Electric Vehicle Charging Technician

An EV charger technician’s day typically starts around 7:00 AM, checking digital work orders and diagnostic tickets assigned through a field service tablet. After loading a service van with diagnostic tools, replacement charging cables, power modules, and safety gear, the technician heads out to commercial plazas, transit depots, or highway corridor charging stations. Much of the day is spent troubleshooting hardware and software—using specialized EV simulators and multimeters to diagnose power inverter faults, replacing heavy liquid-cooled charging cables, or updating cellular communication controllers that handle billing and network connectivity.

Because charging stations are situated outdoors in parking structures and rest areas, technicians work through changing Minnesota seasons, requiring physical stamina and strict adherence to high-voltage safety procedures like Lockout/Tagout (LOTO). Before wrapping up the shift around 3:30 or 4:00 PM, the technician performs live test charges on customer vehicles, runs end-of-day diagnostic logs to ensure 97%+ station uptime, and submits reports to network operators.

A career as an EV charger technician is perfect for those who love the intersection of hands-on electrical power and cutting-edge digital technology. If you enjoy independent field service work where you aren't tied to a desk or a single job site all day, you will thrive traveling across regional routes to keep public infrastructure running.

Because EV charging stations rely on cellular modems, cloud management systems, and touch-screen payment terminals alongside heavy industrial electrical components, you need to be just as comfortable troubleshooting a software communication error as you are measuring high-voltage DC current. It requires strong problem-solving skills, electrical aptitude, and a passion for supporting the future of clean transportation.

Mount physical charging units, connect high-voltage power feeds, and configure initial software settings to bring new charging stations online.

Use electrical multimeters, oscilloscopes, and computerized EV test fixtures to identify ground faults, failed power modules, and communication errors.

Inspect, service, and replace high-wear components, including contactors, cooling pumps, liquid-cooled charging cables, and weather seals.

Update charger firmware and test cellular modems to ensure seamless communication with cloud-based billing and Open Charge Point Protocol (OCPP) networks.

Verify that all installations and repairs comply with the National Electrical Code (NEC), local Minnesota utility standards, and OSHA safety protocols.

To get started as an EV charger technician in Minnesota, you will want to build a solid electrical foundation by earning a two-year degree or diploma in electrical construction and maintenance, mechatronics, or electronics technology through a Minnesota State technical college. Because Minnesota law requires the high-voltage electrical wiring and utility connections for charging stations to be performed by licensed electricians or registered apprentices working under a licensed contractor, technical education provides the fast-track hours needed toward your Journeyworker license. From there, you can pursue specialized industry credentials—most notably the Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Training Program (EVITP) certification—which is increasingly required by state and federal programs to install and maintain commercial EV fast-charging networks.

Learn more about the State of Minnesota's plans for EV charging implementation on the Minnesota Department of Transportation's Electrical Vehicle Planning webpage.