AVIONICS TECHNICIAN JOB DESCRIPTION

Missed calibration cycles and undocumented corrective actions don't just create paperwork gaps - they ground aircraft and trigger airworthiness findings. The Avionics Technician exists to prevent exactly that. Operating within FAA- and EASA-regulated MRO environments, this role owns the full diagnostic and repair loop: from interpreting wiring schematics and technical orders to executing bench-level component repair and returning systems to serviceability. Depot and flight-line work both fall within scope. No two fault isolations are identical.

Avionics Technicians in Aviation / Aerospace MRO are accountable for maintaining, troubleshooting, and restoring aircraft electrical and avionics systems - spanning communication, navigation, autopilot, and instrument subsystems - to manufacturer and regulatory standards. You will work under a Maintenance Manager or Site Supervisor, operating across scheduled and unscheduled maintenance cycles with direct responsibility for log entries, inspection records, and airworthiness compliance.

Career Impact: Hands-on depot-level repair experience across HF, VHF, UHF, and navigation systems builds the documented credential history that supports FCC General and FAA Repairman Certificate advancement.

Business Impact: Every fault isolation and corrective action you complete determines whether an aircraft is returned to service on schedule - directly affecting fleet availability for operators and government customers alike.

Growth Opportunity: Exposure to classified communications installations, DoD technical orders, and multi-platform avionics positions you for senior technician and quality assurance inspector roles within MRO and defense contract environments.

• Troubleshoot aircraft electrical and avionics systems, including communication, navigation, autopilot, and instrument subsystems, to component-level fault isolation.
• Repair and replace electronic components using through-hole and surface-mount techniques, soldering equipment, and precision bench test setups.
• Interpret manufacturer schematics, wiring diagrams, block diagrams, and technical orders to determine feasibility and method of repair.
• Install and modify wire harnesses, classified communications equipment, and avionics units in accordance with FAA regulations and applicable technical directives.
• Document all inspection findings, corrective actions, and work performed accurately in aircraft logbooks and maintenance records.
• Validate component and system serviceability using electronic test equipment, including oscilloscopes, signal generators, and automated test systems.
• Conduct quality assurance inspections on avionics equipment and ensure test equipment and special tools remain calibrated on schedule.
• Support FOD control and tool accountability programs by maintaining clean, organized work areas throughout all maintenance activities.

• Bachelor's degree in Aircraft Engineering, Aeronautical Engineering Technology, or equivalent work experience.
• 2 or more years of full-time avionics maintenance experience on fixed-wing or rotary-wing aircraft platforms.
• Demonstrated knowledge of electronic principles including digital logic, microprocessors, circuit theory, signal behavior, and RF systems.
• Proficiency reading and interpreting wiring diagrams, schematics, block diagrams, and manufacturer component maintenance manuals.
• Ability to operate standard avionics test equipment including oscilloscopes, multimeters, digital voltmeters, and signal generators.
• Familiarity with FAA, EASA, or DoD regulatory requirements governing aircraft maintenance, repair, and documentation standards.
• Ability to lift items weighing up to 40 pounds unassisted, and to climb, bend, stoop, and stand for extended periods on aircraft maintenance surfaces.
• Valid work authorization in the United States; ability to obtain government security clearance if required by contract.

• FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License with Radar endorsement, or FAA Airframe and Powerplant certificate currently held.
• Experience in an EASA Part 145-approved maintenance organization with working knowledge of AS9100 or AS9110 quality system requirements.
• Previous FAA Form 8060-1 Repairman Certification or demonstrated eligibility to obtain one within 90 days of assignment.
• Exposure to classified or government-furnished communications equipment installations under DoD or CBP contractual programs.

• Component serviceability rate, measuring the percentage of bench-repaired units returned to service without re-work.
• Calibration compliance rate for avionics test equipment and special tools, tracked against the scheduled calibration cycle.
• Maintenance record accuracy rate, reflecting timely and error-free completion of logbook entries and corrective action documentation.
• Mean turnaround time per avionics repair order, from fault isolation to return-to-service sign-off.
• FOD incident count per quarter, reflecting adherence to tool control and work area standards.
• Typical tools: electronic test equipment (commonly oscilloscopes, RF signal generators, ATE systems); wiring and repair (commonly soldering stations, multimeters, digital voltmeters).

• Base Salary Range: $55,000 to $85,000 annually, depending on platform experience and clearance level
• Bonus: Performance or retention bonuses common in defense MRO contracts; typically 3% to 6%
• Equity: Rarely offered at technician level; stock purchase plans available at larger aerospace contractors
• Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision coverage; employer contribution varies by contractor size
• PTO: 10 to 15 days annually; additional sick leave and federal holidays standard on government contracts
• Common Perks: Tool allowances, shift differentials for non-standard hours, tuition assistance for A&P or FCC licensure

Figures are estimates based on general US market benchmarks and may be outdated. Adjust based on location, company size, and seniority level.

Work authorization in the United States is required; employment on certain contracts may be contingent upon the ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected under applicable federal, state, and local law. Reasonable accommodations are available to individuals with disabilities throughout the hiring process upon request. A background check, and where applicable a pre-employment drug screening, is a condition of employment.

The Avionics Technician delivers bench-level and flight line maintenance on aircraft avionics communication, navigation, and audio components down to the component level, supporting depot maintenance operations. Working alongside continuous improvement teams and reporting within the MRO structure, the role directly enables airworthiness and regulatory compliance across HF, VHF, and UHF systems.

Key Responsibilities

• Read and interpret maintenance manuals, wiring diagrams, schematics, or other technical data to determine feasibility and method of repair.
• Install, repair, align, maintain, service, and tune radio, radar, and microwave electronic communication systems, including HF, VHF, and UHF equipment.
• Locate and isolate defects in electronic equipment, then repair or replace defective parts and install electronic units.
• Perform tests and checks using special tools, circuit testers, and meters to confirm component and system serviceability.
• Document all inspection findings, corrective actions, and work performed in the appropriate maintenance records.
• Maintain work areas and tools in a clean and organized manner, practicing proper tool and FOD control.
• Monitor and support continuous improvement activities using Lean tools to identify and eliminate waste, improve quality, and reduce cost.

Required Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required, with further technical education preferred.
• Repairman Certificate and FCC license preferred.
• 2+ years of experience performing avionics installations on Boeing, Airbus, or Leonardo helicopters.
• Knowledge of electronic component-level theory and ability to identify symbols on schematics and wiring diagrams.
• Proficiency with multimeters, oscilloscopes, RF signal generators, soldering equipment, and precision measuring tools.
• Ability to work independently or as part of a team.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a deadline-driven environment.
• English proficiency in reading, writing, and speaking.

Embedded within a regulated Part 145 maintenance organisation, the Avionics Technician owns fault-finding, repair, and testing of aircraft avionics using specialised and general-purpose test equipment in compliance with manufacturer component maintenance manuals and regulatory approvals. Working closely with cross-functional teams and outside agencies, this position upholds ISO and AS quality management standards to ensure sustained airworthiness and operational safety.

Core Functions

• Perform precise mechanical work and electronics repair, including through-hole and surface-mounted components.
• Complete fault-finding, repair, and testing using specialised and general-purpose test equipment.
• Carry out work in accordance with the manufacturer's component maintenance manual and regulatory approvals.
• Complete accurate and legible repair records and file them on time.
• Conduct independent inspections on other technicians' repairs based on competency level.
• Adhere to Health and Safety requirements and ensure compliance with regulatory body standards at all times.
• Remain flexible to support the team outside normal tasks during periods of reduced staffing.

Qualifications & Experience

• Degree or diploma in Aircraft Engineering or Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology required.
• Security clearance required due to the nature of the business, along with a full driving licence.
• Experience working in an EASA Part 145 maintenance organisation with working knowledge of its regulations.
• ISO9001:2015, AS9100, or AS9110 experience, including internal and external auditing.
• Comprehensive knowledge of quality, health and safety, and environmental management principles.
• Strong analytical, administrative, and organisational skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in cross-functional teams and build relationships with outside agencies.

Reporting to maintenance leadership, the Avionics Technician shapes on-equipment maintenance across aircraft electrical, integrated avionics, navigation, automatic flight controls, and secure communications systems, including HF, VHF, UHF, TACAN, and ADF. Partnering with operations and engineering teams while holding a Secret Clearance, the role sustains mission-ready avionics capability for military aircraft platforms.

Primary Duties

• Troubleshoot, repair, service, modify, test, inspect, and perform on-equipment maintenance on aircraft electrical and integrated avionics systems.
• Maintain aircraft electrical systems, instruments, automatic flight controls, navigation, weather radar, fire protection, and GPWS.
• Maintain HF, VHF, and UHF radios, transponders, radar systems, and secure voice auxiliary components.
• Maintain ESKE, TACAN, ADF, autopilot, and stability augmentation systems.
• Work from manufacturer specifications, schematics, block diagrams, and technical orders to analyse circuit operation and system components.

Skills & Qualifications

• Must be a US citizen, able to obtain and maintain a Secret Clearance, and able to pass random drug testing.
• Knowledge of electronic principles including digital logic, microprocessors, circuit elements, signal behaviour, microwave, and antennas.
• Skill in troubleshooting and repairing complex electronic systems using circuit theory.
• Proficiency with ATE systems, oscilloscopes, signal generators, voltmeters, frequency generators, soldering irons, and micro soldering units.
• Physically able to climb, bend, stoop, crawl, stand for extended periods, and lift to 40 pounds unassisted.
• Normal colour vision for runway operational colours (red, green, and white) required.
• Available for shift work and occasional emergency overtime as required.

Sitting at the intersection of military aviation and FAA regulatory compliance, the Avionics Technician leads scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on aircraft electrical, avionics, instrument, and navigation systems, including classified communications equipment installation per applicable Technical Directives. Operating across supply coordination, quality assurance, and customer communications functions, the role ensures continuous airworthiness and logbook integrity for government and general aviation platforms.

Duties

• Perform scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on aircraft electrical, electronics, avionics, instrument, and navigation systems.
• Troubleshoot avionics systems, conduct fault isolation, and repair or replace faulty components and wire harnesses.
• Install and modify Government-furnished Classified Communications Equipment per applicable Technical Directives and FAA regulations.
• Produce and modify wiring diagrams in accordance with applicable technical data and FAA regulations.
• Perform corrosion control inspections and quality assurance checks on avionics equipment, ensuring test tools are calibrated on schedule.
• Coordinate with supply personnel to maintain adequate inventory of electronic and electrical components.
• Maintain aircraft logbooks, status reports, and administrative data, and communicate discrepancies professionally with customers.

Requirements

• 5+ years of full-time experience as an Avionics Technician required.
• FCC General license with Radar endorsement preferred, FAA Airframe and Powerplant certificate preferred, and FAA Form 8060-1 Repairman Certification may be required within 90 days.
• Thorough knowledge of military and general aviation electrical and electronic systems, pitot-static systems, and avionics subsystems including ADF, VHF, HF, UHF, ILS, and autopilot.
• Ability to read, interpret, and apply detailed technical publications, government, DoD, and FAA technical data to maintain airworthiness standards.
• Strong analytical ability to manage complex technical and administrative details independently or as part of a team.
• English proficiency in reading, writing, speaking, and understanding.
• Must be able to obtain a passport, visa, and government security clearances (DHS and DOD).
• Willingness to travel or relocate as required.