Aircraft Avionics Technician

Aircraft Avionics Technician F/A-18 E/F

This role provides organizational level ("O" level) support for F/A-18 E/F aircraft electrical and avionics systems. The technician diagnoses, repairs, and maintains complex radar, communication, weapon, display, and data bus systems, ensuring the aircraft is fully mission capable. The position requires hands-on work with aircraft components, detailed documentation of maintenance activities, and the ability to support and advise other technicians on avionics troubleshooting and procedures.

Responsibilities

• Perform organizational level maintenance on F/A-18 E/F aircraft electrical and avionics systems.
• Conduct pre-flight and post-flight activities and inspections to verify proper operation of avionics and electrical systems.
• Read and interpret wiring schematics, assembly drawings, process specifications, technical manuals, written instructions, and test procedures.
• Set up and use torque wrenches and common hand tools such as wrenches and safety wire pliers to perform maintenance and repairs.
• Operate specialty tools including crimpers, multimeters, and pin extractors to diagnose and repair electrical and avionics systems.
• Remove, replace, and perform functional checks on aircraft components and assemblies to ensure proper operation.
• Perform wire repairs, including splicing, soldering, and assembly/disassembly of multi-pin and coaxial connectors.
• Test, troubleshoot, and properly handle fiber optic conductors used in aircraft systems.
• Inspect and maintain APG-73 and APG-79 (AESA) radar systems, tactical warfare systems (ALE-47 and ALR-67), and F/A-18 weapon systems including FLIR.
• Inspect and maintain UHF/VHF communication systems and APX-111 Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) systems.
• Maintain multipurpose displays, including the Joint Helmet Mounted Cueing System and associated video recording systems.
• Apply a basic understanding of the operation and troubleshooting of the 1553 data bus to resolve system issues.
• Perform software loading and verification for the F/A-18 mission computer and other software-loaded systems.
• Troubleshoot and resolve complex technical problems across all aircraft avionics systems on the F/A-18 E/F.
• Provide technical advice, training, and troubleshooting assistance to other "O" level technicians as needed.
• Use Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETMs), Wire Illuminator tools, NAMP 4790, and applicable NAVAIR technical publications to perform maintenance.
• Generate clear written reports and documentation for management in support of contractual and maintenance obligations when required.
• Document maintenance and repair actions, equipment status tags, logs, and parts requests accurately and in a timely manner.
• Comply with all rules and regulations concerning health and safety, tool control, Foreign Object Damage (FOD) control, and required training and certifications.
• Perform all assigned duties while wearing required safety equipment and adhering to safety procedures.
• Work flexible schedules, including day or night shifts, to accommodate customer maintenance requirements.

Essential Skills

• At least 3 years of hands-on experience with F/A-18 E/F aircraft, including inspections, servicing, troubleshooting, removals, and repairs.
• Active and maintainable Secret Department of Defense security clearance.
• Comprehensive knowledge of aircraft avionics systems on the F/A-18 E/F platform.
• Strong repair and troubleshooting skills for electrical and avionics systems in an aviation environment.
• Ability to read and interpret wiring schematics, assembly drawings, process specifications, technical manuals, written instructions, and test procedures.
• Proficiency in using torque wrenches, common hand tools (such as wrenches and safety wire pliers), and specialty tools (including crimpers, multimeters, and pin extractors).
• Hands-on experience with wire repair techniques, including splicing, soldering, and working with multi-pin and coaxial connectors.
• Experience testing and troubleshooting fiber optic conductors used in aircraft systems.
• Ability to inspect and maintain radar systems (APG-73 and APG-79 AESA), tactical warfare systems (ALE-47 and ALR-67), and F/A-18 weapon systems including FLIR.
• Experience with UHF/VHF communication systems and APX-111 IFF systems.
• Ability to maintain multipurpose displays and helmet-mounted cueing systems, including video recording equipment.
• Basic understanding of the operation and troubleshooting of a 1553 data bus.
• Experience performing software loading and verification for mission computers and related avionics systems.
• Familiarity with Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETMs), Wire Illuminator tools, NAMP 4790, and relevant NAVAIR technical publications.
• Strong written and verbal English communication skills.
• Ability to clearly document maintenance and repair actions, equipment status, and parts requests.
• Ability to work flexible schedules to meet operational and maintenance requirements.
• Capability to perform duties while wearing required safety equipment and following safety protocols.

Additional Skills & Qualifications

• Experience supporting U.S. Navy F/A-18 squadrons on deployment is strongly preferred.
• Aviation maintenance with a focus on mechanical, electrical, and avionics systems.
• Experience working within structured maintenance programs and processes such as NAMP 4790.
• Comfort working with both organizational level maintenance teams and technical management personnel.
• Attention to detail and strong adherence to tool control and FOD control procedures.
• Ability to generate clear, concise written reports for management and program documentation.
• US Navy avionics rating experience (AT or AE) is beneficial.

Why Work Here?

This role offers the opportunity to contribute to a high-profile, multi-year program supporting advanced military aviation technology in partnership with the U.S. Navy. You will work with cutting-edge avionics systems in a structured, well-supported environment that values technical excellence, safety, and professional growth. The position provides stable, non-deployable work at a major naval air station, with the chance to collaborate closely with experienced aviation professionals and expand your expertise on one of the world's most advanced fighter aircraft.

Work Environment

Work is performed on a Foreign Military Sales program at a naval air station in New Orleans, Louisiana, within a Joint Reserve Base setting. All duties are carried out on-site, and the position is non-deployable. The environment is an operational aviation maintenance facility, requiring strict adherence to health and safety rules, tool control procedures, and FOD control standards. Technicians use a range of aviation maintenance tools and equipment, including torque wrenches, crimpers, multimeters, pin extractors, IETMs, Wire Illuminator tools, and other specialized avionics test equipment. Work is organized in shifts, with positions supporting either a first (day) shift or a dedicated night shift, and schedules may be adjusted to meet maintenance and customer requirements. Required safety equipment must be worn while performing duties, and work is conducted in and around aircraft hangars, flight lines, and maintenance areas in a structured, professional setting.

Job Type & Location

This is a Contract position based out of New Orleans, LA.

Pay and Benefits

The pay range for this position is $30.00 - $37.00/hr. Individual compensation offered for this position within this range will depend on many factors, including qualifications, skills, relevant experience, job knowledge, geographic location, internal equity, and other pertinent job-related factors.

Eligibility requirements apply to some benefits and may depend on your job classification and length of employment. Benefits are subject to change and may be subject to specific elections, plan, or program terms. If eligible, the benefits available for this temporary role may include the following:

• Medical, dental & vision
• Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital
• 401(k) Retirement Plan Pre-tax and Roth post-tax contributions available
• Life Insurance (Voluntary Life & AD&D for the employee and dependents)
• Short and long-term disability
• Health Spending Account (HSA)
• Transportation benefits
• Employee Assistance Program
• Time Off/Leave (PTO, Vacation or Sick Leave)

Workplace Type

This is a fully onsite