Photo: Josselin Bequet (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Job description
Using oscilloscopes, voltmeters, and circuit testers, technicians track down what's malfunctioning in a radar, radio, or navigation system, then adjust, repair, or replace the faulty components with hand tools or a soldering iron. Beyond troubleshooting, the job includes setting up ground support equipment to run functional flight tests confirming a repaired system actually works, and keeping detailed maintenance records for every job. On new installations, technicians follow blueprints and wiring diagrams to lay out aircraft assemblies and systems from scratch, all under a fair amount of time pressure.
Pros
- Pay can reach over $113k, well above many roles requiring only vocational training
- Much faster than average projected job growth (8.2% over the next decade)
- Precision technical work testing and repairing sophisticated aircraft systems in a climate-controlled setting
Cons
- A relatively small number of positions nationwide, concentrated near aviation employers
- Above-average hours, often exceeding a standard 40-hour work week
- Fast-paced, deadline-driven troubleshooting since aircraft downtime creates real time pressure
A typical day
The squawk on the work order reads 'intermittent nav display flicker' — the kind of gremlin that defines this trade. The tech starts with wiring diagrams and a hot cup of coffee, ring-out tests on the harness, and a wiggle test that finally reproduces the fault at a connector behind the instrument panel, reached by lying inverted under the glareshield. Repair means repinning the connector to spec, every crimp inspected under magnification. The afternoon is an installation: a new ADS-B transponder in a light aircraft — mounting trays, routing coax away from interference sources, updating the weight-and-balance, then ground-testing against the book. Log entries certify it all; in avionics, the paperwork is as load-bearing as the solder.
Tasks at the job
- 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.
- 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.
Workplace & working conditions
Work happens indoors in a climate-controlled setting. Noise levels can be distracting or uncomfortable. The role involves regular exposure to hazardous equipment or conditions and contaminants, and standard protective equipment (gloves, safety glasses, and similar) is expected.
The pace is often fast, with real time pressure to meet deadlines. Precision and accuracy are essential to the work. You'll regularly deal with frustrated or upset people as part of the job.
Education necessary or common
Vocational training, apprenticeship, or associate's degree
Common college majors
Licenses & certifications
- FCC GROL license (industry-valued)
- FAA A&P (broadens employability)
- NCATT/ASTM aircraft electronics technician certification
- IPC soldering certification
Career path
Related fields
Courses to take
- Electronics — the trade's foundation; take everything offered
- Physics — especially electricity and waves
- Algebra II / Precalculus — electrical math
- Computer Science Principles — modern avionics are networked computers
- Aviation courses if your school has them
Clubs, activities & competitions
- Amateur radio club — RF knowledge is avionics-adjacent gold
- SkillsUSA electronics competitions
- Civil Air Patrol
- Robotics team electrical subteam
First steps you can take now
- Get an amateur radio Technician license — a real FCC credential a teenager can earn now
- Learn to solder to a high standard with a practice kit
- Visit an avionics shop at a local airport and ask what they look for in apprentices
- Study basic aircraft electrical systems through free FAA handbook chapters (they're all online)
