What Does an Avionics Technician Do?
Avionics technicians inspect and test all the electrical and computer systems that keep airplanes, helicopters, and spacecraft flying. They assemble and install the avionics equipment on various aircraft and aerospace projects, including radar systems, radio communications equipment, and flight controls. In addition to servicing and installing avionics equipment, avionics technicians test avionics systems to ensure they function properly before an aircraft can take off. They also repair malfunctioning systems.
Avionics technician candidates should be computer-minded and enjoy working with their hands. They should also have experience using electronic testing equipment and reading wiring diagrams and schematics. An avionics technician needs to be a critical thinker, an analytical problem solver, and an organized person to maintain equipment and service records.
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National Average Salary
Avionics technician salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.
The average national salary for an Avionics Technician is:
$68,755
Avionics Technician Job Descriptions
The first step in the search for an exceptional avionics technician is a well-crafted job description. Below we have multiple real-world examples to get you started and set the foundation for attracting the exact talent your team needs.
Example 1
[Your Company Name] is looking for an avionics technician. Your position is going to be crucial to maintaining the electronics in our planes. You will be in charge of maintaining, upgrading, and modifying radio devices and navigation equipment. At [Your Company Name], we value hard work, talent, and the ability to be a team player. You will have to regularly review our plane’s electronic systems in this position to ensure proper functioning. Transportation and the proper certifications are required. If this sounds like the job for you, go ahead and apply!
Typical duties and responsibilities
- Test and implement avionics systems and products based on specifications
- Monitor maintenance and inspection plans
- Repair and maintain avionics systems as needed
- Set up ground support and testing equipment to check flight-readiness
- Assemble avionics components using hand tools or soldering irons
Education and experience
This position requires a high school diploma or its equivalent and an Airframe and Powerplant License certificate from a program approved by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Some employers prefer candidates to obtain an associate degree for certain positions.
Required skills and qualifications
- Analytical, problem-solving, and critical-thinking skills
- Teamwork and interpersonal communication skills
- Mechanical aptitude and ability to understand wiring diagrams and schematics
- Strong hand-eye coordination and proficiency in using tools like soldering equipment
- High-level organization skills
Preferred qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in avionics or aviation technology
- Certification from the FAA or FCC
- 4+ years of experience
Example 2
Summary
Install wires and electrical components into electrical modules and assemblies per engineering drawings and specifications. Perform electrical continuity checks and operational tests per engineering and manufacturer’s instructions.
Essential functions and responsibilities
- Fabricate, assemble, repair, modify, test, operate, and troubleshoot avionics/electrical modules, components, and wire harnesses
- Mark wires, assemble lay-ups, terminate (crimp and solder) to engineering schematic specifications
- Install wires and electrical components into electrical modules and assemblies per engineering drawings and specifications
- Check drawings for accuracy and applicability for assigned tasks and advise the lead and/or supervisor of deficiencies
- Perform electrical continuity checks, operational tests, and acceptance test procedures per engineering and manufacturer’s instructions on harnesses and wired components
- Troubleshoot, repair, and modify electrical components and assemblies per manufacturer’s instructions, engineering schematics, and accepted industry practices
- Record work progress, certifications, completion, and testing on various production documents per company standards and established procedures
- Maintain shop and work area cleanliness
- Other duties as assigned
Education and experience
- High school diploma or general education degree (GED) and one to two years related Electronics/Avionics experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience
- Formal soldering training is preferred or demonstrates acceptable performance
Skills
- Terminate wiring
- Soldering
- Ability to read wiring diagrams
Certificates, licenses, registrations
- FCC License preferred
- FAA repairman certificate preferred
Example 3
As an Avionics Technician, you will troubleshoot, repair, inspect, modify, and service aircraft avionics, electrical, and electronic equipment. You will assist with mechanical and electrical removals and installations. Assist with maintenance at off-site locations and operate ground support equipment.
Qualifications
- +2 years of avionics work experience
- Have received training from an avionics/electrical Aircraft Technical School
- Experience on corporate jets (preferred)
- Experience on Bombardier aircraft (preferred)
- Must have a basic set of hand tools with the ability to demonstrate Inventory and control of tools
- Have an A Certification, P Certification, or A&P Certificate (preferred)
- Have GROL (General Radiotelephone Operator License) or AET (Aircraft Electronics Technician) Certificate (preferred)
- Ability to effectively communicate in both written and verbal form on individual and/or aircraft status
- Ability to read and understand electrical engineering drawings
- Able and willing to travel
- Have Basic PC skills
Example 4
Duties and responsibilities
- Performs repairs, testing, and operation of UAS, GCSc, and various associated ground support electronic equipment at assigned facilities, which will require long periods of standing, walking, bending, and lifting up to 50 lbs.
- Assists in troubleshooting, component removal and replacement, testing, and documentation following schematics, layout diagrams, and work instructions in accordance with customer regulations
- Participates in GCS power-up, ground checks, maintenance, aircraft recovery, status debriefing, repair, and documentation of repairs and status
- Supports maintenance, repairs, and installation of various types of electronic equipment and related devices such as electronic transmitting and receiving equipment, micro, and mainframe computers, and industrial measuring, controlling, and calibration devices
- Performs basic configuration, monitoring, troubleshooting, analysis, and repair of databases, switches, networks, video systems, and long-haul communications
- Supports installation and upgrading of operating systems and application software in multi-user client/server environments
- Performs configuration, monitoring, troubleshooting, analysis, and repair of databases, switches, networks, video systems, and long-haul communications
- Liaisons with deployment team leaders, supply personnel, A&P mechanics, pilots, and internal and external customers
- Performs other duties as assigned or required
Job qualifications
- Typically requires education/training equivalent to the completion of a two-year technical degree or trade school equivalency, as well as five or more years of experience in aviation or electronics
- Equivalent professional experience may be substituted in lieu of education
- Must be able to perform a variety of non-routine tasks and demonstrate considerable knowledge of avionics and electronic procedures and principles
- Must possess:
- The ability to troubleshoot at the component level
- considerable knowledge and use of electronic test equipment, hand and soldering tools, voltage or amperage measuring and recording devices
- The ability to read and interpret blueprints, drawings, schematics, and technical orders
- strong analytical, interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills to accurately document, report, and assess situations and make judgments
- The ability to work both independently and in a team environment is essential as is the ability to work extended hours and travel as required.
- Experience handling HAZMAT, AES, IATA, and COMSEC material is desirable.
- Ability to pass a Deployment Medical Examination.
- Security Clearance is required
- The ability to obtain and maintain the TS Security Clearance.
Candidate Certifications to Look For
- Avionics Electronics Technician (AVN) – This certification offers coverage of many mechanisms and electronics required in any common avionics position. It is designed to test the knowledge of avionics technicians in multiple fields, including the installation or maintenance of equipment and cables.
- Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET) – Offered by the ASTM’s National Center for Aerospace & Transportation Technologies, this certification offers the ability to assess and certify candidates through testing and certifying requirements. The technical standards for this certification are reviewed and verified by the ASTM technical committee.
- CompTIA A+ Certification – The CompTIA certification evaluates the technical skills and computer maintenance knowledge of technicians and is recognized by many major companies and businesses.
- Certified Technical Professional (CTP) – The CTP certificate is created for graduates. It covers a variety of general concepts that are useful for technical positions and similar work fields.