How to Become a R&D Technician
Short for "research and development," an R&D technician is responsible for maintaining production equipment, troubleshooting and providing electrical and mechanical support when needed. Though in the past it sufficed to attain an entry-level position with a manufacturer and acquire the required skills through work experience, college training is now generally required to become an R&D technician. Read on to learn more.
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Instructions
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Acquire the Skills Needed to Become an R&D Technician
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Finish high school. Even if you're lucky enough to find a job as an R&D technician that doesn't require college training, you'll need, at minimum, a high school education to qualify for the position.
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Apply to an associate degree program at a community college, junior college, business college or 4-year college. An associate degree generally 2 years to complete, and you should study in a field that relates directly to the industry you want to get a job in. If you don't know which industry you want to work in, keep your emphasis on business, systems management and/or science, particularly electricity.
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Learn to read schematics and prints of manufacturing processes. An R&D technician's job is to provide support to ensure the manufacturing process operates smoothly.
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Work in manufacturing during the summers. This will give you a head start getting the 3 to 5 years' relevant experience most manufacturing companies are looking for in their R&D technicians.
Find a Job as an R&D Technician
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Seek out manufacturing companies that operate the entire business (management, product developing, manufacturing and shipping) on a single site. These companies will usually be smaller to mid-sized, and it's much easier to grow and direct your own career path in a company with a relatively small work force, at least initially.
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Accept an entry-level position that utilizes the knowledge of systems, technology and troubleshooting that you acquired during completion of your associate degree and during your summer employment in manufacturing. During the interview process, make sure to ask about career advancement opportunities, and tell your employer you eventually want to become an R&D technician.
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Gain the experience you'll need by showing an interest in applying your electrical knowledge, troubleshooting and mechanical ability whenever possible during your entry-level years. Manufacturing companies usually promote from within. When it comes time to review your employment, reiterate your interest in being moved to an R&D technician position.
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Seek other opportunities if the job you want doesn't open up with the company you've been working for. If you have troubleshooting ability, appropriate work experience and relevant education, you'll land a position eventually if you do your due diligence.
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Tips & Warnings
Supplement your associate degree training with courses in electricity and systems management. It will give you an edge over your competition when you hit the pavement trying to find a job as an R&D technician.
Consider using a temporary agency or a staffing agency to place you in an R&D technician job, or in a junior position working underneath an R&D technician. It's another way you can short-cut your way to gaining the experience full-time employers look for.
