Electronic Systems Technician
As an Electronic Systems Technician, you’ll bring your technical mindset and skills to a role that will see you working on equipment you won’t encounter in civilian life. The Army has some of the most advanced electronics and equipment in Australia and you’ll be responsible for inspecting, diagnosing potential issues and repairing these high value assets.
In this role, you could find yourself working with a tight-knit team in the workshop, trouble-shooting a device in the field on exercise, or even deployed overseas to work on military systems during crucial moments. It’s a highly dynamic role that offers plenty of variety.
What you'll do
Working with a team of highly trained electronics experts, you’ll maintain state-of-the-art electronic control systems, such as those used in the Abrams Tank and Australian Light Armoured Vehicle (ASLAV). You could also work on advanced missile systems, bio-medical equipment, remote weapon systems, electronic surveillance devices and RADAR systems, among other Army equipment.
You’ll get to apply your skills and expertise in the workshop, out in the field, and on exercises, deployments and humanitarian operations.
Your duties may include:
- diagnosing, maintaining and repairing the Army's high-tech electronic, weapon fire control systems, and sighting and surveillance equipment
- performing safety and technical inspections on communications systems, armoured vehicles, anti-aircraft weapons, bio-medical equipment and more
- general soldiering duties, such as manning defensive positions, patrolling, traffic control, camouflaging of vehicles and field equipment, and navigation.
Opportunities for progression and upskilling continue throughout your career. As you progress, the Army will provide you with development opportunities to assist you with your increasing leadership responsibility, as well as further education and specialised training to strengthen your skillset. This will help you to command and run a highly skilled team of soldiers and the employment of their equipment.
Following training, you’ll likely be posted to a Combat Service Support Battalions (CSSB) in Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin or Townsville. Subsequent postings can be to various locations and units throughout Australia.
Discover where the Army operates across Australia on our base locations map.
One of the unique things about the Army is the equipment we get. You won’t find this anywhere else in the civilian world.
Requirements and training
You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.
You can apply for a role in the ADF from 16.5 years of age and must be at least 17 to join. The maximum age to join is 56 years.
You don’t need a driver’s licence for this role but if you have one, it can’t be suspended or cancelled.
All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.
For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.
You'll need to be a qualified tradesperson having completed a Certificate III in Engineering - Electronics. Suitable trade qualifications may include Electronics Technician, Communications Technician or Optical Technician.
Alternately, if you have completed an approved apprenticeship or traineeship in an electronics or communication discipline that predominately contains competencies aligned to a Certificate III in Engineering - Electronics you may also be suitable for qualified entry.
You should present your trade paperwork at the recruiting interview to ensure the Recognition of Prior Learning/Recognition of Current Competencies process is complete prior to entry. The recognition process cannot be commenced after enlistment.
Any trade evidence submitted should contain the content of training undertaken (i.e. Units of Competencies, Statement of Attainment etc) and must be certified as a true copy of the original otherwise it will not be considered.
Note: You must provide a CV (including work history) and 3 references (one from current employer and 2 from previous employers) when applying.
Recognition of Prior Learning
The Recognition of Prior Learning/Recognition of Current Competencies process will be completed prior to a Letter of Offer being sent. The Letter will detail any competency gap training required to be qualified. This gap training will be undertaken as part of your initial trade training.
You need to present evidence of your trade qualification/s and training you have completed at the recruiting interview. This is to ensure that assessment and recognition of your qualifications can be completed prior to entry as a successful recognition outcome is required for enlistment.
Any trade evidence submitted should contain the content of training undertaken (i.e. Units of Competencies, Statement of Attainment etc) and must be certified as a true copy of the original otherwise it will not be considered.
Your trade qualification and evidence will be certified by the Army Logistics Training Centre prior to enlistment.
Regardless of civilian qualifications held, you’ll be required to complete military specific Units of Competency at the Army Logistic Training Centre as part of your initial employment training.
To join the ADF, you must be healthy and physically fit. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.
You’ll also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment.
Female
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Push-ups: 4
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
Male
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Push-ups: 8
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards, refer to physical fitness standards for entry into the ADF and medical process for entry into the ADF.
You’ll be enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 4 years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation.
Course: Army Recruit Course
Duration: 13 weeks
Location: Kapooka, Wagga Wagga, NSW
During training, you'll take part in physical training, weapon handling, and shooting, first aid, drill, and field craft. You'll be challenged both mentally and physically.
Although it can be demanding, most recruits gain a sense of achievement, purpose, and confidence during basic training, and on completion of the course feel justifiably proud of what they have accomplished. The priority of our instructors is to help you succeed.
Key components of the course include:
- Physical Fitness: Structured training to improve strength, endurance, and overall fitness, preparing you for the physical demands of Army life.
- Field Craft: Learn how to live and operate in field conditions, including camouflage, movement techniques, and working in outdoor environments.
- Weapons Handling and Marksmanship: Safe handling, maintenance, and use of Army-issued weapons, and participating in live-fire exercises.
- Drill and Discipline: Develop attention to detail, teamwork and discipline through parade drill and military routine.
- First Aid and Battlefield Casualty Care: Gain essential life-saving skills and learn how to respond to injuries in both training and operational environments.
- Military Skills and Knowledge: Introduction to Army structure, values, customs, and basic soldier responsibilities.
- Resilience and Teamwork: Build mental resilience and learn to work effectively within a team in high-pressure situations.
On successful completion of the Army Recruit Course, you’ll participate in a Graduation Parade and have the opportunity to invite family and friends to view the parade. You’ll then move on to your Initial Employment Training (IET), where you’ll learn the specific skills required for your chosen role.
Course: Army Technical and Trades Electronics Course (ATTES)
Duration: Subject to individual trade gap
Location: Army Logistic Training Centre (ALTC), Bandiana, Vic
Regardless of civilian qualifications held, you’ll undertake the ATTES to complete any trade gap training identified during the recognition process. You’ll also undertake military-specific trade training.
Depending on the amount of trade gap training delivered, you may have to complete a period of On-the-Job Training (OJT). If you’re required to complete a period of OJT, you’ll be posted to a Regional Training Centre in either Adelaide, Brisbane, Darwin or Townsville on completion of training.
You must be an Australian citizen to serve in the ADF. However, Australian permanent residents may be eligible. For more details, visit the "Citizenship" tab on the Eligibility Requirements page.
You can apply for a role in the ADF from 16.5 years of age and must be at least 17 to join. The maximum age to join is 54 years.
You don’t need a driver’s licence for this role but if you have one, it can’t be suspended or cancelled.
All ADF members require a security clearance. As an ADF member, you’ll need to obtain the appropriate level of security clearance for your role. You’ll need a collection of relevant information including background checks and/or interviews so the Australian Government Security Vetting Agency (AGSVA) can make an informed assessment to ensure the protection of Government resources and information. Your Careers Coach will explain what level of clearance is required for the career you are considering.
For more information or to learn about how security clearance will apply to you, view the eligibility requirements page.
Completion of Year 10 (or equivalent) education required with passes in English, Maths, Science (with a Physics component) and one other subject. If you haven't completed Year 10 but are interested in joining, the ADF may be able to support your application.
Partially Qualified: If you have any prior experience or training towards a Certificate III in Engineering - Electronics or experience in Electronics Technician, Communications Technician or Optical Technician, you may be able to receive recognition against some of the training content of your initial trade training.
You should present any trade paperwork you have attained at the recruiting interview to ensure that recognition can be completed prior to commencing initial trade training.
Any trade evidence submitted should contain the content of training undertaken (i.e. Units of Competencies, Statement of Attainment etc) and must be certified as a true copy of the original otherwise it will not be considered.
Note: Consumer Maths, Maths in Society and similarly 'modified' maths are not suitable for entry to the Army Technical and Trade Scheme.
To join the ADF, you must be healthy and physically fit. This is partially assessed from the completion of an extensive questionnaire covering your medical history, followed by a physical examination.
You’ll also be required to successfully pass a physical fitness assessment.
Female
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Push-ups: 4
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
Male
- Sit-ups (feet held): 20
- Push-ups: 8
- Shuttle Run Score: 6.1.
For further details on medical and physical fitness standards, refer to physical fitness standards for entry into the ADF and medical process for entry into the ADF.
You’ll be enlisted for an Initial Minimum Period of Service (IMPS) of 6 years. Subsequent periods of service may be offered subject to the requirements of the ADF and your suitability for further service. You’ll have a Careers Coach who can advise on how IMPS will relate to your chosen occupation and personal situation.
You may request discharge at any time provided you do not have an outstanding IMPS obligation.
Course: Army Recruit Course
Duration: 13 weeks
Location: Kapooka, Wagga Wagga, NSW
During training, you'll take part in physical training, weapon handling, and shooting, first aid, drill, and field craft. You'll be challenged both mentally and physically.
Although it can be demanding, most recruits gain a sense of achievement, purpose, and confidence during basic training, and on completion of the course feel justifiably proud of what they have accomplished. The priority of our instructors is to help you succeed.
Key components of the course include:
- Physical Fitness: Structured training to improve strength, endurance, and overall fitness, preparing you for the physical demands of Army life.
- Field Craft: Learn how to live and operate in field conditions, including camouflage, movement techniques, and working in outdoor environments.
- Weapons Handling and Marksmanship: Safe handling, maintenance, and use of Army-issued weapons, and participating in live-fire exercises.
- Drill and Discipline: Develop attention to detail, teamwork and discipline through parade drill and military routine.
- First Aid and Battlefield Casualty Care: Gain essential life-saving skills and learn how to respond to injuries in both training and operational environments.
- Military Skills and Knowledge: Introduction to Army structure, values, customs, and basic soldier responsibilities.
- Resilience and Teamwork: Build mental resilience and learn to work effectively within a team in high-pressure situations.
On successful completion of the Army Recruit Course, you’ll participate in a Graduation Parade and have the opportunity to invite family and friends to view the parade. You’ll then move on to your Initial Employment Training (IET), where you’ll learn the specific skills required for your chosen role.
Course: Army Technical and Trades Electronics Course (ATTES)
Duration: 2 years
Location: Army Logistic Training Centre (ALTC), Bandiana, Vic
Your initial trade training will be conducted at the Army School of Electrical and Mechanical Engineering (ASEME). The courses and competencies required for the Electronics Technician role are gained through successful completion of the ATTES. You’ll gain a thorough knowledge of electrical theory and maintenance techniques applicable to electronic instrument, communication and weapons systems used by the ADF.
Course: On-the-Job Training (OJT)
Duration: 12-14 months
Location: A Regional Training Centre
Following completion of the residential component of the course, you’ll be posted to a Regional Training Centre to complete the On-the-Job (OJT) Training program before becoming fully qualified.
After 6 years, you'll not only have Army trade proficiency but also excellent long-term employment prospects. Your trade training is fully accredited with exportability of that trade qualification into the civilian community providing a broader scope for your future employment.
On completion of your Initial Employment Training and OJT, you’ll be awarded a UEE30920 Certificate III in Electronics and Communications.
Throughout your career, you’ll also have opportunities to develop your skills with further specialist training.