Aviation Electronics, Electrical & Computer Systems Technician

Job Title: Aviation Electronics, Electrical & Computer Systems Technician (AE/AT)

Category / Component: Enlisted • Active

Overview

Aviation Electronics, Electrical and Computer Systems Technicians keep Navy aircraft mission ready by maintaining, troubleshooting, and repairing the electrical power, avionics, and computer based systems that enable radar, communications, navigation, flight controls, and weapons at sea and ashore. Qualified Sailors may also volunteer as Naval Aircrewmen and perform in flight systems operations and mission support.

Key Responsibilities

Troubleshoot and repair complex aircraft systems including digital computers, fiber optics, radar, laser electronics, infrared detection, and communications and navigation suites; maintain aircraft electrical power generation and distribution systems; test and calibrate aircraft instruments and automatic flight controls; perform micro miniature circuit card repair for qualified technicians; install modifications and upgrades to aircraft avionics and electrical systems; use diagnostic equipment and interpret schematics and wiring diagrams to restore systems to full mission capability.

What to Expect

A mix of hands on flight line maintenance and bench diagnostics in hangars, avionics shops, and aboard aircraft carriers; frequent troubleshooting under time pressure to return aircraft to service; work around high tempo flight operations with rotating shifts, nights, and weekends while deployed; strict adherence to safety, tool control, foreign object damage prevention, tag out procedures, and quality assurance standards; opportunities to qualify as a work center leader or collateral duty inspector as you gain experience.

Work Environment

Assignments with squadrons at naval air stations and aboard aircraft carriers worldwide; work in hangars, avionics labs, and outdoors on flight lines in all weather conditions and high noise environments; close teamwork with other aviation ratings and aircrew in a structured maintenance organization; potential temporary duty with detachments and deployments supporting carrier or expeditionary operations.

Pathways, Training & Advancement

Recruit Training followed by Class A School in Pensacola, Florida, covering aviation theory, electrical systems, electronics fundamentals, and technical skills; assignment after A School into either the Aviation Electrician's Mate or Aviation Electronics Technician rating based on performance and Navy needs; advanced platform specific schools for particular aircraft and mission systems; opportunities to qualify for micro miniature repair and, for volunteers who qualify, to attend Naval Aircrew training.

Enlist for the Aviation Electronics and Electrical pipeline, with final placement into AE or AT after A School based on performance and service needs; qualified Sailors may later volunteer for Naval Aircrew duty after initial rating qualification and screening.

Qualifications

All Navy jobs require meeting general enlistment or commissioning standards, which typically include:

Eligibility to serve in the United States Navy, which may involve United States citizenship or other legal residency and work status, depending on the program and current law and policy

A high school diploma or equivalent for enlisted positions, and a bachelor's or qualifying professional degree for officer positions

Meeting age limits that vary by program and are set in law and Navy policy. Some communities have more restrictive age ranges

Meeting medical, vision, and dental standards, including body composition and physical fitness requirements, with some jobs requiring more demanding standards

Meeting character and conduct standards, including background screening

Achieving required test scores for your program, such as the Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery for enlisted roles or officer qualification tests for officer programs

Eligibility for a security clearance when required for your rating or designator

Additional qualifications can include specific skills, education, licensure, or experience that are unique to a job or community and will be reviewed with you by a recruiter.

Additional qualifications for this job may include:

United States citizenship and eligibility for a security clearance; normal color perception; interest in aviation and working around aircraft; strong aptitude in electronics, computers, and precision technical work; manual dexterity, good memory, and physical fitness sufficient to work safely on flight lines, in hangars, and on shipboard aircraft.

Education

Education benefits are available through standard Navy programs such as Tuition Assistance, the Post-9/11 GI Bill, ACE-recommended college credit for Navy training, Navy COOL-funded certifications, USMAP apprenticeships, and other Navy College Program opportunities. Specific options depend on the Sailor's status, training, and current Navy policy.

Pay, Benefits & Service

Pay, benefits, and service commitments follow standard Navy Active and/or Reserve policies for this type of role, including basic pay, allowances when eligible, health coverage, and retirement options. Exact entitlements, special pays, and service obligations depend on program, component, years of service, and current law and Navy guidance.

Incentives

Incentives such as bonuses, special pays, and loan repayment may be available at times for specific ratings or communities, but they change frequently and cannot be guaranteed. Applicants must confirm current incentives and eligibility with an official Navy recruiter or authoritative Navy source.

Notes and Disclaimers

This description is a general overview of typical duties, training, and opportunities in this community. It does not replace official Navy instructions, policies, or contracts and does not guarantee specific assignments, training, incentives, or outcomes. Actual opportunities depend on Navy needs, individual performance, screening results, and current law and policy.