A radar technician is an expert in all aspects of radar electronics who works on-site. Many government and civilian industries employ radar technicians. You’ll need a strong mind for electronics, proper training, and the ability to make quick decisions if you want to work as a radar technician. Your efforts will aid the proper operation of numerous communication and defense systems.
If you want to work as a radar technician, you’ll need to invest in your education. A bachelor’s degree in electronics technology is required for most technicians, and some advanced jobs require a master’s degree. Working with radar systems in the military is one way to gain technological training, physics knowledge, and radar insight without going to school. This is a popular option because military branches typically have high-tech equipment and knowledgeable personnel to train you in the many responsibilities of a radar technician.
When you work as a radar technician, your responsibilities will be varied, but they will always revolve around radar systems. Because you will be the on-site expert and have the proper knowledge of hooking up tracking equipment to a computer system, your primary job will be radar installation and setup. You’ll also need to know a lot about radar repair because you’ll be one of the few people on the team who knows how these complicated systems work and how to troubleshoot them. These are two of the most common jobs for a radar technician, but you may also be responsible for monitoring different radio bands, working as a satellite tracker, and other data-related duties.
To be successful as a radar technician, you’ll need a variety of skills to complement your daily responsibilities. Because you will frequently be repairing and monitoring multiple systems at the same time, you will need to have a routine in place to ensure that each one is properly cared for. Unless you work for a very large operation, you will most likely be the only technician on duty, and you must be able to work independently and make decisions on your own. In order to properly write reports and consult coworkers on technical radar terms in language that everyone can understand, you’ll also need strong communication skills.
When you work as a radar technician, your education, skills, and experience can take you to a variety of jobs. Government agencies are probably the most likely places to look for work in this field. Radar technology is used military installations, space exploration departments, and other organizations. Radars are also used some civilian companies, particularly communication companies that use satellite technology.