By that, we mean that the candidate must have performed assignments designed to develop professional work knowledge and abilities requiring application of standard techniques, procedures and criteria in carvying out a sequence of related engineering tasks. An engineer performs work which involves conventional types of plans, investigations, surveys, structures or equipment with relatively few complex features for which there are precedents. In addition, the engineer may supervise or coordinate the work of drafters, engineers, technicians, and others who assist in specific assignments. A technician is one whose occupation requires training in a specific technical process. A technician's work requires mechanical and intellectual skills.
Technicians are expert in troubleshooting circuit and system malfunctions.
Along with a thorough knowledge of test equipment and how to use it to diagnose problems, a technician is also familiar with how to repair or replace faulty components. Technicians basically translate theory into action. A common problem into which we run is that a technician, while assigned to a technician billet, may be performing the intellectual duties of an engineer. If the individual's duties have been principally of an engineering nature for a long enough period, they may qualify for rating as an engineer. Validation is usually provided by the candidate's employer.