Aircraft Avionics Technician

Job Title:

Aircraft Avionics Technician – F/A-18 E/F Job Description

This role provides organizational level ("O" level) support for F/A-18 E/F aircraft electrical and avionics systems. The technician diagnoses, repairs, and maintains complex radar, communication, weapon, display, and data bus systems, ensuring the aircraft is fully mission capable. The position requires hands‑on work with aircraft components, detailed documentation of maintenance activities, and the ability to support and advise other technicians on avionics troubleshooting and procedures.

• Perform organizational level maintenance on F/A-18 E/F aircraft electrical and avionics systems.

• Conduct pre-flight and post-flight activities and inspections to verify proper operation of avionics and electrical systems.

• Read and interpret wiring schematics, assembly drawings, process specifications, technical manuals, written instructions, and test procedures.

• Set up and use torque wrenches and common hand tools such as wrenches and safety wire pliers to perform maintenance and repairs.

• Operate specialty tools including crimpers, multimeters, and pin extractors to diagnose and repair electrical and avionics systems.

• Remove, replace, and perform functional checks on aircraft components and assemblies to ensure proper operation.

• Perform wire repairs, including splicing, soldering, and assembly/disassembly of multi‑pin and coaxial connectors.

• Test, troubleshoot, and properly handle fiber optic conductors used in aircraft systems.

• Inspect and maintain APG-73 and APG-79 (AESA) radar systems, tactical warfare systems (ALE-47 and ALR-67), and F/A-18 weapon systems including FLIR.

• Inspect and maintain UHF/VHF communication systems and APX-111 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems.

• Maintain multipurpose displays, including the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System and associated video recording systems.

• Apply a basic understanding of the operation and troubleshooting of the 1553 data bus to resolve system issues.

• Perform software loading and verification for the F/A-18 mission computer and other software-loaded systems.

• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical problems across all aircraft avionics systems on the F/A-18 E/F.

• Provide technical advice, training, and troubleshooting assistance to other "O" level technicians as needed.

• Use Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETMs), Wire Illuminator tools, NAMP 4790, and applicable NAVAIR technical publications to perform maintenance.

• Generate clear written reports and documentation for management in support of contractual and maintenance obligations when required.

• Document maintenance and repair actions, equipment status tags, logs, and parts requests accurately and in a timely manner.

• Comply with all rules and regulations concerning health and safety, tool control, Foreign Object Damage (FOD) control, and required training and certifications.

• Perform all assigned duties while wearing required safety equipment and adhering to safety procedures.

• Work flexible schedules, including day or night shifts, to accommodate customer maintenance requirements.

• At least 3 years of hands‑on experience with F/A-18 E/F aircraft, including inspections, servicing, troubleshooting, removals, and repairs.

• Active and maintainable Secret Department of Defense security clearance.
• Comprehensive knowledge of aircraft avionics systems on the F/A-18 E/F platform.
• Strong repair and troubleshooting skills for electrical and avionics systems in an aviation environment.
• Ability to read and interpret wiring schematics, assembly drawings, process specifications, technical manuals, written instructions, and test procedures.
• Proficiency in using torque wrenches, common hand tools (such as wrenches and safety wire pliers), and specialty tools (including crimpers, multimeters, and pin extractors).
• Hands‑on experience with wire repair techniques, including splicing, soldering, and working with multi‑pin and coaxial connectors.
• Experience testing and troubleshooting fiber optic conductors used in aircraft systems.
• Ability to inspect and maintain radar systems (APG-73 and APG-79 AESA), tactical warfare systems (ALE-47 and…