Technician II – Mammography

The Technician II – Mammography is the intermediate level in the Technician career path. Working with moderate independence under general supervision, the Technician II performs standard and moderately complex technical work on mammography systems, including full-field digital mammography (FFDM), digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) and related stereotactic biopsy equipment. Typical work includes equipment harvesting, parts testing, routine repairs and installation support.

At this level, the technician uses a working knowledge of mammography system architecture, makes judgment calls on familiar problems, and starts serving as a resource by answering questions from Technician I team members. Work is done with general guidance and reviewed at key milestones. Complex or non-routine issues go to senior technicians or the Mammography Modality Lead. The Technician II is building the depth and independence needed to advance to Technician III.

Key Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Independently perform standard and moderately complex technical work on mammography systems under general supervision.
• Harvest, de-install and evaluate mammography systems and parts using approved processes. This includes gantries, C-arms, compression assemblies, collimators, X-ray tubes, high-voltage generators, digital detectors and acquisition workstations.
• Handle, package and store digital mammography detectors (amorphous selenium and CsI/a-Si) according to manufacturer and company requirements, including temperature, humidity, shock and ESD controls.
• Test and evaluate parts to manufacturer specifications. Tests may include detector calibration and image quality checks, tube and generator performance (kVp accuracy, mA/mAs, exposure time), AEC function, collimation and light field alignment, and compression force and thickness accuracy.
• Perform phantom-based image quality testing (such as ACR digital mammography phantom) and artifact evaluation to support part and system disposition.
• Troubleshoot common, well-defined mammography system and parts issues using service software, error logs, schematics and standard diagnostic methods.
• Record and interpret test results, including dose, image quality and mechanical measurements, to support part evaluation and disposition decisions.
• Complete routine parts-level repairs, such as compression paddles and drives, motion and positioning assemblies, bucky/grid mechanisms, filters, control boards, cabling and user interface parts.
• Support mammography system installation, calibration and acceptance activities, including stereotactic biopsy and tomosynthesis options where applicable.
• Use working knowledge of mammography system architecture (X-ray production, target/filter combinations, detector technology, image chain and tomosynthesis motion) to identify, remove and evaluate parts.
• Maintain awareness of MQSA and ACR mammography quality control requirements as they relate to equipment performance, and make sure refurbished parts and systems support customer compliance.
• Serve as a resource to Technician I staff by answering routine mammography questions and sharing guidance.
• Accurately document work performed, including test results, calibration data, repairs, serial and configuration information, and observations.
• Follow all radiation safety, electrical safety, quality and operational procedures to ensure compliance with company standards.
• Escalate complex, non-routine or unresolved issues to senior technicians or the Mammography Modality Lead.
• Create, review and update mammography work instructions, test procedures and other quality-related documents, and follow all processes to ensure ISO 13485 compliance.

Job Requirements

Education and Experience

• Associate degree in Biomedical Electronics, Electronics, Radiologic Technology or a related technical field preferred.
• 2–5 years of diagnostic imaging service or in-house technical experience, with at least 1–2 years focused on mammography systems.
• Hands-on experience with one or more major FFDM/DBT platforms (for example Hologic, GE, Siemens or Fujifilm) preferred.
• OEM mammography service training, or exposure to stereotactic biopsy systems, is a plus.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Working knowledge of mammography system architecture and parts, including X-ray tubes, generators, digital detectors, AEC, compression systems and tomosynthesis motion.
• Understanding of mammography image quality factors and common artifacts, and how they relate to part failures.
• Familiarity with MQSA and ACR mammography QC testing concepts, including phantom imaging, dose, HVL and compression checks.
• Solid troubleshooting and problem-solving skills for routine and moderately complex issues.
• Ability to work with moderate independence and use judgment on familiar problems.
• Ability to accurately interpret test results and make sound part disposition decisions.
• Ability to guide and answer routine questions from less-experienced technicians.
• Proficient with diagnostic equipment, hand tools and testing instruments.
• Effective technical documentation, record-keeping and communication skills.
• Time management and organizational skills to handle multiple tasks and priorities.
• Ability to learn and adapt to new mammography platforms and other imaging modalities.
• Ability to follow complex procedures while maintaining safety and quality compliance.

Equipment & Technology Usage

• Mammography test equipment: X-ray multimeters and dosimeters (kVp, dose, HVL, exposure time), compression force gauges, ACR mammography phantoms and image quality test tools.
• Electrical/electronic lab equipment: Multimeters, oscilloscopes, power supplies and network analyzers for diagnosing and testing electrical parts.
• OEM service software and workstations: Used for calibration, diagnostics, error log review and image evaluation.
• 3D printing equipment: FDM (Fused Deposition Modeling) 3D printer for prototyping and part fabrication.
• Ladders, hoists and slings: Used to reach high storage areas and to handle gantries and other large mammography equipment.
• Hand trucks and equipment dollies: Regular use for moving systems, materials and supplies.
• General hand/power tools: Drills, wrenches, soldering irons, torque tools and other repair/assembly tools.
• Computer & technology: CAD software, inventory management systems and diagnostic tools for testing and maintenance. Proficient in basic Microsoft Office programs. ERP system knowledge is a plus.
• Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): May be required to wear safety gloves, helmets, composite-toe boots, safety glasses and radiation dosimetry badges.
• ESD protection: Wrist straps, mats and anti-static workstations for handling detectors and other sensitive electronic parts.

Physical Job Requirements

• Sitting and standing: May require long periods of sitting for administrative and image review tasks, and standing for operational duties.
• Walking: Frequent movement within the facility, warehouse or production area.
• Lifting and carrying: Occasional lifting or carrying of parts, tools or equipment, typically 25–50 lbs. Detectors, tube heads and gantry assemblies may require team lifts or mechanical aids.
• Bending, stooping and kneeling: May be needed to inspect equipment, retrieve items or troubleshoot issues.
• Reaching and handling: Frequent use of hands and arms to operate equipment, handle delicate parts, work with tools and handle paperwork.
• Vision: Ability to read digital screens and printed reports, evaluate phantom and test images, and inspect products for quality control.
• Hearing and speaking: Clear communication with team members, supervisors and outside vendors in person, by phone or over video conferencing.

Work Environment and Exposure to Environmental Conditions

• Temperature and climate conditions: Office and test areas are typically climate-controlled. Warehouses may have fluctuating temperatures. Mammography detectors require controlled storage and handling conditions.
• Compliance and regulations: Must follow OSHA, FDA/MQSA-related, radiation safety and industry guidelines, as well as company policies.
• Radiation exposure: Possible exposure to ionizing radiation while testing and calibrating mammography X-ray systems. This is kept to a minimum through shielding, approved procedures and dosimetry monitoring.
• Risk of electrical shock: Exposure when working near or handling high-voltage generators, X-ray tubes and other medical device parts.
• Work near moving mechanical parts: Exposure to motorized C-arms, compression drives and tomosynthesis motion assemblies.
• Occasional exposure to bloodborne pathogens: Minimal exposure to possibly contaminated parts, such as compression paddles and biopsy accessories. Proper decontamination procedures are followed.
• Chemical and hazardous material handling: Possible exposure to sterilizing agents, medical cleaning solutions and disinfectants.