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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jet Avionics Assistant

💰 $ - $

AviationAvionicsAircraft MaintenanceAerospace Technician

🎯 Role Definition

The Jet Avionics Assistant provides technical and logistical support for avionics maintenance, inspections, upgrades and bench testing on business and commercial aircraft. Working under direction of licensed avionics technicians or engineers, the role performs hands‑on tasks including wire harness preparation, functional bench testing, data and software loading, basic troubleshooting, tool and parts management, and compliance documentation. This position requires strong mechanical and electrical aptitude, familiarity with aircraft documentation and safety practices (FOD, ESD), and a commitment to regulatory compliance (FAA/EASA).

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Aircraft Maintenance Helper / Hangar Helper
  • Electromechanical Technician or Industrial Electrician transitioning to aviation
  • Avionics Apprentice / Trainee from technical school programs

Advancement To:

  • Avionics Technician (licensed or under licence supervision)
  • Senior Avionics Technician or Avionics Lead
  • Systems Integration Technician or Avionics Shop Supervisor
  • Avionics Engineer (with additional education/certification)

Lateral Moves:

  • Aircraft Maintenance Technician (A&P)
  • Instrument & Electrical Systems Technician
  • Quality Control / Avionics Inspection Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Assist in the removal, installation and rigging of avionics equipment (radios, transponders, ADS‑B, TCAS, GPS/GNSS, FMS, EFIS) on business jets, ensuring correct mechanical fit, shielded cable routing and adherence to aircraft manufacturer installation drawings.
  • Perform functional bench tests and power‑up checks of line‑replaceable units (LRUs) using standard test equipment, documenting measured results and anomalies per job card and maintenance manuals.
  • Support avionics troubleshooting by performing step‑by‑step fault isolation procedures, following wiring diagrams and schematics to trace shorts, opens, intermittent faults, and connector issues.
  • Prepare and install avionics wiring harnesses, cut and terminate wires, install crimp terminals and heat‑shrink insulation, and ensure proper strain relief and connector pin retention to IPC standards.
  • Conduct routine preventative maintenance tasks under supervision, including power cycle checks, firmware and database updates, and operational checks of navigation and communication systems.
  • Load and verify navigation and terrain databases, flight plans, and software updates for FMS and GPS units using manufacturer loading tools and documented procedures, maintaining version control and load logs.
  • Use multimeters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, radio alignment benches, and ATE (automated test equipment) to carry out electrical and RF verification tests under technician guidance.
  • Assist with avionics modifications and STC installations by preparing parts kits, pre‑assembling components on bench, verifying torque sequences, and providing hands‑on support during aircraft installation.
  • Remove and replace circuit boards, modules or components under approved procedures, ensuring ESD protection, correct orientation, and re‑seating connectors and fasteners to torque specifications.
  • Maintain detailed maintenance records, job cards, logbooks and digital records in the MRO/AMS system, ensuring that all work is signed, dated, and traceable for regulatory compliance.
  • Support pre‑flight and post‑flight avionics line checks to confirm airworthiness of communication, navigation and surveillance equipment prior to revenue flights.
  • Perform connector cleaning, contact inspection and minor repairs to coaxial cables and RF connectors to restore signal continuity and minimize VSWR issues.
  • Handle parts and tool management: receive, inspect and inventory avionics modules, consumables and specialized tools; label, store and issue components in accordance with stock control procedures.
  • Coordinate with suppliers and internal procurement to order replacement LRUs, spares and consumables, prepare return material authorizations (RMAs) and assist with warranty claims documentation.
  • Assist lead technicians with non‑routine troubleshooting tasks by operating diagnostic software, capturing system logs, and providing comprehensive fault descriptions for engineering analysis.
  • Execute system smoke and power checks during major installations, monitor current draw and voltage rails, and immediately escalate abnormal readings to the supervising technician or engineer.
  • Support aircraft ground runs and avionics integration checks by coordinating with flight crew, ground operations and powerplant technicians to ensure safe and efficient test conditions.
  • Comply with and enforce safety, FOD and ESD control measures at all times; perform periodic ESD audits, maintain grounded benches, and ensure personal protective equipment is used correctly.
  • Participate in tool calibration and test equipment verification schedules, log calibration certificates, and remove out‑of‑tolerance instruments from service until recertified.
  • Assist with compliance tasks such as Airworthiness Directives (ADs), Service Bulletins (SBs) and modification records by preparing documentation, collecting sign‑offs and routing paperwork through the quality system.
  • Support avionics shop housekeeping and continuous improvement by recommending workflow changes, updating standard operating procedures, and contributing to root‑cause analysis follow‑ups after failures.
  • Mentor junior apprentices and trainees during hands‑on tasks, demonstrating safe work practices, correct use of schematics, and proper documentation techniques.

Secondary Functions

  • Maintain and update parts and maintenance data in the aircraft maintenance tracking system (AMS/MRO software) under supervision.
  • Assist engineers and technicians with technical data research, sourcing wiring diagrams, revision control, and cross‑referencing part numbers.
  • Support scheduled avionics inspections and campaigns, helping prepare aircraft, staging required parts and coordinating logistics to minimize downtime.
  • Participate in continuous training programs to stay current on aircraft platforms, avionics protocols (ARINC 429/629, CAN bus, Ethernet), and OEM‑specific procedures.
  • Provide ad‑hoc support for avionics shop projects, including assembly of prototype harnesses, cable looms, and test fixtures.
  • Help coordinate ferry flights for aircraft with limited avionic capability by preparing temporary placards, checklists and ensuring required MEL items are documented.
  • Contribute to workshop safety meetings and regulatory audits by preparing documentation packs and supporting auditor requests.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Practical experience with avionics bench testing and LRU functional checks (radios, transponders, FMS, GPS, TCAS, ADS‑B).
  • Proficiency using electrical test equipment: digital multimeter, oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, RF cable tester, and signal generator.
  • Hands‑on wiring skills: cable cutting, crimping to IPC standards, heat‑shrinking, shield termination and coax connector handling.
  • Familiarity with avionics data protocols and standards: ARINC 429/629, MIL‑STD‑1553, CAN bus, Ethernet, RS‑232/422; basic understanding of avionics network topologies.
  • Ability to read and interpret aircraft wiring diagrams, avionics schematics, installation drawings and OEM maintenance manuals.
  • Experience with software/database loading for FMS, GPS and navigation databases; working knowledge of data loader tools and checksum verification.
  • Knowledge of regulatory requirements and documentation practices for FAA/EASA (e.g., AD/SB compliance, logbook entries, 14 CFR / Part 145 awareness).
  • Skilled in LRU handling and ESD best practices, including use of wrist straps, ESD mats and controlled benches.
  • Competence in basic RF and antenna system troubleshooting, including VSWR checks and coax continuity testing.
  • Familiarity with maintenance tracking and parts management systems (AMS/MRO software), basic inventory control and RMA procedures.
  • Basic mechanical skills for module installation, torqueing fasteners to specification and fabricating simple mounting brackets or adapters.
  • Proficiency with hand tools and common avionics special tools (pin extractors, crimp tools, torque wrenches, harness jigs).
  • Experience documenting test results and troubleshooting steps clearly and accurately for handover to certifying technicians or engineers.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and quality orientation when following technical procedures and documenting maintenance actions.
  • Clear verbal and written communication skills to coordinate with technicians, pilots, suppliers and quality inspectors.
  • Problem‑solving mindset and methodical troubleshooting approach under the guidance of senior staff.
  • Team player who can collaborate in fast‑paced hangar environments and adapt to shifting priorities.
  • Time management and organizational skills to support multiple concurrent maintenance tasks and minimize aircraft downtime.
  • Dependable work ethic with commitment to safety, regulatory compliance and continuous learning.
  • Customer‑facing professionalism when dealing with flight crews and external vendors.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent with coursework in electronics, electricity or avionics; or vocational certificate in avionics/aircraft maintenance.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree or diploma in Avionics, Aerospace Technology, Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology, or completion of a recognized avionics apprenticeship program.
  • Certifications such as FAA A&P (Airframe & Powerplant), EASA Part‑66 (Category B1/B2) or manufacturer training courses are advantageous.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Avionics Technology
  • Aerospace or Aeronautical Engineering Technology
  • Electronics / Electrical Engineering Technology
  • Aircraft Maintenance Technology
  • Telecommunications or RF Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0–3 years hands‑on experience in avionics, aircraft maintenance support, or related electronics assembly/repair.

Preferred:

  • 1–3 years of direct avionics or aircraft shop experience supporting installations, bench testing and troubleshooting on business jets or regional aircraft.
  • Experience working under FAA/EASA maintenance environments or in Part‑145 repair stations preferred.
  • Manufacturer or vendor training on specific systems (e.g., Collins, Garmin, Honeywell, Rockwell Collins) is a plus.
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