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Key Responsibilities and Required Skills for a Radar Technician

💰 $65,000 - $115,000

EngineeringTechnicianAerospace & DefenseElectronicsTelecommunications

🎯 Role Definition

A Radar Technician is the hands-on expert and guardian of our "eyes" on the sea, in the air, and on the ground. This role is pivotal in ensuring the operational readiness, accuracy, and reliability of complex radar systems that are critical for defense, navigation, and weather forecasting. From military surveillance and air traffic control to maritime safety, Radar Technicians are the frontline problem-solvers who diagnose, repair, and maintain the hardware and software that allow us to see the unseen. They are meticulous, technically adept individuals who thrive on solving complex electronic puzzles to keep critical systems online and performing at peak capacity. This is a role for those who are passionate about technology and understand the real-world impact of keeping it functional and precise.

📈 Career Progression

Typical Career Path

Entry Point From:

  • Electronics Technician
  • Avionics Technician
  • Military Electronics Specialist (e.g., Fire Controlman, Electronics Technician, Aviation Electronics Technician)
  • Field Service Technician

Advancement To:

  • Senior Radar Technician / Lead Technician
  • Field Service Engineer
  • Radar Systems Engineer
  • Technical Training Specialist
  • Maintenance Supervisor or Manager

Lateral Moves:

  • RF (Radio Frequency) Systems Specialist
  • Communications Systems Technician
  • Instrumentation and Control Technician
  • Electronic Warfare Systems Specialist

Core Responsibilities

Primary Functions

  • Perform comprehensive installation, integration, and operational checkout of ground-based, airborne, or shipboard radar systems and their associated sub-assemblies.
  • Execute scheduled and unscheduled preventative maintenance routines, including system calibrations, performance checks, and cleaning of waveguides, antennas, and radomes to ensure long-term system reliability.
  • Conduct in-depth fault isolation and diagnostic testing on malfunctioning radar equipment, utilizing advanced test instruments like oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, vector network analyzers, and power meters.
  • Troubleshoot complex electronic and electromechanical failures down to the component level, including issues within transmitters, receivers, signal processors, and antenna control units.
  • Read, interpret, and meticulously follow complex electronic schematics, wiring diagrams, block diagrams, and technical maintenance manuals to guide troubleshooting and repair efforts.
  • Replace and repair faulty components, circuit cards, and modules, performing delicate soldering and micro-miniature repair work as required.
  • Perform software and firmware loading, configuration, and updates on radar processors and control systems, ensuring compatibility and proper functionality.
  • Align, tune, and calibrate high-power transmitters and sensitive receiver systems to meet stringent performance specifications and operational requirements.
  • Analyze radar system performance data, such as target detection range, resolution, and tracking accuracy, identifying and correcting any deviations from the baseline.
  • Meticulously document all maintenance actions, repairs, system modifications, and calibration results in a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS) or official technical logbook.
  • Interface with engineering and logistics teams to provide feedback on system performance, failure trends, and potential design improvements.
  • Operate, configure, and maintain Built-In Test (BIT) equipment and other diagnostic software tools to quickly identify system faults.
  • Provide on-site technical support and training to end-users, explaining system operation, basic maintenance procedures, and operational best practices.
  • Manage and maintain an inventory of spare parts, tools, and test equipment, ensuring all resources are calibrated, in good working order, and readily available.
  • Assemble, test, and install RF cables, connectors, and waveguide assemblies, ensuring proper impedance matching and minimal signal loss.
  • Participate in the planning and execution of system upgrades and technology refresh initiatives, both in the field and at depot-level facilities.
  • Adhere to all safety protocols, especially those related to high-voltage and RF radiation hazards, ensuring a safe working environment for oneself and the team.
  • Prepare detailed technical reports, failure analysis summaries, and trip reports to communicate maintenance activities and system status to management and engineering.
  • Conduct environmental stress screening and vibration testing on repaired units to ensure they can withstand the rigors of their operational environment.
  • Assist systems engineers in conducting formal developmental and operational test and evaluation (DT/OT&E) events for new or modified radar systems.
  • Provide remote technical assistance via phone or email to resolve customer issues when on-site travel is not immediately possible.

Secondary Functions

  • Support ad-hoc data requests and exploratory data analysis related to system performance and failure rates.
  • Contribute to the organization's knowledge base by creating and updating maintenance procedures and troubleshooting guides.
  • Collaborate with engineering and project management teams to translate operational needs into technical requirements for system improvements.
  • Participate in daily stand-ups, sprint planning, and agile ceremonies if working within an integrated product team.

Required Skills & Competencies

Hard Skills (Technical)

  • RF & Microwave Theory: Deep understanding of radio frequency principles, signal propagation, transmission lines, and microwave components.
  • Advanced Test Equipment Operation: Proficiency with Spectrum Analyzers, Network Analyzers, Oscilloscopes, Signal Generators, and Time-Domain Reflectometers (TDRs).
  • Schematic & Diagram Interpretation: The ability to read, analyze, and troubleshoot from complex electronic schematics, block diagrams, and technical drawings.
  • Component-Level Troubleshooting: Proven skill in diagnosing and tracing faults down to the individual component on a printed circuit board (PCB).
  • Soldering & Rework: High-reliability soldering skills, including surface-mount (SMT) and through-hole techniques, often certified to standards like J-STD-001.
  • Digital and Analog Electronics: Strong foundational knowledge of both digital logic (processors, FPGAs) and analog circuitry (power supplies, amplifiers).
  • Computer & Networking Fundamentals: Familiarity with basic IP networking, command-line interfaces (CLI), and system software installation.
  • High-Voltage Safety: Knowledge and practical application of safety procedures for working with high-voltage power supplies and transmitters.
  • RF Radiation (RADHAZ) Safety: Understanding of the hazards of radio frequency radiation and how to work safely around active antenna systems.
  • System Calibration: Experience performing precise calibrations and alignments on complex electronic systems to meet technical specifications.
  • Technical Documentation: Ability to write clear, concise, and accurate maintenance logs, reports, and procedures.

Soft Skills

  • Analytical Problem-Solving: A logical and methodical approach to diagnosing complex, often intermittent, technical issues.
  • Attention to Detail: Extreme precision and thoroughness when performing repairs, calibrations, and documentation.
  • Independent Work Ethic: The ability to manage tasks, prioritize work, and function effectively with minimal supervision, especially in field environments.
  • Clear Communication: Skill in verbally and in writing explaining complex technical issues to both technical and non-technical audiences.
  • Adaptability: The flexibility to work in challenging environments, on various types of equipment, and with changing priorities.
  • Team Collaboration: Ability to work effectively with other technicians, engineers, and project managers to achieve a common goal.
  • Composure Under Pressure: Maintaining a calm and focused demeanor when troubleshooting critical system outages with tight deadlines.

Education & Experience

Educational Background

Minimum Education:

Associate of Science (A.S.) in Electronics Technology, or an equivalent formal military technical training certification (e.g., Navy A/C School, Air Force 3/5/7-level).

Preferred Education:

Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Electrical Engineering Technology (BSET) or a related technical field.

Relevant Fields of Study:

  • Electronics Technology
  • Electrical Engineering Technology
  • Avionics and Aviation Maintenance Technology
  • Telecommunications Technology

Experience Requirements

Typical Experience Range:

3-8 years of direct, hands-on experience performing maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair on complex electronic systems, with at least 2 years specifically focused on radar or RF systems.

Preferred:

  • Experience with specific radar technologies such as Phased Array, Doppler, Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR), or Continuous Wave (CW).
  • Prior experience in a defense, aerospace, maritime, or meteorology-related industry.
  • Possession of an active security clearance (if applying for defense-related roles).
  • Certifications such as Certified Electronics Technician (CET), FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL), or IPC J-STD-001.
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