Avionics Technician Sample Job Descriptions

What Does an Avionics Technician Do?

An avionics technician is responsible for maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing the complex electronic systems that control modern aircraft. These systems include navigation, communication, radar, autopilot, flight control, and onboard entertainment or monitoring systems. Avionics technicians work with both analog and digital components and are critical to ensuring the operational safety and regulatory compliance of aircraft electronics.

Working under strict FAA and manufacturer guidelines, avionics technicians use diagnostic tools to test instruments, install new components, update firmware or software, and perform calibration of systems. They operate in hangars, on the flight line, or in dedicated avionics shops, supporting both fixed-wing and rotary aircraft in commercial, private, or military aviation sectors.

Looking to Hire an Avionics Technician?

Speak with one of our recruiting experts today.

Avionics Technician Core Responsibilities

  • Install, inspect, troubleshoot, and repair aircraft avionics systems
  • Test components such as radios, altimeters, GPS systems, and flight data recorders
  • Read and interpret blueprints, schematics, and technical manuals
  • Calibrate instruments and perform functional tests on electronic systems
  • Replace or upgrade outdated wiring, connectors, or components
  • Maintain detailed records of repairs, inspections, and part replacements
  • Ensure compliance with FAA regulations and safety standards
  • Collaborate with aircraft maintenance teams and pilots on electronic issues

Required Skills and Qualifications

Hard skills

  • Proficiency in reading wiring diagrams and avionics schematics
  • Skilled in using multimeters, oscilloscopes, signal generators, and test benches
  • Familiarity with communication, navigation, radar, and flight control systems
  • Experience with soldering, crimping, and electronic component replacement
  • Knowledge of FAA regulations and aviation maintenance procedures

Soft skills

  • High attention to detail and adherence to safety protocols
  • Analytical problem-solving and diagnostic thinking
  • Ability to work under pressure and within tight deadlines
  • Clear communication with maintenance teams and pilots

Educational requirements

  • Associate degree or technical diploma in avionics, electronics, or aviation maintenance

Certifications

  • FAA repairman certificate (avionics) or A&P license preferred
  • FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) may be required for communication/radar systems

Preferred Qualifications

  • 2+ years of experience working with aircraft electronic systems
  • Background in commercial, business, or military aviation
  • Experience with digital flight control systems (FBW) or integrated avionics suites (e.g., Garmin, Rockwell Collins)
  • Familiarity with aircraft maintenance systems like CAMP or AMOS
  • OEM training or certification (e.g., Airbus, Boeing, Honeywell)

National Average Salary

Avionics technician salaries vary by experience, industry, organization size, and geography. Click below to explore salaries by local market.

The average national salary for an Avionics Technician is:

$68,755

Sample Job Description Templates for Avionics Technicians

Entry-Level Avionics Technician

Position Overview

An entry-level avionics technician assists in maintaining and installing electronic systems on aircraft. This position is designed for individuals new to the field, often working under certified technicians while developing skills in troubleshooting, inspections, and avionics documentation.

Entry-Level Avionics Technician Responsibilities

  • Assist with inspections and basic maintenance of avionics systems
  • Help install wiring harnesses, connectors, and circuit components
  • Conduct visual checks and simple continuity tests
  • Read and interpret wiring diagrams and equipment manuals
  • Maintain work logs and follow safety and compliance protocols

Requirements

Hard skills

  • Basic understanding of aviation electronics and electrical systems
  • Familiarity with hand tools, soldering, and testing equipment

Soft skills

  • Willingness to learn in a high-regulation environment
  • Strong attention to detail and task completion
  • Good communication with senior technicians

Educational requirements

  • Associate degree or technical certificate in avionics, electronics, or related field

Certifications

  • None required; FAA repairman certificate or GROL in progress is a plus

Preferred Qualifications

  • Internship or training program experience in avionics
  • Exposure to digital avionics or cockpit systems
  • Familiarity with aircraft maintenance environments

Certified Avionics Technician

Position Overview

A certified avionics technician performs diagnostics, repairs, and installations of aircraft electronic systems while ensuring FAA and OEM compliance. This technician works independently and may sign off on regulatory documentation.

Certified Avionics Technician Responsibilities

  • Troubleshoot, repair, and calibrate communication, navigation, and monitoring systems
  • Install and upgrade avionics components and wiring in accordance with manuals and FAA guidelines
  • Perform continuity, resistance, and functionality tests using advanced diagnostic tools
  • Complete accurate maintenance and inspection records
  • Coordinate with pilots and engineers regarding avionics performance issues

Requirements

Hard skills

  • Proficiency in reading schematics and using test equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, borescopes)
  • Experience with integrated avionics platforms (e.g., Garmin, Collins, Honeywell)

Soft skills

  • Strong organizational and time management abilities
  • Accountability in documentation and compliance

Educational requirements

  • Associate degree or military equivalent in avionics or electronics

Certifications

  • FAA repairman certificate or A&P license with avionics specialization
  • FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) required

Preferred Qualifications

  • 2+ years of experience in avionics maintenance or upgrades
  • Familiarity with maintenance tracking systems (e.g., CAMP, AMOS)
  • Experience with turbine-powered aircraft or business jets

Senior/Lead Avionics Technician

Position Overview

A senior or lead avionics technician supervises avionics maintenance operations, mentors junior staff, and ensures regulatory compliance across projects. They take a leadership role in diagnosing complex issues and overseeing system upgrades.

Senior/Lead Avionics Technician Responsibilities

  • Lead diagnostics, repairs, and upgrades of aircraft avionics systems
  • Train and supervise junior technicians on best practices and procedures
  • Ensure compliance with FAA, manufacturer, and internal documentation standards
  • Coordinate system integration and troubleshooting across departments
  • Approve repair records and assist in inspections or audits

Requirements

Hard skills

  • Advanced troubleshooting and systems integration knowledge
  • Expertise in digital/analog systems, software uploads, and configuration tools

Soft skills

  • Leadership and team coordination skills
  • Strong written and verbal communication

Educational requirements

  • Associate’s degree in avionics, electronics, or aviation maintenance

Certifications

  • FAA repairman certificate or A&P with avionics endorsement required
  • FCC GROL required

Preferred Qualifications

  • 5+ years of experience in avionics troubleshooting and maintenance
  • Experience with FAR Part 135 or Part 145 operations
  • OEM certification in avionics systems

Contract Avionics Technician

Position Overview

A contract avionics technician delivers short-term or project-based avionics support for aircraft inspections, installations, or retrofits. These technicians are highly adaptable and expected to integrate quickly into maintenance operations.

Contract Avionics Technician Responsibilities

  • Complete avionics inspections and installations per assigned projects
  • Diagnose and resolve system faults using OEM and diagnostic software
  • Ensure proper documentation and compliance with FAA standards
  • Support hangar, ramp, or line maintenance operations
  • Travel between sites as needed for scheduled or AOG assignments

Requirements

Hard skills

  • Skilled in testing and troubleshooting avionics wiring, connectors, and modules
  • Able to interpret MRO documents and work orders independently

Soft skills

  • Flexible and efficient under tight deadlines
  • Comfortable with frequent task changes and high-pressure environments

Educational requirements

  • Associate degree or equivalent training in avionics/electronics

Certifications

  • FAA A&P or repairman certificate preferred
  • FCC GROL preferred

Preferred Qualifications

  • 3+ years in commercial, business, or military aviation avionics
  • Experience with avionics STC installs and software configurations
  • Ability to travel or work flexible shifts

Avionics Installation Technician

Position Overview

An avionics installation technician specializes in wiring, mounting, and configuring new avionics systems in aircraft. This role is crucial in upgrades, retrofits, and new aircraft outfitting.

Avionics Installation Technician Responsibilities

  • Install avionics equipment such as GPS, radios, transponders, and autopilot systems
  • Fabricate wiring harnesses and route cables through aircraft structures
  • Perform continuity and system function checks after installation
  • Ensure installations meet FAA and manufacturer standards
  • Document completed installs and perform return-to-service procedures if authorized

Requirements

Hard skills

  • Experience with avionics wiring, connector crimping, and bonding techniques
  • Skilled in using tools like multimeters, wiring testers, and torque drivers

Soft skills

  • High attention to installation detail and alignment
  • Ability to follow detailed diagrams and installation manuals

Educational requirements

  • Technical diploma or associate degree in avionics or electronics

Certifications

  • FAA repairman certificate preferred
  • FCC GROL may be required for certain installs

Preferred Qualifications

  • 2+ years of experience in avionics installation or retrofits
  • Familiarity with STCs and aircraft modification documentation
  • OEM training or past work with fleet upgrade programs

Need Help Hiring an Avionics Technician?

We match top professionals with great employers across the country. From filling urgent job openings to developing long-term hiring strategies, our team is here to help. Review our staffing solutions, browse our award-winning Staffing Corner blog, or call today. We look forward to connecting with you soon.