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Avionics Technicians

SOC 49-2091.00Job Zone 3 · Medium Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers bench-level component repair through fleet-wide program leadership for avionics technicians working in certificated MRO facilities, airline maintenance operations, and defense aviation environments.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Basic hand tools and soldering irons — identify and handle under direct supervision during introductory aircraft electrical assembly tasks.
  2. Circuit testers and voltmeters — apply to perform simple continuity checks on avionics components under technician guidance in a maintenance bay.
  3. Wiring diagrams and blueprints — read and interpret basic schematics to locate specified components under close supervision on a training aircraft.
  4. Maintenance log entries — record routine inspection findings using standard forms under direct oversight in an FAA-regulated repair facility.
  5. Electrical and electronic components — install prefabricated assemblies into aircraft panels using hand tools following step-by-step procedural checklists.
  6. Safety protocols and personal protective equipment — follow established procedures to protect personnel and equipment in a live avionics shop environment.
  7. Junction boxes and switch assemblies — assemble discrete subcomponents using hand tools and soldering irons under mentor direction on the bench.
  8. Ground support test equipment — set up under supervision and observe functional checks of basic electrical systems on parked aircraft.
  9. Technical manuals and maintenance documentation — locate and reference relevant sections to support assigned repair tasks in a structured training environment.
  10. Component identification skills — recognize and classify common avionics parts such as inverters, magnetos, and connectors during guided shop orientation.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Oscilloscopes and voltmeters — operate independently to test and troubleshoot malfunctioning avionics instruments and circuit assemblies in a certificated repair station.
  2. Malfunctioning components and assemblies — diagnose faults and perform adjustments or replacements using hand tools and soldering irons with minimal supervisory oversight.
  3. Radio systems and instrument connections — complete wiring and connector installations to manufacturer specifications using hand tools in a production maintenance environment.
  4. Maintenance and repair records — maintain accurate, compliant documentation of all work performed in accordance with FAA Part 43 requirements.
  5. Ground support and test equipment — configure and operate to conduct functional flight-readiness checks of avionics systems on commercial or general aviation aircraft.
  6. Wiring installation layouts — plan and execute component routing following blueprints and wiring diagrams for aircraft modification or repair projects.
  7. Quality control checklists — apply to verify that repaired or installed assemblies meet airworthiness standards before returning aircraft to service.
  8. ERP and spreadsheet software — enter and track parts usage, labor hours, and maintenance schedules in a shop management system.
  9. Troubleshooting logic — apply systematic diagnostic reasoning to isolate intermittent electrical faults across familiar avionics system architectures.
  10. Time management practices — prioritize and sequence concurrent maintenance tasks to meet aircraft return-to-service deadlines in a fast-paced MRO environment.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Complex avionics system faults — troubleshoot autonomously across multiple interdependent subsystems using oscilloscopes, circuit testers, and analytical software in an airline or defense MRO setting.
  2. Non-routine component failures — evaluate, repair, or engineer alternative solutions for unscheduled malfunctions with full accountability for airworthiness outcomes.
  3. Full aircraft avionics installation projects — plan and execute layout, installation, and interconnection of complete systems including in-flight refueling and communications equipment.
  4. Functional flight test procedures — set up, operate, and evaluate ground support test equipment to validate system performance against engineering specifications.
  5. CAD and analytical software — utilize to interpret advanced engineering documentation and support avionics system integration on complex aircraft platforms.
  6. Inductive and deductive reasoning — apply to identify root causes of systemic recurring defects and recommend corrective actions across a fleet.
  7. Telecommunications and navigation systems — integrate, calibrate, and certify avionics upgrades ensuring compatibility with existing aircraft architectures.
  8. Regulatory compliance standards — assess maintenance practices against FAA, EASA, or military airworthiness regulations and implement corrective measures independently.
  9. Technical reports and disposition documents — author detailed written findings and repair justifications for engineering review and regulatory submission.
  10. Peer coordination — lead collaborative troubleshooting sessions with other technicians and engineers to resolve high-complexity avionics discrepancies.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Avionics maintenance programs and standards — develop and implement shop-wide quality control frameworks aligned with evolving FAA or DoD airworthiness directives.
  2. Technician workforce development — design and deliver structured mentorship, on-the-job training, and competency assessment programs to build organizational capability.
  3. Fleet-wide avionics reliability data — analyze trends using ERP and analytical software to drive systemic improvements in maintenance planning and parts procurement.
  4. Complex avionics modification projects — lead cross-functional teams of engineers, planners, and technicians through STC or military modification program execution.
  5. Technical documentation systems — establish and govern configuration management of maintenance manuals, wiring diagrams, and engineering orders across an organization.
  6. Regulatory authority relationships — represent the organization in FAA, EASA, or DCMA audits and lead corrective action plan development in response to findings.
  7. Ground support equipment strategy — evaluate, procure, and standardize test equipment capabilities to support current and next-generation avionics platforms across a facility.
  8. Safety culture and risk mitigation — champion a proactive human-factors safety culture and establish reporting systems that prevent avionics-related incidents at organizational scale.
  9. Budget and resource planning — direct labor, tooling, and capital expenditure decisions for avionics maintenance operations to meet organizational efficiency and safety targets.
  10. Industry knowledge dissemination — present technical findings, best practices, and lessons learned at industry forums or internal leadership venues to advance the profession.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

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Sources:Pathsmith™ Durable SkillsPathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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Show O*NET source anchors62 anchors · skillscrosswalk.com

O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Avionics Technician · Aircraft Armament Mechanic · Aircraft Avionics Tech (Aircraft Avionics Technician) · Aircraft Electrical Systems Specialist · Aircraft Electrician · Aircraft Instrument Mechanic · Aircraft Technician · Airplane Electrical Repairer · Airplane Electrician · Airplane Technician · Automatic Pilot Mechanic · Aviation Electrical Technician
RAPIDS apprenticeships
0256 · Avionics Technician
O*NET skills
RepairingEquipment MaintenanceTroubleshootingOperations MonitoringQuality Control AnalysisCritical ThinkingComplex Problem SolvingActive ListeningSpeakingJudgment and Decision MakingReading ComprehensionWritingMonitoringTime ManagementCoordinationEquipment SelectionSystems AnalysisActive Learning
Knowledge domains
Computers and ElectronicsMechanicalEnglish LanguageEngineering and TechnologyCustomer and Personal ServiceTelecommunicationsDesignMathematicsEducation and TrainingPublic Safety and Security
Abilities
Written ComprehensionInformation OrderingNear VisionProblem SensitivityOral ComprehensionInductive ReasoningDeductive ReasoningWritten ExpressionFinger DexterityOral Expression
Work styles
Attention to DetailDependabilityCautiousnessIntegrityIntellectual CuriosityPerseverance
Technology
Portal server softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareAnalytical or scientific softwareObject or component oriented development softwareEnterprise resource planning ERP softwareOperating system softwareFacilities management softwareSpreadsheet softwareOffice suite softwareElectronic mail software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Test and troubleshoot instruments, components, and assemblies, using circuit testers, oscilloscopes, or voltmeters.
  2. Keep records of maintenance and repair work.
  3. Adjust, repair, or replace malfunctioning components or assemblies, using hand tools or soldering irons.
  4. Install electrical and electronic components, assemblies, and systems in aircraft, using hand tools, power tools, or soldering irons.
  5. Set up and operate ground support and test equipment to perform functional flight tests of electrical and electronic systems.
  6. Assemble components such as switches, electrical controls, and junction boxes, using hand tools or soldering irons.
  7. Lay out installation of aircraft assemblies and systems, following documentation such as blueprints, manuals, and wiring diagrams.
  8. Connect components to assemblies such as radio systems, instruments, magnetos, inverters, and in-flight refueling systems, using hand tools and soldering irons.
CIP education codes
14.029947.0609

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me®, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith™ Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.