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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jet Avionics Specialist

💰 $85,000 - $140,000

AviationAvionicsAerospaceAircraft MaintenanceJet Maintenance

🎯 Role Definition

A Jet Avionics Specialist is an experienced aircraft electronics professional responsible for the inspection, installation, troubleshooting, testing, repair, upgrade and certification support of avionics systems on business jets and commercial aircraft. This role requires deep knowledge of avionics hardware and software (FMS, EFIS, TCAS, ADS‑B, SATCOM, transponders, comms/radios, weather radar, flight recorders), proven skills with wiring harnesses and avionics bench/test equipment, and the ability to ensure work meets regulatory (FAA/EASA) and OEM standards. The ideal candidate balances hands-on technical expertise with clear documentation, strong safety awareness, and effective communication with flight crews, maintenance planners and OEM vendors.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Avionics Technician / Aircraft Electronics Technician
  • A&P Mechanic with avionics specialization
  • Military Avionics Technician or Electronics Technician

Advancement To:

  • Lead Avionics Specialist / Lead Avionics Technician
  • Avionics Shop Supervisor / Maintenance Supervisor
  • Avionics Certification Engineer or Modification Program Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Systems Integration Engineer (avionics/software integration)
  • Flight Test Technician / Flight Test Avionics Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform advanced troubleshooting and fault isolation on aircraft avionics systems (FMS, EFIS, autopilot, TCAS, transponder, ADS‑B, SATCOM, HF/VHF, DME, ILS receivers, Weather Radar) using avionics schematics, built-in test equipment and industry-standard test instruments to return aircraft to service quickly and safely.
  • Install, configure and commission avionics upgrades and STC modifications on business jets and regional aircraft, including removal/installation of racks, control panels, mounting brackets, wiring harnesses and connector interfaces while following OEM installation instructions and STC paperwork.
  • Execute bench-level repairs of line-replaceable units (LRUs) and avionics modules, performing board-level diagnostics, replacement of connectors, harness splices, and module swaps to verify unit functionality before re-installation.
  • Conduct pre- and post-installation ground alignment, calibration and functional checks for navigation and communication systems (VOR/ILS, GPS/WAAS, DME, ADF, transponder, TCAS) and record results in maintenance logs and technical records.
  • Perform software and firmware updates on avionics suites and LRUs, manage configuration load files, verify part numbers and software revision levels, and ensure compatibility across airline/owner-specific avionics configurations.
  • Read, interpret and act on Airworthiness Directives (ADs), Service Bulletins (SBs), OEM maintenance manuals, wiring diagrams and structural drawings to perform mandated avionics inspections, modifications or repairs in compliance with regulatory requirements.
  • Conduct troubleshooting and root-cause analysis on intermittent avionics faults using scope traces, spectrum analyzers, flight data, built‑in test results, and targeted bench tests; prepare corrective action plans and coordinate permanent fixes.
  • Execute powered and non-powered continuity checks, harness replacements, connector pin checks, solder repairs, and adherence to IPC and OEM wiring standards to ensure electrical integrity of avionics systems.
  • Perform ground and flight test support, including flight-line troubleshooting, in-flight monitoring of system performance, datalog collection and post-flight analysis to validate repairs and upgrades under operational conditions.
  • Maintain accurate maintenance records, logbook entries and technical paperwork for all avionics work, prepare sign-offs per company authorization and regulatory requirements (e.g., FAA 14 CFR Part 43/145 or EASA Part‑145).
  • Collaborate with engineering, certification and quality teams to support STC development, modification kits, aircraft certification flights and final sign-off activities for avionics changes.
  • Coordinate with OEMs, avionics suppliers and MRO partners for RMA processing, warranty repairs, spare LRUs procurement and technical support escalations to resolve complex system faults promptly.
  • Lead and perform periodic preventive maintenance checks, LRUs removal/installation cycles, and scheduled avionics inspections to maintain dispatch reliability and minimize downtime for business and commercial jets.
  • Supervise, mentor and train junior avionics technicians in troubleshooting techniques, standard repair procedures, proper use of test gear and corporate/OEM maintenance procedures to build team capability and preserve institutional knowledge.
  • Implement and use aircraft maintenance tracking systems (CAMP, AMOS, Trax, Aeroxchange or equivalent) to create job cards, record labor/time, order parts and close work packages with full documentation and traceability.
  • Ensure all avionics tooling and test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, avionics test sets, GPS simulators) are calibrated, certified and maintained to company and regulatory standards.
  • Execute component level conformal coating removal/repair, board-level replacement or mechanical fastening changes in accordance with OEM instructions and ESD-sensitive handling procedures.
  • Participate in safety investigations, root cause incident reviews and quality audits related to avionics maintenance; propose and implement corrective and preventive actions to reduce repeat discrepancies.
  • Provide technical on-call support for flight operations and line maintenance teams, triaging avionics failures, proposing interim repairs and coordinating quick-turn solutions to maximize aircraft availability.
  • Support procurement and inventory management for critical avionics spares, LRUs and consumables, forecasting demand and ensuring stocking levels align with operational needs.
  • Prepare and present daily/weekly avionics status reports to maintenance leadership, summarizing open discrepancies, parts status, AOG priorities and test/repair backlog to aid decision-making.
  • Ensure compliance with safety management system (SMS) procedures, lock-out/tag-out, hazard reporting and personal protective equipment (PPE) when performing avionics tasks in hangars and on the flight line.
  • Review and revise shop procedures, standard work instructions and technical library entries to reflect best practices, OEM updates and lessons learned from field repairs.
  • Evaluate and support avionics system obsolescence planning, recommend upgrade packages to owners/operators, and participate in cost and schedule estimates for retrofit programs.

Secondary Functions

  • Assist with development of training materials, run hands-on avionics workshops and competency assessments for the maintenance team.
  • Support avionics-related capital projects and continuous improvement initiatives (lean maintenance, workflow optimization) to reduce mean time to repair (MTTR).
  • Participate in internal and external audits (FAA, EASA, OEM) and help prepare evidence packages demonstrating compliance with avionics maintenance procedures.
  • Provide occasional vendor management support including part quotations, lead‑time negotiation and review of supplier technical documentation.
  • Contribute to cross-functional troubleshooting sessions with mechanical, flight controls and powerplant teams when avionics symptoms may be related to other aircraft systems.
  • Aid in the creation and maintenance of technical drawings, harness diagrams and as‑fitted schematics for complex avionics installations.
  • Maintain calibration and certification schedule for avionics test gear and assist in coordinating third-party calibration services.
  • Capture and maintain lessons learned and failure trend data to support reliability improvements and predictive maintenance efforts.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Advanced avionics troubleshooting and fault isolation (FMS, EFIS, TCAS, ADS‑B, SATCOM, weather radar, HF/VHF, transponders)
  • Avionics installation and STC modification implementation on business jets and regional aircraft
  • LRUs bench testing, module-level diagnostics, and unit-level repair coordination
  • Wiring harness fabrication, connector repair, pinning and IPC-standard soldering practices
  • Use of avionics test equipment: digital multimeter, oscilloscope, spectrum analyzer, GPS/TCAS/TCAS test sets, signal generators and avionics bench sets
  • Software/firmware updates and configuration management for avionics suites
  • Interpretation of wiring diagrams, avionics schematics, IPC standards, OEM manuals and AMM/IPC documentation
  • Familiarity with regulatory frameworks and sign-off procedures (FAA/EASA regulations, AD/SB compliance, Part‑145/Part‑43)
  • Proficiency with maintenance tracking and MRO software (CAMP, AMOS, Trax, Aviation InterTec or equivalents)
  • Ground and flight test procedures, data collection and post-flight analysis
  • Component RMA and warranty management processes
  • ESD handling, calibration and test equipment management, and tooling control

Soft Skills

  • Strong verbal and written communication for clear technical documentation and customer-facing interactions
  • Methodical problem solving and root cause analysis with attention to detail
  • Ability to prioritize tasks, manage AOG and emergency situations calmly and efficiently
  • Team leadership, mentoring and training capability
  • Customer service orientation—clear, courteous liaison with flight crews, owners and vendors
  • Adaptability in high-tempo maintenance environments and willingness to support on-call rotations
  • Strong organizational skills and time management for multi-job tracking
  • Commitment to safety culture and regulatory compliance

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or equivalent plus formal avionics or electronics certification (CAA-approved avionics program, FAA avionics school, or equivalent). OR
  • A&P certificate with documented avionics training/experience.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree in Avionics Technology, Aviation Maintenance Technology, Electronics Technology, or related technical field.
  • Additional certifications such as FAA A&P with avionics endorsement, EASA Part‑66 module training, or manufacturer-specific avionics training (Garmin, Honeywell, Collins, Rockwell Collins, Thales).

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Avionics Technology
  • Electrical / Electronics Engineering Technology
  • Aerospace Engineering Technology
  • Aviation Maintenance Technology
  • Instrumentation & Control Electronics

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 3–10+ years of progressive avionics experience; typically 5+ years preferred for business jets and complex avionics suites.

Preferred:

  • Minimum 3–5 years working specifically on turbojet or business jets (Gulfstream, Bombardier, Dassault, Embraer, Cessna Citation or similar).
  • Demonstrated experience with STC installations, avionics upgrades, and conducting flight/ground tests.
  • Prior experience in an FAA Part‑145 or EASA Part‑145 environment, signing maintenance release documents or working under shop authorization.
  • Manufacturer-specific training or course completion on major avionics suites and systems preferred.
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