An aircraft electrician installs and repairs electrical wiring in an aircraft, including cutting and stripping wire and insulating electrical connections. They also service the electrical components. In addition, aircraft electricians run tests on equipment to locate issues and install needed replacement parts. This can include reassembling circuit boards, motor components, or other parts of a system.
Aircraft electrician candidates should know about computer hardware and software, as well as other electrical components such as circuit boards and processors. They should enjoy working with their hands, have experience using electronic testing equipment, and reading wiring diagrams and schematics. An aircraft electrician needs to be a critical thinker and analytical problem solver, as well as an organized person, to maintain equipment and service records.
Sample job description #1
The Aircraft Electrician will be responsible for troubleshooting, fabrication, installation and maintenance of carrier aircraft electrical systems and components. As ABC Company expands our program base this person may be tasked to other, new projects and in the development vehicles requiring the skills, knowledge and abilities utilized on this current project.
Essential responsibilities
- Ability to perform a variety of electrical trade functions such as the installation, fault isolation, maintenance, and repair of wiring and/or connectors, equipment for: generation, distribution, or utilization of aircraft systems electrical power
- Perform final functional and operational testing of the electrical systems
- Interpret technical data such as blueprints, wiring diagrams, and specifications to install and troubleshoot wiring installations.
- Complete all required installation records in an accurate and timely manner
- Other duties as determined/assigned by management
- Able to work in confined spaces or heights greater than 25 feet as required
Qualifications
- 3+ years of experience in aircraft electrical systems troubleshooting, fabrication, installation, and maintenance
- A strong understanding of the importance of FOD control and tool control
- Detail oriented
- Personnel safety mentality – not just work safely, but promote a culture of safety
- Honesty, responsibility, accuracy, integrity, and fulfillment of commitments
- Ability to problem solve and adapt quickly to changing priorities
- Ability to work independently, responsibly, and take the initiative
Education and experience
- 3+ years of experience in aircraft systems fabrication installation and maintenance preferred
Sample job description #2
This role is for a hands-on person with great attention to detail, top focus on quality, and excellent people skills.
Essential functions
- Electrical assembly and wire harness installation
- Checks, tests, and troubleshoots electrical systems for conformance to specifications and performs repair, removal, and reinstallation of wiring as necessary
- Cuts wire to length, strips insulation from wire ends, and insulates connections with plastic sleeves
- Attaches wire or complicated electrical systems to fixtures and accessories such as: transformers, instrument panels, and switchboards with fasteners (bolts, screws, or solder)
- May monitor and verify quality in accordance with statistical process or other control procedures
- Able to obtain half & full face respirator certification
- Daily usage of manufacturing shop controls and systems
- Use of appropriate PPE when working on the shop floor
- Recommend and implement continuous improvement activities in production methods, equipment performance, and team effectiveness
Basic qualifications
- Minimum 2 years of electrical experience in an aerospace, automotive, military, manufacturing, and/or maintenance environment
- Must be able to perform moderate strenuous physical and repetitious work to include: bending, stooping, kneeling, lifting up to 25 pounds, and working overhead
- Must be able to access small confined spaces and work in an enclosed environment
- The ability to pass Special Medical/Respiratory Exam
- Ability to obtain a DOD Secret Clearance and maintain program access
Sample job description #3
Work involves most of the following: installing or repairing any of a variety of electrical equipment such as generators, transformers, switchboards, controllers, circuit breakers, motors, heating units, conduit systems, or other transmission equipment; working from blueprints, drawings, layouts, or other specifications, locating and diagnosing trouble in the electrical system or equipment, working standard computations relating to load requirements of wiring or electrical equipment, and using a variety of electrician’s hand tools and measuring and testing instruments. In general, the work of the maintenance electrician requires rounded training and experience usually acquired through a formal apprenticeship or equivalent training and experience.
Task requirements
- Install and adjust equipment replacement parts to ensure optimal performance
- Set up and operate ground support and test equipment to perform functional flight tests of electrical and electronic systems
- Lay out installation of aircraft assemblies and systems, following documentation such as blueprints, manuals, and wiring diagrams
- Interpret and analyze flight test and performance data to diagnose malfunctions and systemic performance problems
- Coordinate work with engineers, technicians, and other aircraft maintenance personnel
- Maintain and inspect a wide array of equipment including: Electrical and Electronic Components, Batteries, Inertial Navigation Units and Test Sets, Electronic Module Test Consoles and Aircraft Instruments, Night Vision Goggles, Generators and Generator Power Distribution Equipment
- Proficient in troubleshooting procedures and display critical thinking processes and deductive reasoning
- Able to demonstrate proficiency in schematic interpretation and electronics test equipment
- Present a courteous and professional demeanor when dealing with customers and co-workers
- Comply with Foreign Object Damage (FOD), Hazardous Waste Program, and positive, 100% accountability Tool Control Programs
- Comply with all established general and industrial safety rules and regulations as applicable to the contract, facility, and job assignment
- Perform other duties as assigned
Preferred qualifications
- Previous aircraft electrical experience with US Navy P-3 aircraft is preferred
- Completion of U.S. aircraft electrician course
- Familiarity with the Naval Aviation Maintenance Program (NAMP) or equivalent
Basic qualifications
- High School diploma or equivalent and 6 years additional education and/or related experience
- Minimum of 2 years of documented aviation electrician experience required. Previous aircraft electrical experience with US Navy, and/or FAA aircraft is preferred. OR Satisfactory completion of U.S. Navy Aviation Electrician course
- Excellent time management skills and ability to multitask and prioritize work
- Ability to work any assigned shift and detachment duties as required
- Knowledge of and ability to administer a 100% tool accountability and control program
- Attention to detail and problem solving skills
- Ability to handle sensitive information in a classified manner
- Ability to work a flexible work schedule that may include extended shifts, holidays, and weekends, and support on call status for 24 hours-a-day, 7 days-a-week, 365 days a year
- A current U.S. passport, accept period time away from primary work location and comply with mobility requirements
- Ability to obtain CBP Secret clearance
Average salary and compensation
The average salary for an aircraft electrician is $72,500 in the United States. Position salary will vary based on experience, education, company size, industry, and market.
| Location | Salary Low | Salary High |
|---|---|---|
| Phoenix, Arizona | $72,100 | $97,550 |
| Los Angeles, California | $81,350 | $110,050 |
| Denver, Colorado | $67,800 | $91,700 |
| Washington, DC | $82,600 | $111,700 |
| Miami, Florida | $67,500 | $91,300 |
| Orlando, Florida | $62,250 | $84,200 |
| Tampa, Florida | $62,850 | $85,050 |
| Atlanta, Georgia | $65,950 | $89,200 |
| Chicago, Illinois | $75,800 | $102,550 |
| Boston, Massachusetts | $81,950 | $110,900 |
| Minneapolis-St. Paul, Minnesota | $65,300 | $88,400 |
| New York City, New York | $86,300 | $116,750 |
| Philadelphia, Pennsylvania | $70,250 | $95,050 |
| Dallas, Texas | $68,400 | $92,550 |
| Houston, Texas | $67,800 | $91,700 |
| Seattle, Washington | $78,900 | $106,700 |
| National Average | $61,650 | $83,350 |
Sample interview questions
- What motivates you at work?
- What qualities does an excellent aircraft electrician have?
- Where do you see your career heading in the next five years?
- Tell me about a time you had to work under difficult circumstances (such as bad weather, on a high scaffold, etc.). How did it go for you?
- What kinds of aircrafts have you worked on in the past?
- What do you like about working as an aircraft electrician?
- What do you dislike about working as an aircraft electrician?
- Can you tell me a time you removed defective equipment using hand tools and manual equipment?
- What part of maintenance training did you excel in?
- Tell me about a time where your actions didn’t line up with your core values.
- What is your ideal workspace environment?
- Are you able to work as part of a team?
- Can you describe how you read and interpret the manuals, service bulletins, and other documentation to determine the best method of repairing or replacing malfunctioning or damaged components?
- Tell me about a time you made a mistake. How did you handle it?
- Can you tell me how you know an aircraft is ready to fly based on FFA standards?
- Describe a time you received criticism from your supervisor. How did you respond to it?
- Can you explain ways to best maintain, repair, and rebuild aircraft structures, functional components, and parts, such as wings and fuselage, rigging, gaskets, and seals?
