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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for Jet Electronics Technician

💰 $50,000 - $95,000

AviationAvionicsMaintenanceElectronicsAircraft Technician

🎯 Role Definition

The Jet Electronics Technician (commonly called Avionics Technician) is responsible for inspection, troubleshooting,
repair, calibration, and installation of electronic and avionics systems on jet aircraft. This role requires
expertise in communications, navigation, radar, flight controls, data buses (ARINC 429, MIL-STD-1553), power
systems, and test equipment—working to FAA, DoD and manufacturer technical orders, service bulletins, and
industry standards. The ideal candidate combines hands-on bench and flightline troubleshooting with rigorous
documentation, safety compliance, and continuous improvement to ensure aircraft avionics are mission-ready.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Aircraft Maintenance Technician (A&P) with avionics experience
  • Electronics Technician / Electronic Assembler with aerospace background
  • Military Avionics or Electronic Warfare Technician transitioning to civilian roles

Advancement To:

  • Lead Avionics Technician / Shift Lead
  • Avionics Supervisor / Maintenance Supervisor
  • Avionics Engineering Technician / Systems Integration Engineer
  • Quality Assurance Inspector (Avionics) or Production Test Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • Aircraft Systems Integration Specialist
  • Ground Support Equipment Technician
  • Technical Instructor / Training Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform detailed troubleshooting, fault isolation, and repair of aircraft electronic systems including communication radios, navigation receivers (VOR/ILS/GPS/TACAN), transponders/IFR squawks, and IFF systems using manufacturer's manuals, avionics test sets, and onboard built-in test equipment (BITE).
  • Remove, bench test, repair, and re-install Line Replaceable Units (LRUs) and shop-replaceable assemblies in accordance with technical orders, service bulletins, and maintenance manuals; maintain traceability and repair documentation.
  • Conduct preventive maintenance and scheduled inspections of avionics suites, ensuring system integrity and functionality prior to flight operations; perform pre-flight, post-flight and phase inspections as required.
  • Calibrate, align, and adjust radar, HUD, flight control electronics and sensors to manufacturer tolerances using precision test equipment, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and alignment rigs; verify system performance after calibration.
  • Troubleshoot and repair aircraft power distribution and DC/AC power conversion equipment, including battery systems, transformers, power control units, and high-power wiring harnesses; perform thermal and electrical safety checks.
  • Diagnose and repair data bus and digital communication faults (ARINC 429, MIL-STD-1553, Ethernet, CAN) including wiring faults, connector integrity, and protocol-level message verification with analyzers and protocol testers.
  • Replace and repair RF components and assemblies; perform antenna inspections and system RF checks, measure SWR, and trace signal path problems using network and spectrum analyzers.
  • Perform soldering, desoldering, and component-level repairs on PCBs and harnesses per IPC-610 and IPC-7711/7721 standards; execute micro-soldering for small form-factor avionics components when required.
  • Conduct software and firmware downloads, version control, and configuration management for avionics LRUs and mission computers using secure data loading tools and vendor software.
  • Execute functional ground checks and captive carry / flight test support, collaborating with flight crews and test engineers to validate repairs and ensure systems meet flight safety and mission requirements.
  • Maintain accurate maintenance records, work orders, logbooks, and airworthiness documentation in CMMS and ERP systems; ensure compliance with FAA/DoD/MIL-STD reporting and traceability requirements.
  • Interpret electrical schematics, wiring diagrams, and technical publications to develop repair plans and recommend modifications or preventative actions; create and update job cards and troubleshooting guides.
  • Lead or participate in Fault Isolation and Root Cause Analysis (FRA) for recurring avionics failures, recommending and implementing corrective actions to improve reliability and reduce downtime.
  • Oversee parts requisitioning, inventory control, and management of spares for avionics components; coordinate with supply chain and vendor representatives to expedite LRUs and critical spares.
  • Ensure all repair work meets calibration and certification requirements; coordinate with calibration labs for periodic test equipment calibration and maintain calibration records.
  • Support depot-level repairs and bench rebuild activities including disassembly, cleaning, inspection, replacement of mechanical and electronic subcomponents, and reassembly per OEM standards.
  • Conduct borescope inspections and non-destructive testing (NDT) for inaccessible avionics enclosures and harness runs; record findings and recommend corrective actions.
  • Enforce safety policies and procedures while working on energized systems; use appropriate PPE and adhere to hot work, confined space, and lockout/tagout protocols.
  • Train and mentor junior technicians and apprentices on avionics troubleshooting techniques, best practices, and company-specific procedures; develop technical training materials when required.
  • Interface with design engineers, OEMs, and technical representatives to resolve complex avionics faults, RMAs, warranty claims, and to implement service bulletins and modifications.
  • Perform quality assurance checks on avionics repairs, including first article inspections (FAI), final acceptance testing, and sign-off for release to flight status.
  • Participate in continuous improvement initiatives, reliability programs, and Lean/Six Sigma projects to optimize repair processes, reduce cycle time, and increase avionics uptime.
  • Provide on-call support and rapid response for flightline troubleshooting during AOG (Aircraft on Ground) events, including travel to deployed locations or remote sites as required.

Secondary Functions

  • Prepare and update technical documentation, maintenance procedures, troubleshooting matrices, and job cards to reflect process changes and lessons learned.
  • Support inventory audits, parts obsolescence reviews, and vendor qualification efforts to maintain supply chain readiness and minimize aircraft downtime.
  • Assist engineering and configuration management teams with documentation for STC/PMA projects and minor electrical modifications.
  • Participate in safety stand-downs, hazard assessments, and lessons-learned briefings to promote a culture of safety and continuous learning across the maintenance organization.
  • Provide input to staffing plans and workload forecasting based on avionics reliability trends and upcoming modification programs.
  • Contribute to Kaizen events and process improvement meetings to streamline avionics repair flows and documentation practices.
  • Collaborate with quality assurance to close corrective action requests (CARs) and audit findings in a timely manner.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • Avionics Troubleshooting: Advanced ability to isolate and repair faults across radios, GPS/INS, TACAN, IFF, transponders, and navigation systems.
  • LRUs and Bench Repair: Proficiency removing, benching, repairing, and reinstalling LRUs per OEM/TO procedures.
  • Test Equipment: Skilled with multimeters, oscilloscopes, spectrum/network analyzers, protocol analyzers, insulation resistance testers, and avionics bench test sets (GPIB, JTAG, ATE familiarity a plus).
  • Data Buses & Protocols: Experience with ARINC 429, ARINC 664/AFDX, MIL-STD-1553, CAN, and Ethernet avionics networking.
  • RF & Antenna Systems: Knowledgeable in RF signal flow, antenna inspection, SWR testing, and RF troubleshooting practices.
  • Soldering & PCB Repair: IPC-610 / IPC-7711/7721-level soldering, rework and component-level repair skills.
  • Power Systems & Wiring: Competent with aircraft DC/AC power systems, wiring harness diagnostics, crimping, and connector rework.
  • Software & Firmware Loading: Experience with secure data loading, software updates, and configuration management for avionics systems.
  • Calibration & Alignment: Ability to perform precision calibration and alignment to manufacturer tolerances and maintain calibration records.
  • Regulatory & Documentation: Familiar with FAA/DoD technical orders, MEL/CDL processes, maintenance logs, and CMMS systems (e.g., AMOS, TRAX, IFS).
  • Safety & Compliance: Knowledge of aircraft electrical safety, hazardous materials handling, and lockout/tagout procedures.
  • Mechanical & NDT Inspection: Capable of performing borescope inspections and basic NDT methods applicable to avionics enclosures.
  • Diagnostics & Root Cause Analysis: Skilled in problem-solving methodologies, including RCA and use of troubleshooting guides.
  • Bench/Test Set Operation: Operation and maintenance of industry-standard avionics test sets and ATE fixtures.

Soft Skills

  • Analytical Thinking: Strong problem-solving skills to diagnose complex, multi-system faults.
  • Attention to Detail: Rigor in documentation, calibration, and following procedural steps to ensure airworthiness.
  • Communication: Clear communicator across multidisciplinary teams, including pilots, engineers, and supply chain personnel.
  • Teamwork: Collaborative approach to shift work, cross-functional troubleshooting, and training.
  • Time Management: Prioritizes AOG and mission-critical tasks effectively under pressure.
  • Adaptability: Comfortable with rapid changes in technology, software updates, and field deployment environments.
  • Leadership & Mentoring: Ability to coach junior technicians and lead technical briefings when needed.
  • Customer Focus: Oriented to meet operational requirements and maintain high aircraft availability.
  • Continuous Learning: Commitment to maintaining certifications and learning new avionics platforms and diagnostic tools.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

  • High School Diploma or GED and completion of an FAA-certified avionics or electronics technician program OR equivalent technical trade school training.

Preferred Education:

  • Associate degree or higher in Avionics Technology, Electronics Technology, Electrical Engineering Technology, or related field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Avionics Technology
  • Electronics/Electrical Engineering Technology
  • Aerospace Maintenance Technology
  • Radio Frequency / Communications Engineering

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range: 2–10 years of avionics or aircraft electronics experience, with at least 2 years on jet platforms preferred.

Preferred:

  • 5+ years working specifically on jet or turbofan aircraft avionics systems.
  • Prior military avionics experience or experience with DoD technical orders and operations is highly valued.
  • Certifications such as FAA A&P (Airframe & Powerplant), IPC-610, IPC-7711/7721, FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License, or manufacturer-specific avionics certifications.
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