Navy Officer Subspecialty · Aviation

5401 Aeronautical Engineering: Avionics

An officer subspecialty earned alongside a primary designator, marking advanced education or experience in this field.

Overview

Aeronautical engineering avionics officers manage avionics integration, testing, troubleshooting, and technical compliance. They work with electronic systems that support aircraft navigation, communication, flight control, sensing, and mission operations.

Core Skills

  • aircraft avionics integration
  • navigation systems
  • radar and sensor systems
  • flight control electronics
  • digital signal analysis
  • electromagnetic compatibility
  • avionics test procedures
  • airworthiness documentation
  • electronic failure diagnosis

Civilian Software & Tools

  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Autodesk Revit
  • C++
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Python
  • The MathWorks MATLAB

Civilian Career Paths

  • Electrical Engineering
  • Radio Frequency Engineering
  • Aircraft Maintenance
  • Commercial Aviation

Training & Development

Getting Started

  • Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam: Electrical and Computer
  • NCATT Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET)
  • FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL)
  • IPC Certified Interconnect Designer (CID)

Career Growth

  • Professional Engineer (PE) License
  • Certified Systems Engineering Professional (CSEP)
  • iNARTE EMC Engineer
  • Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE)

What the Work Involves

  • Design, implement, maintain, or improve electrical instruments, equipment, facilities, components, products, or systems for commercial, industrial, or domestic purposes.
  • Oversee project production efforts to assure projects are completed on time and within budget.
  • Direct or coordinate manufacturing, construction, installation, maintenance, support, documentation, or testing activities to ensure compliance with specifications, codes, or customer requirements.
  • Perform detailed calculations to compute and establish manufacturing, construction, or installation standards or specifications.
  • Operate computer-assisted engineering or design software or equipment to perform engineering tasks.

Related Occupations

  • Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
  • Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  • Mechanical Engineers
  • Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment

Typical preparation for these civilian roles: a four-year degree or equivalent experience.

Defense contractor jobs for 5401

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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