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.

Primary 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 Setting
Avionics Systems Technicians are employed primarily at air bases in aircraft maintenance organizations, in maintenance hangars, in airborne aircraft, lab environments and on the flight line. Work shifts, periods of overtime, and deployments to CAF bases across Canada—including the Arctic—and overseas locations may occur.

Entry Plans

Direct Entry Options

Paid Education Options

The minimum required education for this occupation is completion of the provincial Grade 10 or Secondary 4 requirement, including Gr 10 Applied Math or Math 416 / CST 4. An ideal candidate will already hold a college diploma or Red Seal in a related civilian occupation. Foreign education may be accepted.



Successful recruits may be paid to attend a college diploma program through the Non‑Commissioned Member Subsidised Training and Education Program (NCMSTEP).

Training
Initial training includes the Basic Military Qualification course, followed by Common Core at the Canadian Forces School of Aerospace Technology and Engineering (CFSATE). Subsequent occupational training is approximately 32 weeks long and covers:

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

Additional courses and on‑the‑job training opportunities include, but are not limited to:

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

Career progression may include advanced training such as technical administration and 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 typically serve part‑time at an Air Force Wing in their community while maintaining civilian employment. They are paid during training and are not required to move to another base but may volunteer for deployment.

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📌 Avionics Systems Technician (British Columbia)
🏢 Canadian Armed Forces | Forces armées canadiennes
📍 British Columbia