Avionics Instrument Technician

Columbia Helicopters; Aurora (OR); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Columbia Helicopters is seeking an Avionics Instrument Technician to perform line and bench maintenance on aircraft instruments and avionics components. You will inspect, troubleshoot, test, repair and install systems to keep aircraft mission-ready.

Join a team that values safety, quality and continuous improvement, with opportunities to work on CH-47/CH-46 platforms and to develop skills across electrical and avionics tasks.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent; further technical instruction preferred.
• 3+ years’ experience performing line and bench maintenance on avionics.
• A&P license preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Knowledge of wiring practices, crimp tools, and wire routing.
• Ability to read and interpret manuals, diagrams and schematics.

Responsibilities

• Read and interpret maintenance manuals, wiring diagrams, schematics or other data.
• Cleans and inspects components and wiring for damage or wear.
• Replaces or repairs damaged parts and wiring using tools and harnesses.
• Uses testers, meters and equipment to verify serviceability.
• Documents inspection findings and corrective actions in records.
• Maintains a clean, safe work area and adheres to tool/FOD control.

Skills

Line maintenance

Bench maintenance

Avionics components

Wiring practices

Precision tooling

Teamwork

English proficiency

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Technical education preferred

Tools

General hand tools

Special tools

Circuit testers

Precision measuring equipment

Job description

For over 65 years, Columbia Helicopters has been a trusted provider of heavy-lift helicopter services. We create new aircraft, fly heavy-lift helicopters around the world, and provide maintenance support to ensure you are mission-ready for critical operations. If you are passionate about aviation, join our ColumbiaFamily!

The Avionics Instrument Technician performs line and bench maintenance on a variety of aircraft instruments and avionics components. May perform flight line maintenance to include inspect, troubleshoot, test, repair and installation. You will perform bench level maintenance down to component level to include inspect, troubleshoot, test, align, repair and overhaul.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Read and interpret maintenance manuals, wiring diagrams, schematics or other technical data to determine the feasibility and method to perform the assigned task.
• Cleans and inspects components, component parts and aircraft wiring installations for damage and wear using visual examination and special tooling and equipment.
• Replaces or repairs damaged or worn component parts and wiring using general hand tools, special tools, pneumatic tools and precision measuring equipment. Assembles components and wire harnesses with same tools and equipment.
• Utilizing special tools, circuit testers, meters and equipment; performs tests and/or checks as required to confirm component and system serviceability.
• Document all inspection findings and work performed/corrective action in the appropriate maintenance records.
• Maintains work areas and tools in a clean and organized manner, practices proper tool and FOD control.
• Performs work safely and utilizes the appropriate technical data for the assigned task.
• Monitors and supports continuous improvement activities by utilizing Lean and continuous improvement tools striving to identify and eliminate waste in all its forms in an effort to improve quality and safety, decrease lead time and reduce cost.

WHAT WE NEED FROM YOU

• High school diploma or equivalent; further education or advance instruction relative to technical field is preferred.
• Requires 3+ years’ experience performing line and bench maintenance on a variety of aircraft instruments and avionics components.
• Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license preferred (Airframe license is equivalent to 1 year experience; Powerplant license is equivalent to 1 year experience; A&P license is equivalent to 2 years’ experience)
• Requires knowledge of standard wiring practices using contact crimp tools, inserting/extracting tools, wire stripping methods, connective types and contacts; experience with wire routing requirements.
• Ability to use precision measuring equipment and hand tools appropriate to the assigned tasks; general mechanics hand tools and appropriate tool box are required.
• CH-47 or CH-46 specific experience preferred; Military or commercial aviation avionics/electrical training preferred
• Ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment
• Ability to work independently and in a team-oriented environment
• Ability to work overtime and/or weekends as assigned dependent on production needs
• Ability to read, write and speak English proficiently
• Conduct oneself in accordance with Company’s Core Values
• Must meet International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) as a U.S. Person

WHAT YOU WILL LOVE ABOUT WORKING HERE:

At Columbia, we believe great people do their best work when they feel supported, challenged, and valued. We’re more than a workplace, we’re a team built on trust, collaboration, and a shared commitment to doing meaningful work.

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, financial wellness, and work-life balance. Depending on your role, this may include medical, dental, and vision coverage, retirement plans with company contributions, paid time off, and employee wellness resources.

We invest in our people. From training and development opportunities to internal mobility and leadership support, Columbia encourages continuous learning and long-term career growth.

Purpose-Driven Culture

Your work matters here. Every role contributes to our broader mission, and we believe in empowering employees to make an impact, share ideas, and help shape the future of the company.

A Team That Has Your Back

We foster a collaborative, inclusive environment where people are respected, encouraged, and supported. You’ll work alongside talented teammates who care about doing great work, and doing it together.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)