Avionics Technicians

What the job really is

Install, inspect, test, adjust, or repair avionics equipment, such as radar, radio, navigation, and missile control systems in aircraft or space vehicles.

At a glance

• Sector: Installation, Maintenance & Repair
• O*NET-SOC code: 49-2091
• O*NET job zone: 3 — medium preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Test and troubleshoot instruments, components, and assemblies, using circuit testers, oscilloscopes, or voltmeters.
• Keep records of maintenance and repair work.
• Adjust, repair, or replace malfunctioning components or assemblies, using hand tools or soldering irons.
• Install electrical and electronic components, assemblies, and systems in aircraft, using hand tools, power tools, or soldering irons.
• Set up and operate ground support and test equipment to perform functional flight tests of electrical and electronic systems.
• Assemble components such as switches, electrical controls, and junction boxes, using hand tools or soldering irons.
• Lay out installation of aircraft assemblies and systems, following documentation such as blueprints, manuals, and wiring diagrams.
• Connect components to assemblies such as radio systems, instruments, magnetos, inverters, and in-flight refueling systems, using hand tools and soldering irons.
• Interpret flight test data to diagnose malfunctions and systemic performance problems.
• Coordinate work with that of engineers, technicians, and other aircraft maintenance personnel.
• Fabricate parts and test aids as required.
• Assemble prototypes or models of circuits, instruments, and systems for use in testing.

Tools and technology

Autodesk AutoCAD, C++, Linux, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Word, Oracle Java, SAP software, UNIX, Workday software

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
• Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
• Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
• Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers
• Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
• Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
• Robotics Technicians

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 3 (medium preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Avionics Technicians — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.