This wide area of aviation-based electronics provides opportunities to work on aircraft, spacecraft and artificial satellites. The 400 aerospace firms in Canada have created a large number of jobs for graduates, and a variety of positions exist within this field of work.
Avionics technicians are usually involved in the inspection, testing and repair of electrical equipment, for which they receive an hourly rate of between C
$17.10 and C
$20.30. Entry into the profession is ususally by post-secondary training and an apprenticeship. Engineers in this field tend to have greater involvement in design and project planning, producing wiring assembly drawings and ground/flight test plans and reports, as well as ensuring compliance with Transport Canada.
Higher positions such as project managers generally require a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering and several years’ experience of avionics management. Project managers can expect to be in charge of capturing customer requirements, writing proposals and directing the design project. Salaries will be between C
$80,000 and C
$100,000.