Electronics Technician
As an Electronics Technician, you’ll be accountable for the serviceability, readiness and accuracy of the systems that make a ship a warship. You’ll ensure that advanced communication, navigation, surveillance, weapons, and other electronic systems are ready for action when and where needed.
What you'll do
You’ll take responsibility for the safety of your crewmates and lethality of your ship by providing radio communications and navigation safety services, or by identifying potential threats and ensuring your ship is able to defend itself. In doing so, you’ll get your hands on some of the most sophisticated electronic equipment.
You'll maintain, diagnose and repair complex communications, sensors and weapon systems, guaranteeing missiles, guns and anti-submarine torpedoes are fully operational. You’ll be expected to complete regular rounds, checking equipment to ensure the ship remains operational, and finding innovative solutions when problems present themselves.
Please note, Electronics Technicians do not maintain electrical services. If you’re looking for an electrical trade and have an interest in working with electrical power generation or high voltage systems, you may be better suited to employment as an Electrical Fitter.
Electronics Technicians will specialise as one of 4 streams, with responsibilities defined as follows:
Communications:
- internal communication systems (broadcast systems, telephone systems)
- external communication systems (HF, VHF, UHF radios, satellite communications).
Sensors:
- RADAR systems and displays (navigation, long-range air search)
- underwater systems (SONAR, torpedo counter measures, underwater telephone)
- navigation aids (gyrocompasses, inertial navigation systems, GPS)
- electronic warfare systems (electromagnetic signal interrogation systems).
Weapons:
- weapon systems (gun, missile and torpedo systems)
- hydraulic systems.
Fire Control:
- ships combat systems
- optical tracking systems
- The Fire Control specialisation may also operate the ship weapon systems from the ship’s operations room.
You'll also perform additional general duties that support the whole ship, including:
- ship security, firefighting and replenishment at sea
- boarding party, first aid, flood repair and flight deck
- assisting with medical, ammunitioning or ceremonial duties
- shift work, or on-call duties as required.
Opportunities for progression and upskilling continue throughout your career. As you progress, the Navy will provide you with development opportunities to assist you with your increasing leadership responsibility, as well as further education and specialised training within your chosen role. This will set you up to run a highly skilled team of sailors in a variety of tasks, both at sea and ashore.
Following training, you’ll serve in fleet units and shore establishments around Australia based on the Navy’s need.
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I'm an Electronics Technician in the Navy, we look after all the electronic systems on board ships and ashore.
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 57 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 hold a minimum of Certificate III in Engineering - Electrical / Electronic Trade and have your qualifications endorsed by Navy. This assessment will ensure you possess appropriate qualifications and will identify any Navy specific competencies you are required to complete after the New Entry Sailors Course.
If found satisfactory through this assessment, your recruiter will be advised that you satisfy the minimum-entry standards, and your application will be progressed. Your recruiter will organise this process for you.
Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL)
You may be required to undertake category training modules as necessary to align your civilian trade with the military. The number of modules and duration of training will be determined by the Training Authority.
The RPL process
- The first stage will consist of an assessment of RPL against the Royal Australian Navy recognised trade qualifications during the recruitment phase, to determine if Qualified Entry Sailor - Technical (QES-T) status can be awarded.
- The second stage of assessment of RPL will be conducted during recruit training and is to determine the level of advance standing to be granted. This will determine which pathway you’ll undertake to obtain additional competencies, underpinning knowledge and skills to meet the Navy's requirements.
Your RPL may involve a desktop audit and/or a personal interview with a trained RPL assessor and a subject matter expert. You’ll need to present your trade certificates, course result sheets and evidence of On the Job Training (OJT) and life experience at the interview for verification. The RPL assessor and the subject matter expert will interview you in order to determine whether you have sufficient knowledge and experience to be granted recognition of the subject module of training or competency outcome. The RPL interview may involve a test, including theory and/or practical work as required.
You can be granted RPL at all levels, provided the required competency level can be demonstrated. The aim of RPL is to reduce the amount of training the Navy is required to provide and minimise the amount of time you spend under training. It is not possible to guarantee the granting of RPL for any particular qualification, competency or experience before a full RPL assessment takes place.
To join the Navy, it's important that you meet the necessary medical and physical requirements. Regular exercise prior to joining will set you up for success as it is an important part of training and service life.
Once you join, Navy will support your physical conditioning to ensure you're prepared to serve. You'll also have access to chef-made meals, gyms, sports and fitness sessions run by physical training instructors. Throughout your Navy career, you’ll be expected to conduct an annual fitness test which includes a plank as well as either a beep test or run/walk or swim.
During the application process you’ll be assessed through a questionnaire about your medical history and a physical examination.
The Navy swim test
During Navy Military Training, whether heading to the New Entry Sailor Course (Recruit School) or the New Entry Officer Course, you'll need to pass a swim test wearing your uniform to graduate. This includes:
- safety jump off a 3m tower
- 10m underwater swim
- 50m swim using survival strokes
- treading water or floating for 15 minutes.
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 3 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.
For this role, you’ll require a Negative Vetting 2 (NV2) Security Clearance.
Course: New Entry Sailor Course (NESC)
Duration: 10 weeks
Location: Recruit School at HMAS Cerberus, Vic
You’ll conduct your initial sailor training at the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Recruit School prior to commencing specific category training. The NESC course is designed to prepare you to conduct basic duties as a sailor.
NESC Course
- Physical fitness: General fitness and the Navy swim test.
- Military life: General service knowledge, including drill and ceremonial procedures.
- Specialty skills: Weapons training, workplace safety, first aid and sailing.
- Navy skills: Seamanship, corrosion control, survival at sea and fire and flood control.
After successfully completing all components of the course, you’ll participate in a Graduation Parade to mark the occasion. You’ll have the opportunity to invite family and friends to view the parade.
On completion of your NESC course, you’ll proceed to your respective employment training.
Course: Electronics Technician Initial Technical Training
Duration: 48 weeks
Location: HMAS Cerberus, Vic
This course consists of technical theory and practical instruction and self-paced computer aided instruction.
Topics
- Fabricating, assembling and dismantling components.
- Fault finding and repairing complex power supplies.
- Solving electronic communications system problems.
- Selecting electronic components for assembly.
- Assembling, setting up and testing computing devices.
- Using engineering applications software.
- Installing and configuring client computer operating systems and software.
- Setting up and configuring basic local area networks (LAN).
On completion of this course, you will receive a Certificate III in Electronics and Communications.
Course: Specialisation Training
Duration: 11-15 weeks (dependent of specialisation)
Location: HMAS Cerberus, Vic
The specialisation course commences after completion of initial training. You’ll commence your work group training being a sensors, communications, weapons or fire control rate. You'll consolidate your training and learn basic principles and theories for your specialisation.
Further Navy specific training will be conducted to prepare you for your first deployment to sea, which includes Damage Control, Fire Fighting and Survival at Sea.
Equipment Training
On completion of your training at HMAS Cerberus, you’ll be required to complete Equipment Application Training. This gives you the specialist knowledge to maintain and/or operate various equipment onboard ships. The length and location of this training varies from one day to 9 months and could include some training in other countries.
You’ll be provided with common and specialist training at promotion from Leading Seaman to Petty Officer to Chief Petty Officer and to Warrant Officer ranks.
As you progress in your Navy career and complete further technical training and associated competencies, you may be entitled to the award of National Qualifications of Certificate IV in Electronics and Communications to a Diploma in Electronics and Communications. You may also have the opportunity to be selected into the Engineer Officer ranks to further your studies via Advanced Diploma or Degree entry schemes.
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 57 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 and Maths. If you haven't completed Year 10 but are interested in joining, the ADF may be able to support your application.
It’s recommended you have a talent for technical work - the ability to follow verbal and written instructions along with good hand-eye coordination.
To join the Navy, it's important that you meet the necessary medical and physical requirements. Regular exercise prior to joining will set you up for success as it is an important part of training and service life.
Once you join, Navy will support your physical conditioning to ensure you're prepared to serve. You'll also have access to chef-made meals, gyms, sports and fitness sessions run by physical training instructors. Throughout your Navy career, you’ll be expected to conduct an annual fitness test which includes a plank as well as either a beep test or run/walk or swim.
During the application process you’ll be assessed through a questionnaire about your medical history and a physical examination.
The Navy swim test
During Navy Military Training, whether heading to the New Entry Sailor Course (Recruit School) or the New Entry Officer Course, you'll need to pass a swim test wearing your uniform to graduate. This includes:
- safety jump off a 3m tower
- 10m underwater swim
- 50m swim using survival strokes
- treading water or floating for 15 minutes.
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 3 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.
For this role, you’ll require a Negative Vetting 2 (NV2) Security Clearance.
Course: New Entry Sailor Course (NESC)
Duration: 10 weeks
Location: Recruit School at HMAS Cerberus, Vic
You’ll conduct your initial sailor training at the Royal Australian Navy (RAN) Recruit School prior to commencing specific category training. The NESC course is designed to prepare you to conduct basic duties as a sailor.
NESC Course
- Physical fitness: General fitness and the Navy swim test.
- Military life: General service knowledge, including drill and ceremonial procedures.
- Specialty skills: Weapons training, workplace safety, first aid and sailing.
- Navy skills: Seamanship, corrosion control, survival at sea and fire and flood control.
After successfully completing all components of the course, you’ll participate in a Graduation Parade to mark the occasion. You’ll have the opportunity to invite family and friends to view the parade.
On completion of your NESC course, you’ll proceed to your respective employment training.
Course: Electronics Technician Initial Technical Training
Duration: 48 weeks
Location: HMAS Cerberus, Vic
This course consists of technical theory and practical instruction and self-paced computer aided instruction.
Topics
- Fabricating, assembling and dismantling components.
- Fault finding and repairing complex power supplies.
- Solving electronic communications system problems.
- Selecting electronic components for assembly.
- Assembling, setting up and testing computing devices.
- Using engineering applications software.
- Installing and configuring client computer operating systems and software.
- Setting up and configuring basic local area networks (LAN).
On completion of this course, you will receive a Certificate III in Electronics and Communications.
Course: Specialisation Training
Duration: 11-15 weeks (dependent of specialisation)
Location: HMAS Cerberus, Vic
The specialisation course commences after completion of initial training. You’ll commence your work group training being a sensors, communications, weapons or fire control rate. You'll consolidate your training and learn basic principles and theories for your specialisation.
Further Navy specific training will be conducted to prepare you for your first deployment to sea, which includes Damage Control, Fire Fighting and Survival at Sea.
Equipment Training
On completion of your training at HMAS Cerberus, you’ll be required to complete Equipment Application Training. This gives you the specialist knowledge to maintain and/or operate various equipment onboard ships. The length and location of this training varies from one day to 9 months and could include some training in other countries.
You’ll be provided with common and specialist training at promotion from Leading Seaman to Petty Officer to Chief Petty Officer and to Warrant Officer ranks.
As you progress in your Navy career and complete further technical training and associated competencies, you may be entitled to the award of National Qualifications of Certificate IV in Electronics and Communications to a Diploma in Electronics and Communications. You may also have the opportunity to be selected into the Engineer Officer ranks to further your studies via Advanced Diploma or Degree entry schemes.