Overview As a member of the military, Avionics Systems Technicians are responsible for maintaining all electronic systems onboard Canadian Armed Forces (CAF) aircraft. As part of the aircraft maintenance team, the Avionics Systems Technician is responsible for first line servicing operations in launching and recovering all types of aircraft. Responsibilities Carry out performance tests, preventive/corrective maintenance, and calibration of the following systems and their associated components: Aircraft communication Intercom Search radar Fire control radar Acoustic sensing Infra‑red radar Electronic warfare Navigation Compass Flight control systems Automatic flight control systems Electrical wiring interconnection system Set up and operate test equipment to maintain the above systems Operate and maintain computer‑controlled automatic test stations Serve as an instructor in field technical training units, training squadrons or basic training units Prepare and maintain aircraft forms and statistical data Operate aircraft support equipment Perform first line servicing tasks such as marshalling, parking, towing, starting, refueling, cleaning and de‑icing Work Environment Avionics Systems Technicians are employed primarily at air bases in aircraft maintenance organizations, in maintenance hangars, onboard airborne aircraft, lab environments, and on the flight line. They will work shifts and periods of overtime. Employment can vary from CAF bases and wings within Canada—including the Arctic—to overseas locations worldwide in response to NATO and UN commitments. If you choose a career in the Regular Force, upon completion of all required training you will be assigned to your first base. While there is some flexibility with regards to postings (relocations), accommodations cannot always be made, so you can expect to move at some point in your career. If you join the Primary Reserve Force, you will do so through a specific Reserve unit. Outside of training, your chosen Reserve unit will be your workplace on a part‑time basis, and you will not be obligated to relocate to a different base. As part of the Primary Reserve Force, you typically work one night per week and some weekends as a minimum, with possibilities of full‑time employment. Entry Plans Direct Entry Options Paid Education Options The minimum required education to apply for this occupation is the completion of the provincial requirements for Grade 10 or Secondary 4 in Quebec, including Grade 10 Applied Math or Math 416/CST 4. The ideal candidate will already have a college diploma or Red Seal for a related civilian occupation. The CAF will assess your training and experience and optimize your progression following basic training. Foreign education may be accepted. The Non‑commissioned Member Subsidized Training and Education Program (NCMSTEP) encourages successful recruits to attend an approved Canadian college; NCMSTEP students attend basic training and on‑the‑job training during the summer months and receive a full‑time salary including medical and dental care and vacation pay in exchange for working with the CAF for a period of time. Training The first stage of training is the Basic Military Qualification course (Basic Training) at the Canadian Forces Leadership and Recruit School, Saint‑Jean‑sur‑Richelieu, Quebec. This course provides the core skills common to all trades and ensures recruits maintain the CAF physical fitness standard; it is physically demanding. Avionics Systems Technicians attend the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering (CFSATE) in Borden, Ontario for Common Core training over eight weeks, then return to CFSATE for 32‑week occupational training which includes: Solid‑state devices Digital logic Aircraft wiring Magnetron, Klystron, Travelling Wave Tubes and Microwave theory Computer techniques and architecture Inspection and repair of Avionics (AVS) and combined Avionic (AVS)/Aviation (AVN) multi‑purpose display systems Pitot static systems Flight instruments Compass Aircraft flight recorder and locator Air data computer Automatic flight control Electronic warfare systems Navigation systems Radar systems Communication systems Aircraft data processing Applicants who enrol under NCMSTEP will have the opportunity to complete part or all of their basic occupational qualification training at an approved Canadian college, university, or other post‑secondary establishment. Avionics Systems Technicians may be offered the opportunity to develop specialized skills through formal courses and on‑the‑job training, including: Instructional techniques Calibration technician Computerised fault diagnosis and analysis High reliability soldering Aircraft specific type courses Advanced aircraft maintenance course Instructional technique Life‑Cycle Materiel Management Aircraft Fluid Handling Corrosion Identification and Control Technical Writing Technical Inspection and Quality Assurance Flight Safety Investigators Course As they progress, Avionics Systems Technicians who demonstrate required ability and potential will receive advanced training. Available courses include: Technical administration Leadership and management courses Part‑time Options This position is available for part‑time employment with the Primary Reserve at certain locations across Canada. Reserve Force members usually serve part‑time at an Air Force Wing in their community and may serve while attending school or working a civilian job. They are paid during training and are not required to relocate; they may volunteer to move to another base or for deployment on a military mission inside or outside Canada. Avionics Systems Technicians serve with the Royal Canadian Air Force. When employed on a part‑time or casual full‑time basis, they usually serve at Forces bases and tactical units within Canada. Reserve Force members generally begin training with their home unit to meet required basic professional military standards. Following basic military training, the occupational training for the Avionics Systems Technician takes 32 weeks at CFSATE, Ontario. Air Reserve members are trained to the same level as their Regular Force counterparts and are employed in the same units and perform the same job. They usually serve up to 12 days per month on a regular workday, with the possibility to serve full‑time for short durations as needed. Reserve Force members are paid 92.8 % of Regular Force rates, receive reasonable benefits and may contribute to a pension plan. Related Careers Aviation Systems Technician Electronic‑Optronic Technician (Land) Biomedical Electronics Technologist #J-18808-Ljbffr