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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Avionics Technician

💰 $ - $

AviationMaintenanceEngineeringAvionics

🎯 Role Definition

The Avionics Technician is responsible for the inspection, troubleshooting, repair, installation, calibration and documentation of aircraft electronic systems and components. This role ensures avionics systems meet regulatory airworthiness standards (FAA/EASA/CAA as applicable), supports line and base maintenance activities, and collaborates with engineering, quality and operations teams to maintain safe, compliant, and mission-ready aircraft. Candidates should be experienced with avionics LRUs (line replaceable units), flight instruments, communications, navigation, surveillance equipment (ADS‑B, transponder, TCAS), EFIS/FMS/autopilot systems, wiring harnesses and avionics software updates.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Avionics Apprentice or Avionics Technician Trainee
  • Aircraft Maintenance Technician (AMT) or A&P Helper
  • Electronic/Instrument Technician in aerospace or defense industries

Advancement To:

  • Senior Avionics Technician / Lead Avionics Technician
  • Avionics Maintenance Supervisor or Shop Lead
  • Avionics Certification Engineer / Avionics Systems Engineer

Lateral Moves:

  • Aircraft Maintenance Planner or Reliability Engineer
  • Test Equipment Calibration Technician
  • Technical Instructor / Training Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Inspect avionics systems and line‑replaceable units (LRUs) including transponders, ELTs, TCAS, weather radar, GPS/WAAS, FMS, EFIS, autopilot and audio control panels to determine airworthiness and identify faults against approved schematics and maintenance manuals.
  • Troubleshoot complex electrical and electronic faults by using avionics test equipment such as multimeters, oscilloscopes, insulation resistance testers, bench test sets and loop/continuity testers and by applying systematic fault isolation techniques.
  • Perform removal, repair, overhaul, bench testing and installation of avionics components and wiring harnesses to manufacturer and company repair station standards, complying with wiring diagrams, IPC standards and parts manuals.
  • Execute software updates, database loading, avionics reprogramming, configuration, and memory clears for FMS/EFIS/navigation databases in accordance with STC/Service Bulletin and manufacturer procedures.
  • Complete precision alignment, calibration and functional testing of navigation, communication and surveillance systems following approved flightline or bench procedures and record results in maintenance logs and inspection cards.
  • Conduct pre‑ and post‑installation functional checks, ground tests and taxi/flight test support (when required), documenting results and ensuring items meet Minimum Equipment List (MEL) and Return to Service (RTS) requirements.
  • Interpret wiring schematics, avionics schematics, maintenance manuals, service bulletins and airworthiness directives (ADs) to determine required corrective actions and ensure technical compliance.
  • Repair printed circuit boards and assemblies or coordinate board‑level repairs with certified repair stations, including soldering to IPC/WHMA standards when required and maintaining repair traceability.
  • Replace, rig and adjust flight instruments, indicators and sensors, verifying calibration and alignment against manufacturer tolerances and plate settings.
  • Maintain and update aircraft logbooks, work orders, maintenance tracking systems and electronic records with accurate descriptions of discrepancies, corrective actions, parts used and sign-offs per regulatory requirements.
  • Support scheduled and unscheduled maintenance activities under Part 145, Part 121/135 operations or equivalent civil/defense maintenance environments, ensuring turnaround times are met without compromising safety.
  • Read, interpret and apply Airworthiness Directives (ADs), Service Bulletins (SBs), Supplemental Type Certificates (STCs) and company approved modifications to avionics installations and repairs.
  • Fabricate, install, test and secure avionics harnesses, connectors and mounting hardware, ensuring environmental sealing, strain relief and EMI/RFI protection is installed per engineering drawings.
  • Perform BITE (built‑in test equipment) diagnostics, fault code interpretation and LRU health assessments to determine whether LRUs can be repaired in-shop or replaced at the line.
  • Coordinate with procurement, stores and external vendors for timely sourcing of avionics spares, rotables and consumables, and manage return‑to‑vendor (RTV) and warranty claim processes as required.
  • Support nondestructive inspections (visual, borescope) of avionics compartments and associated structural interfaces to detect chafing, contamination, corrosion or damage that could affect electrical integrity.
  • Follow and enforce safety protocols for hazardous materials, ESD (electrostatic discharge) control, and confined space/aircraft safety regulations while performing maintenance tasks.
  • Participate in technical troubleshooting escalations with engineering and OEM technical support to resolve complex avionics anomalies and implement long‑term corrective actions.
  • Mentor apprentices and junior technicians by providing on‑the‑job training, sharing best practices for avionics troubleshooting, documentation and regulatory compliance.
  • Assist in the preparation, review and execution of modification and installation programs including STC installations, ensuring weight & balance, EMI/EMC and systems integration considerations are addressed.
  • Conduct periodic inventory reconciliations of avionics spares and test equipment, ensuring calibration tags are current and that test assets meet traceability and usage requirements.
  • Verify completion of corrective actions and ensure all paperwork, certifications, and sign‑offs are accurate prior to release to service; raise nonconformance reports when appropriate.

Secondary Functions

  • Provide technical input to maintenance planners and reliability teams to improve mean time between failures (MTBF) for avionics systems and reduce aircraft downtime.
  • Support line maintenance teams by providing rapid troubleshooting and replacement guidance for avionics issues to expedite aircraft dispatch.
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives, including root cause analysis, corrective action tracking and lessons learned sessions to enhance fleet avionics reliability.
  • Assist quality assurance during internal audits and external regulatory inspections by preparing records, explaining avionics work scopes and demonstrating compliance to procedures.
  • Help maintain calibration records and coordinate periodic calibration of shop test equipment and bench tools to ensure testing accuracy and traceability.
  • Contribute to development and update of job cards, standard operating procedures (SOPs) and maintenance instructions to reflect current best practices and manufacturer updates.
  • Provide support to flight crews, maintenance control and operations for avionics discrepancies and troubleshooting guidance during irregular operations.
  • Participate in safety and regulatory training sessions and maintain up‑to‑date knowledge of regulatory changes and manufacturer advisories affecting avionics systems.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Avionics troubleshooting and fault isolation using test instruments (multimeter, oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, avionics test sets).
  • Installation, removal and bench testing of LRUs (transponders, ELTs, GPS, FMS, EFIS, TCAS, weather radar) per manufacturer procedures.
  • Proficient reading and interpreting electrical/electronic schematics, wiring diagrams, pin‑outs and maintenance manuals.
  • Aircraft wiring harness fabrication, connector termination and soldering to IPC standards (experience with J‑STD‑001 is a plus).
  • Avionics software updates, database loading and configuration management for navigation and flight management systems.
  • Knowledge of aviation regulations and standards (FAA Part 43/145, EASA Part‑66/145, AD/SB compliance, MEL/CDL interpretation).
  • Familiarity with EMI/EMC mitigation techniques and environmental testing considerations (DO‑160 awareness).
  • Experience with maintenance tracking systems, digital logbooks and CMMS tools for recording work and parts usage.
  • Bench repair and board‑level repair coordination; experience with LRU troubleshooting and repair vendor workflows.
  • Functional and performance testing of communication and navigation radios (HF/VHF/UHF), transponders, DME, and approach systems.
  • Calibration and alignment of instruments and avionics sensors to manufacturer tolerances.
  • Use of diagnostic fault codes, BITE outputs and manufacturer troubleshooting flowcharts to expedite repairs.

Soft Skills

  • Strong analytical and methodical problem‑solving skills with attention to detail and accuracy in documentation.
  • Effective verbal and written communication to interact with pilots, engineers, quality personnel and external vendors.
  • Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast‑paced maintenance environment and work under schedule pressure while maintaining safety and compliance.
  • Team player mentality with demonstrated ability to mentor junior technicians and collaborate across disciplines.
  • Adaptability to changing regulations, aircraft types and technologies, including continuous learning of new avionics platforms.
  • Strong organizational skills and commitment to maintaining clean, compliant and calibrated workspaces.
  • Initiative and ownership to follow through on complex troubleshooting tasks and drive issues to resolution.
  • Customer‑focused approach when supporting operations and flight crews during irregular operations.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent with strong coursework in electronics, mathematics and physics; completed avionics or aircraft maintenance technical school certificate preferred.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree or diploma in Avionics Technology, Aviation Maintenance Technology, Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology or related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Avionics Technology
  • Aircraft Maintenance Technology / Airframe & Powerplant (A&P)
  • Electrical or Electronic Engineering Technology
  • Radio Communications and Navigation Systems

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2 – 8 years of hands‑on avionics maintenance experience in line or base maintenance environments.

Preferred:

  • 3+ years experience specifically working on commercial or business aircraft avionics suites, with demonstrable troubleshooting and installation experience.
  • FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate, EASA Part‑66 Category B1/B2 or equivalent certification strongly preferred.
  • Experience working in a certified repair station (Part 145) or under airline/operation maintenance control preferred.
  • FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL), IPC soldering certification or other avionics‑specific vendor/ OEM training is an advantage.
  • Demonstrated experience with at least one major avionics OEM platform (e.g., Garmin, Honeywell, Collins, Rockwell Collins, Avidyne) and familiarity with STC installations and service bulletins.
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