Marine Corps MOS · Aviation

5953 Air Traffic Control RADAR Technician

Overview

An Air Traffic Control RADAR Technician surveys, sites, and installs precision approach and surveillance radar systems. The technician inspects and maintains systems, loads operational software, tunes and aligns equipment, diagnoses faults, replaces faulty components, and verifies repairs.

Core Skills

  • Radar systems theory and operation
  • Installation and alignment of radar systems
  • Preventive and corrective maintenance on radar equipment
  • Loading and verifying operational software and firmware
  • Signal processing and RF troubleshooting
  • Use of electronic and RF test equipment
  • Fault isolation to component or module level
  • Technical documentation and maintenance records
  • Safety procedures for high-voltage and RF systems
  • Site surveys and system siting considerations

Civilian Software & Tools

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Microsoft Windows
  • Microsoft Word
  • Circuit evaluation software
  • Computerized maintenance management system CMMS
  • Database software

Civilian Career Paths

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Radio Frequency Engineering
  • Aircraft Maintenance
  • Project Management

Training & Development

Getting Started

  • NCATT Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET) · Funded
  • Associate Certified Electronics Technician (CETa) · Funded
  • Electronics Module AC (EM2)
  • Electronics Module Analog (EM3)
  • Electronics Module Comprehensive (EM5)

Career Growth

  • Electronics Module DC (EM1)
  • Electronics Module Digital (EM4)
  • RADAR Electronics Technician (RAD)
  • ASTM NCATT Autonomous Navigation Systems (ANS)
  • ASTM NCATT Dependent Navigation Systems (DNS)

What the Work Involves

  • Test faulty equipment to diagnose malfunctions, using test equipment or software, and applying knowledge of the functional operation of electronic units and systems.
  • Maintain equipment logs that record performance problems, repairs, calibrations, or tests.
  • Set up and test industrial equipment to ensure that it functions properly.
  • Inspect components of industrial equipment for accurate assembly and installation or for defects, such as loose connections or frayed wires.
  • Install repaired equipment in various settings, such as industrial or military establishments.

Related Occupations

  • Calibration Technologists and Technicians
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  • Electrical and Electronics Installers and Repairers, Transportation Equipment
  • Robotics Technicians

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

Defense contractor jobs for 5953

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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