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 skilled 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

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