Navy Rating · Aviation

AE Aviation Electrician's Mate

Overview

An aviation electrician's mate maintains aircraft electrical and instrument systems, including power generation and distribution equipment, batteries, and lighting. The sailor also maintains electrical controls, indicating and warning systems, automatic flight controls, navigation and attitude reference systems, and environmental controls.

Core Skills

  • aircraft electrical systems maintenance
  • power generation and distribution troubleshooting
  • instrumentation and avionics interface understanding
  • automatic flight control and stabilization systems maintenance
  • navigation and compass systems maintenance
  • wiring harness inspection and repair
  • use of electronic test equipment and diagnostics
  • reading electrical schematics and wiring diagrams
  • preventive and corrective maintenance
  • fault isolation and root-cause analysis

Civilian Software & Tools

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • C++
  • Linux
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Microsoft Word

Civilian Career Paths

  • Aircraft Maintenance
  • Electrical Engineering

Training & Development

Getting Started

  • FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Certificate
  • NCATT Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET) Certification

Career Growth

  • FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) · Funded
  • OSHA 30-Hour General Industry

What the Work Involves

  • Test and troubleshoot instruments, components, and assemblies, using circuit testers, oscilloscopes, or voltmeters.
  • Keep records of maintenance and repair work.
  • Adjust, repair, or replace malfunctioning components or assemblies, using hand tools or soldering irons.
  • Install electrical and electronic components, assemblies, and systems in aircraft, using hand tools, power tools, or soldering irons.
  • Set up and operate ground support and test equipment to perform functional flight tests of electrical and electronic systems.

Related Occupations

  • Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
  • Aircraft Mechanics and Service Technicians
  • Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
  • Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging, and Systems Assemblers

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

Defense contractor jobs for AE

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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