technician do?

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

What skills does a railway electronic technician need?

A railway electronic technician needs 23 essential skills, including electrical systems used in transportation, electronics principles, electronics, electrical wiring plans, operate radio equipment.

Will AI replace railway electronic technician jobs?

The AI disruption score for railway electronic technician is 52/100 (moderate risk). Skills most exposed to automation: follow written instructions, write routine reports, maintain records of maintenance interventions. Most resilient: ensure safety of mobile electrical systems, maintain railway signal equipment, have computer literacy.

Quick Facts

SectorEngineering Services
ISCO GroupElectrical and electronic trades workers
Essential Skills23

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