Air Force - Avionics Technician (Aviation Electronics)

Travel the world and work on our expanding fleet of aircraft, learning how to maintain and repair the complex electronics systems that keep them flying. On any given day you could find yourself in the hangar on base, out on the flight line or in the field working on aviation systems, navigation, radios and conducting specialised electronics work.

About the role

Engineering & Technical trades

Entry type

General entry

Under training

$68,860

Location

Varied

As an Avionics Technician you will have the opportunity to work with modern electronic systems and a limited number of simple mechanical systems fitted to military aircraft. You will carry out all aspects of equipment installation, testing, troubleshooting, maintenance and repair. Whether you're finding and repairing faults in aircraft on operations overseas, or working with our specialist equipment at maintenance facilities on base, being an Avionics Technician is an exciting and challenging role.

Responsibilities

As an Avionics Technician you will have the opportunity to work with modern electronic systems and a limited number of simple mechanical systems fitted to military aircraft. You will carry out all aspects of equipment installation, testing, troubleshooting, maintenance and repair. You may find yourself in the hangar on base, on the flight line, or in the field, working on aviation systems, navigation, radios and conducting specialised electronics work.

Job on base

As an Electronics Technician, you will work on base, at either an operational flying Squadron or a Maintenance Bay. As you advance through your career and get promoted there are further opportunities for employment within the Air Force.

RNZAF flying squadrons are the focus of aircraft operations and, as part of a ground crew, you will be responsible for aircraft maintenance, fault finding, servicing, receiving and dispatching aircraft for flying tasks. Maintenance duties include the installation and removal of components, and conducting the operational checks and servicings to ensure that aircraft systems are fully serviceable for the next flight.

You will also complete routine maintenance when an aircraft reaches a prescribed number of flying hours. Before the aircraft can fly again it must be intensively cleaned, inspected, tested, components replaced and the aircraft fully reassembled. The technology used in the aviation industry is ever changing and you'll be required to operate a wide range of test equipment. This includes computer software to assist with maintenance checks, ground running of aircraft avionic systems and the rectification of avionic, software and network faults.

When not working with a squadron, Electronics Technicians work in the specialised maintenance bays. Here, avionic components are tested, repaired and returned to service to meet flying squadron demands. Your duties include inspecting components returning from overseas repair, loading of software and as necessary, developing new systems or equipment for testing electronic components.

Job on deployment

When squadron aircraft deploy overseas for routine flights, peacekeeping, disaster relief or military operations, Electronic Technicians are part of the attached maintenance team to service and repair the aircraft. You may be responsible for ensuring all the correct tools and spare parts are brought along on the deployment, setting up a computer network for computerised maintenance recording at the deployed location, and liaising with foreign military or civilian personnel for equipment to support maintenance tasks. Operational environments can be widely varied providing new challenges on every deployment.

Recruit Course

(12 weeks) Location : RNZAF base Woodbourne

The aim of this course is to induct aviators into the RNZAF and develop the necessary values, knowledge and military skills to enable them to fulfil their military responsibilities. This course will cover various subjects including :

• RNZAF culture, customs and protocol
• Organisation and administration
• Drill and parades
• Dress, grooming and hygiene standards
• Military law and the Military Justice system

Earn a competitive salary while training or learning your trade, along with additional allowances for time spent in the field, at sea, overseas, or deployed on operations.

In addition to salary and allowances, other benefits of joining the New Zealand Defence Force include :

Careers in the Air Force are well-rewarded, as well as being diverse and exciting. As you become more experienced and move up through the ranks, gaining additional skills and qualifications, you will see your salary rise accordingly.

Under training

$68,860

Future potential earnings

$98,000

Am I fit enough?

If you want to be part of the NZ Defence Force you need to be medically and physically fit for military duties worldwide.

Your step-by-step guide on what to expect at various stages of the application process, specifically for military roles.

Do you think you could strip down an aircraft and rebuild it? With this job you'll find out how – servicing, overhauling and maintaining all our aircraft systems and components.

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