Coast Guard Rating · Communications

ET Electronics Technician

Overview

Electronics Technicians install, operate, maintain, repair, calibrate, tune, and adjust electronic equipment used for communications, navigation, detection, identification, cryptography, and surveillance. They manage command and control systems, shipboard weapons, guidance and fire control systems, communications equipment, encryption equipment, radar, and tactical electronic detection systems.

Core Skills

  • electronics maintenance and repair
  • RF and radio systems troubleshooting
  • communications systems integration
  • cryptographic equipment support
  • radar and sensor systems maintenance
  • navigation and GPS systems support
  • test equipment operation and calibration
  • soldering and component-level repair
  • technical documentation and schematics reading
  • system-level diagnostics

Civilian Software & Tools

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Adobe Acrobat
  • Adobe Creative Cloud software
  • Adobe Illustrator
  • Adobe InDesign

Civilian Career Paths

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Telecommunications
  • Radio Frequency Engineering
  • Network Operations

Training & Development

Getting Started

  • Associate Certified Electronics Technician (CETa) · Funded
  • CompTIA Network+ · Funded
  • CompTIA Security+ · Funded
  • Cisco Certified Network Associate (CCNA) · Funded
  • FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) · Funded

Career Growth

  • RADAR Electronics Technician (RAD)
  • Senior Certified Electronics Technician (CETsr) · Funded
  • GMDSS Radio Maintainer License (DM)
  • Telecommunications Electronics Technician (TCM)

What the Work Involves

  • Inspect and test electrical systems and equipment to locate and diagnose malfunctions, using visual inspections, testing devices, and computer software.
  • Reassemble and test equipment after repairs.
  • Adjust, repair, or replace defective wiring and relays in ignition, lighting, air-conditioning, and safety control systems, using electrician's tools.
  • Splice wires with knives or cutting pliers, and solder connections to fixtures, outlets, and equipment.
  • Locate and remove or repair circuit defects such as blown fuses or malfunctioning transistors.

Related Occupations

  • Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  • Avionics Technicians
  • Electric Motor, Power Tool, and Related Repairers

Typical preparation for these civilian roles: vocational training or an associate degree.

Defense contractor jobs for ET

Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.

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