Avionics Technicians: Career & Application Guide

What do avionics technicians do?

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

This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.

Job titles to recognize in your search

O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.

Aircraft Electrical Systems Specialist
Aircraft Technician (Aircraft Tech)
Aviation Electrical Technician (Aviation Electrical Tech)
Aviation Electronics Technician (Aviation Electronics Tech)
Avionic Technician (Avionic Tech)
Avionics Electrical Technician (AET)
Avionics Electronics Technician (Avionics Electronics Tech)
Avionics Installer

Core tasks to compare with a job posting

Adjust, repair, or replace malfunctioning components or assemblies, using hand tools or soldering irons.
Lay out installation of aircraft assemblies and systems, following documentation such as blueprints, manuals, and wiring diagrams.
Keep records of maintenance and repair work.
Test and troubleshoot instruments, components, and assemblies, using circuit testers, oscilloscopes, or voltmeters.
Connect components to assemblies such as radio systems, instruments, magnetos, inverters, and in-flight refueling systems, using hand tools and soldering irons.
Install electrical and electronic components, assemblies, and systems in aircraft, using hand tools, power tools, or soldering irons.
Coordinate work with that of engineers, technicians, and other aircraft maintenance personnel.
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.
Interpret flight test data to diagnose malfunctions and systemic performance problems.

Prepare an application for this occupation

Check the employer’s requirements, location, schedule and any licenses against your situation.
Choose two or three tasks above that match the posting and your actual experience.
Build a resume evidence worksheet using the skills and software relevant to that employer.
Practice explaining your contribution, decisions and results before an interview.

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