Aviation & Aerospace

Avionics Engineer

Designs and maintains the electronic systems that let aircraft navigate, communicate, and fly safely.

Also known as: Aircraft Electronics Engineer, Flight Systems Engineer

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What you do

Develops and tests the electronics behind flight control, navigation, communication, and instrumentation systems on aircraft. Writes and reviews embedded software and hardware specifications, and works through certification requirements for safety-critical systems. Coordinates closely with airframe and systems engineers so avionics integrate correctly with the rest of the aircraft.

Typical work environment

A mix of electronics lab bench work, software development, and integration testing on aircraft or test rigs, generally within a systems engineering team at a manufacturer or defense contractor.

Typical entry point

Graduate avionics or electronics engineer at an aircraft manufacturer or systems supplier

Relevant subjects

Core

MathematicsPhysics

Also relevant

Computer Science

Relevant interests

Core

AviationElectronics

Also relevant

Programming

Useful skills

Electronics· AdvancedProgramming· IntermediateProblem solving· AdvancedAnalytical thinking· Advanced

These are useful, relevant skills to build over time — not a checklist you need to already have.

Common education routes

Bachelor's degree—Electronics & Communication EngineeringPrimary route
Bachelor's degree—Aerospace EngineeringCommon route
Bachelor's degree—Instrumentation EngineeringAlternative route

These are common routes in, not the only path — and not a university or course recommendation.

Career characteristics

Deep technical specialisationStrong salary potentialHigh job security

General tendencies for this career, not a guarantee — actual roles vary by employer and location.

Industries

AerospaceManufacturing

Tags

STEMTechnicalRegulated profession

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