ET – Electronics Technician

Mission success often depends on acting before an opponent can respond.

Electronics Technicians (ETs) operate and maintain radar and other shipboard electronic systems that help the watch team detect, track, and report contacts. ETs also troubleshoot faults and keep critical gear online during long operations.

ETs may support electronic warfare tasks when assigned. That work can include setting up and operating electronic countermeasures that jam, confuse, or degrade some enemy sensors. These actions can reduce accurate tracking and complicate targeting. The systems do not make a ship invisible, but they can help protect the ship when used correctly.

This job requires technical skill and steady attention to detail. The crew relies on ETs to keep sensors and electronic systems working when the pace increases.

Electronics Technicians (ET) are Navy enlisted Sailors who perform, oversee, and coordinate the maintenance, calibration, configuration, and alignment of cryptographic, radar, navigation, and Command, Control, Computer, Communication, and Intelligence (C4I) systems aboard Navy vessels. This work includes using test equipment and technical drawings.

Navy Electronics Technicians keep shipboard systems running on ships and landing craft, at sea and in port. ETs support day-to-day operations and help keep equipment ready for real-world tasking. Some assignments also support humanitarian missions and disaster response when the Navy responds to emergencies.

• Around 9,000 Sailors. ET is one of the Navy’s key technical ratings.
• Six-year commitment. Many ETs enter through the Advanced Electronics and Computer Field (AECF) pipeline, which includes longer training.
• Selective entry. The AECF program screens for strong academic performance and high reliability because the work involves advanced systems.

ETs keep critical electronics working. That readiness supports the fleet in routine operations, crisis response, and combat.

Electronics Technicians keep Navy systems running. Radar. Comms. Navigation. Countermeasures. They work with computer, aerospace, and electrical engineering to stay mission-ready.

What they do:

• Spot enemy ships and aircraft. Track them. Measure distance.
• Fix, calibrate, and maintain radar, tracking, and countermeasure systems.
• Keep electronic equipment running. Radar. Comms. Navigation.
• Work with hand tools and power tools. Whatever gets the job done.

They make sure the ship sees the enemy before the enemy sees them.

Handles communications equipment on ships, shore stations, and portable systems.

• Troubleshoots, repairs, and aligns communications gear.
• Manages maintenance records and updates reports.
• Supervises personnel for inventory and testing.

Works with computer-based electronics and network systems.

• Analyzes equipment operation and configures networks.
• Troubleshoots and repairs electronic systems.
• Restores operability of assigned computer-based equipment.
• Manages test equipment calibration and updates records.
• Supervises inventories, maintenance, and safety checks.

Maintains radar systems used for tracking and navigation.

• Analyzes, troubleshoots, and repairs radar equipment.
• Updates records and manages calibration requirements.
• Conducts safety checks and supervises personnel.
• Manages radar system inventory and maintenance.

Oversees technicians, equipment, and training programs.

• Trains junior technicians in qualification standards and system operations.
• Manages maintenance, troubleshooting, and testing across multiple teams.
• Reports system capabilities and limitations to senior personnel.
• Oversees safety programs, inspections, and certifications.
• Drafts and updates procedures, reports, and manuals.

From repairing frontline systems to leading entire teams, each specialty plays a role in keeping the Navy mission-ready.

• Housing allowance (BAH): A tax-free allowance when you live off base. Rates depend on pay grade, location, and dependency status.
• Food allowance (BAS):
  Enlisted Sailors receive $476.95 per month in 2026. See the BAS rates .
• Career…