Job at a glance
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. You will perform pre- and post-flight inspections, maintain and repair complex avionics components, and troubleshoot systems to ensure safe and reliable aircraft operation. The position requires hands-on work with radar, communications, weapons, display, and data bus systems, as well as the ability to interpret technical documentation and support other technicians with expert guidance.
Responsibilities Perform organizational level support for F/A-18 E/F aircraft electrical and avionics systems. Conduct pre- and post-flight activities and inspections in accordance with applicable procedures and technical publications. 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 support troubleshooting and component servicing. Remove, replace, and function check aircraft components and assemblies to verify proper operation after maintenance. Perform wire repair 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 IFF systems. Maintain multipurpose displays, including the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System and associated video recording equipment. Apply a basic understanding of 1553 data bus operation to assist in system troubleshooting.
Perform software loading and verification for the F/A-18 mission computer and other software-controlled systems. Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of all aircraft avionics systems aboard the F/A-18 and troubleshoot complex technical problems. Provide technical advice, training, and troubleshooting assistance to organizational level technicians as needed. Use Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETMs), wire illuminator tools, NAMP 4790, and applicable NAVAIR technical publications to perform and document work.
Prepare clear written reports for management in support of contractual obligations and maintenance documentation requirements. Document maintenance and repair actions, equipment status tags, logs, and parts requests accurately and in a timely manner. Comply with all health and safety rules and regulations, including tool control, foreign object damage (FOD) control, and all required training and certifications.
Perform assigned duties while wearing required safety equipment and adhering to established safety protocols. Work flexible schedules as needed to meet customer maintenance requirements, including support for day and night shift operations. Essential Skills At least 3 years of hands-on F/A-18 E/F experience, including inspections, servicing, troubleshooting, removals, and repairs. aircraft avionics technician with experience supporting organizational level maintenance of electrical and avionics systems.
Ability to read and interpret wiring schematics, assembly drawings, process specifications, technical manuals, written instructions, and test procedures. Proficiency in using torque wrenches and common hand tools such as wrenches and safety wire pliers. Ability to operate specialty tools including crimpers, multimeters, and pin extractors. Strong skills in wire repair, including splicing, soldering, and working with multi-pin and coaxial connectors.
Experience testing, troubleshooting, and handling fiber optic conductors. Hands-on experience inspecting and maintaining APG-73