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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jet Avionics Trainee

💰 $40,000 - $60,000

AviationAvionicsEntry-LevelMaintenance

🎯 Role Definition

The Jet Avionics Trainee is an entry-level technical role responsible for learning, supporting, and executing basic installation, inspection, troubleshooting and repair tasks on avionics systems for business and commercial jets. Working under direct supervision of certified avionics technicians or engineers, the trainee will develop hands-on skills with radios, navigation systems, flight management systems, transponders, flight displays, wiring harnesses, test equipment, and relevant maintenance documentation while adhering to safety and regulatory requirements (FAA/EASA/manufacturer). This role is ideal for candidates with technical schooling, military avionics experience, or vocational training aiming to build a career in aircraft avionics maintenance and certification.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Avionics or Aircraft Maintenance vocational/technical school graduates
  • Military avionics or aircraft electronics personnel transitioning to civilian roles
  • Aircraft Maintenance Technician Apprenticeship or internship programs

Advancement To:

  • Avionics Technician (Certified)
  • Lead/Line Avionics Technician
  • Avionics Bench Technician / Repair Technician
  • Avionics Integration Specialist / Systems Technician
  • Avionics Quality Inspector or Maintenance Planner

Lateral Moves:

  • Aircraft Electrical/Electronics Technician
  • Systems Integration Technician
  • Ground Support Equipment (GSE) Technician

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Assist senior avionics technicians to install, route and secure wiring harnesses, connectors and components for radios, transponders, FMS, EFIS and autopilot systems following manufacturer approved schematics, IPCs and aircraft maintenance manuals.
  • Perform detailed visual inspections and operational checks of avionics line-replaceable units (LRUs) and cockpit instruments, documenting findings in work orders and maintenance logs in accordance with company and regulatory record-keeping procedures.
  • Use multimeters, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers and dedicated avionics test sets to perform bench testing and line troubleshooting on communication, navigation and surveillance equipment and report anomalies with clear diagnostic steps and recommended actions.
  • Execute basic bench repairs and component replacements under supervision, including connector pinning, crimping to IPC standards, soldering small components, heat-shrink application and conformal coating, while maintaining ESD and tool-control discipline.
  • Support software and firmware updates, database loads (e.g., FMS/Nav database updates), and configuration checks for avionics systems, following manufacturer loading procedures and verifying version control.
  • Conduct pre-flight and post-flight avionics functional checks and power-up sequences under guidance, monitoring system BIT/BITE outputs, error messages and flight-data messages to validate system readiness for flight.
  • Assist with the removal, installation and rigging of avionics LRUs during scheduled maintenance and aircraft modifications, ensuring proper mechanical, electrical and data-bus integration and torque/fastener compliance.
  • Execute line troubleshooting procedures for RF and data bus issues, including testing and isolating problems on ARINC 429/717, MIL-STD-1553, ARINC 664 (AFDX) and other digital/serial interfaces with support from senior technicians.
  • Support calibration and verification tasks for cockpit instruments, transponders, altimeters, ADC/ADAHRS and sensors, coordinating with calibration labs and ensuring traceable calibration records are maintained.
  • Read and interpret wiring diagrams, schematics, circuit drawings, connector pinouts and troubleshooting flowcharts to prepare repair plans and parts requisitions for certified technicians to approve and sign off.
  • Follow FAA/EASA regulatory guidance, manufacturer service bulletins (SBs), airworthiness directives (ADs) and company procedures to flag non-compliances and escalate critical safety findings to supervisors for corrective action.
  • Assist in the inspection and repair of weather radar, TCAS/ACAS, GPWS/EGPWS, ELTs, HF/VHF/UHF radios and GPS/WAAS/INS units, verifying functionality against technical performance criteria.
  • Support avionics modifications and retrofit installations by preparing physical installations, cutting, dressing and protecting harnesses, and coordinating with structural and electrical teams to maintain system integration integrity.
  • Complete accurate maintenance entries and defect reports in electronic maintenance systems (e.g., AMOS, TRAX, Ramco), ensuring traceability of actions, parts used, and sign-offs required for certification.
  • Participate in functional ground runs and supervised flight test support activities by setting up test equipment, monitoring avionics parameters and assisting test engineers with data capture and evaluation.
  • Maintain shop organization, tool control, and parts inventory for avionics bays, ensuring consumables, test cables and standard hardware are stocked and equipment calibration labels are current.
  • Learn and adhere to hazardous materials handling, battery, and RF safety procedures, including containment, disposal, and use of personal protective equipment (PPE) when handling avionics components and batteries.
  • Support troubleshooting and corrective maintenance for cockpit displays and EICAS-type systems by correlating fault messages to wiring and LRU status, proposing containment or replacement under mentorship.
  • Assist with canopy/door/window system sensors, flight-data recorder (FDR) and cockpit voice recorder (CVR) basic inspections and upkeep procedures as part of avionics system care.
  • Participate in continuous improvement and root-cause analysis sessions by gathering test data, documenting step-by-step repair actions and recommending procedural updates to reduce repeat discrepancies.
  • Shadow and assist certified technicians during customer-facing maintenance events, learning to communicate status updates, technical findings and estimated return-to-service timelines in a professional manner.
  • Maintain and help organize technical publications, service letters, wiring diagrams and maintenance manuals to ensure the team has up-to-date references and can access the latest OEM troubleshooting guidance.

Secondary Functions

  • Support scheduled maintenance planning by compiling parts lists, requisitioning avionics parts and LRUs, and coordinating with stores and purchasing to expedite repairs and minimize aircraft downtime.
  • Assist in internal audits and quality control checks by preparing documentation packets, participating in tool accountability checks and addressing minor discrepancies under supervision.
  • Contribute to training programs by documenting learned troubleshooting steps, creating job-aids for common repairs and mentoring newer trainees as skills progress.
  • Participate in daily safety briefings, toolbox talks and post-maintenance debriefs to reinforce best practices and identify opportunities to improve maintenance efficiency.
  • Help maintain calibration schedules and test-equipment service records, ensuring avionics testers and bench instruments are within tolerance and tagged for use.
  • Provide input to engineering change processes for avionics retrofits by supplying on-the-floor feedback about installability, harness routing and access issues discovered during hands-on work.
  • Support customer communications by preparing basic status notes and logbook summaries for sign-off by certified technicians, ensuring transparency of maintenance actions.
  • Assist with data entry and management of historical failure records to help trend unreliable items and support reliability improvement projects.
  • Aid in the safe handling and storage of ESD-sensitive components, ensuring anti-static procedures are followed in bench and hangar environments.
  • Participate in cross-functional teams to support rapid troubleshooting events (AOG) by mobilizing with the avionics team to restore aircraft to service quickly and safely.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Avionics troubleshooting and diagnostics of communication, navigation and surveillance systems (VHF/HF radios, transponders, TCAS, ADS‑B, GPS/FMS).
  • Proficient use of test equipment: digital multimeter, oscilloscope, LCR meter, spectrum analyzer and manufacturer avionics test sets.
  • Knowledge of aircraft data buses and protocols (ARINC 429/717, MIL‑STD‑1553, ARINC 664/AFDX) and techniques to isolate bus faults.
  • Wiring harness assembly, connector pinning, crimping to IPC standards and basic IPC/WHMA-A-620 familiarity.
  • Soldering skills to IPC-A-610/J-STD-001 level for basic component and RF connector work (or willingness to certify quickly).
  • Ability to read and interpret aircraft schematics, wiring diagrams, maintenance manuals (AMM/CMM), IPCs and OEM installation instructions.
  • Software/firmware loading and database management for FMS, NAV databases and avionics LRUs using OEM tools.
  • Bench repair and LRU swap procedures, including functional bench testing and use of test benches under supervision.
  • Familiarity with regulatory requirements and maintenance record-keeping (FAA/EASA basics, ADs, SBs, MEL/ATA chapter references).
  • Experience or familiarity with maintenance tracking and logbook systems (e.g., AMOS, TRAX, Ramco, CAMP, Skybook).
  • Basic RF fundamentals and antenna system checks for VHF/HF/GPS and transponder systems.
  • Knowledge of ESD handling, calibration practices and tool control procedures in an avionics environment.

Soft Skills

  • Strong attention to detail and disciplined approach to safety and regulatory compliance.
  • Clear verbal and written communication skills for documenting findings and interacting with engineers, technicians and customers.
  • Problem-solving mindset with the ability to escalate effectively when root cause is outside trainee scope.
  • Team player attitude; willing to learn, accept mentoring and contribute to a positive workshop culture.
  • Time management and organization skills to balance training, assigned tasks and documentation requirements.
  • Adaptability and resilience in a fast-paced line maintenance and hangar environment.
  • Customer service orientation when supporting AOG or in-service troubleshooting events.
  • Continuous learning focus with willingness to pursue certifications and technical courses.
  • Accountability and strong work ethic to follow through on assigned repair tasks and follow-ups.
  • Professional demeanor when working in client-facing situations or aircraft-owner environments.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High school diploma or GED with completed coursework in electronics, avionics or aircraft maintenance fundamentals.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree or diploma in Avionics, Aircraft Maintenance Technology or Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology.
  • FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certificate or EASA Part-66 (Module/Category training) as preferred qualifications for advancement.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Avionics Technology
  • Aircraft Maintenance / Airframe & Powerplant
  • Electrical/Electronic Engineering Technology
  • Aerospace Engineering Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 0–2 years (entry-level/trainee), internships, co-op placements or military avionics experience accepted.

Preferred: 1–3 years of hands-on avionics exposure through vocational programs, military service, apprenticeships, or previous roles assisting certified technicians; basic bench testing and familiarity with avionics tools and documentation preferred.

Certifications and training such as IPC soldering/crimping, basic avionics troubleshooting courses, OEM avionics familiarization, and HAZMAT/OSHA safety trainings are strong assets and will accelerate progression from trainee to certified avionics technician.

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