Defense Electronics Technician Jobs in Tucson, AZ
Defense electronics technicians build, solder, test, and repair the circuit cards and electronic assemblies that go into radar, missiles, and communications systems - and in Tucson that work is dominated by Raytheon, the region's largest private employer. These are hands-on, clearance-gated jobs: most require U.S. citizenship and an IPC soldering certification, and they pay well for skilled work that needs no four-year degree. Pima Community College and military electronics training are the common entry routes into the field.
Current Electronics Technician Openings in Tucson, AZ
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Top Tucson Employers Hiring Defense Electronics Technicians
Defense electronics jobs in Tucson concentrate at major contractors and manufacturers. Each link lands on current openings:
- Raytheon / RTX - the area's largest private employer, hiring electronics, assembly, and test technicians for missiles, radar, and RF systems (clearance and U.S. citizenship required).
- Universal Avionics - the Tucson avionics manufacturer hiring electronic technicians for bench assembly, test, and repair.
- L3Harris and General Atomics - defense, ISR, and unmanned-systems electronics roles.
- Sargent Aerospace and Lunewave - electronic and test technician roles in aerospace and sensor manufacturing.
- Celestica - contract electronics manufacturing for aerospace and defense customers.
- World View and Parker Hannifin - electronics assembly for space systems and aerospace components.
Defense Electronics Technician Salaries in Tucson
- Entry-level: about $44,000 - $54,000 per year ($21 - $26 per hour)
- Experienced: about $54,000 - $69,000 per year ($26 - $33 per hour)
- Senior / cleared / test / lead: about $69,000 - $87,000+ per year ($33 - $42 per hour)
These are estimates that vary by employer, certification, and clearance. An active security clearance is one of the strongest pay multipliers, test and rework specialties pay toward the top, and many employers add shift differentials and tuition reimbursement. IPC certifications and demonstrated soldering skill move you up the range quickly.
How to Become a Defense Electronics Technician in Tucson
You do not need a four-year degree. The common routes are an associate degree in electronics, available through Pima Community College, or military electronics training, with entry-level assembly roles open to those with a high school diploma and relevant experience. The certifications that matter most are IPC standards - IPC-J-STD-001 for soldering, IPC-A-610 for assembly acceptability, and IPC/WHMA-A-620 for cable and harness work - and many employers administer a timed soldering test during hiring. Because this is defense work, most positions require U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance.
What the Job Involves
A Tucson defense electronics technician hand-solders and reworks circuit cards, assembles electronic boxes, RF units, and cable harnesses, reads assembly drawings and work instructions, and operates test equipment to troubleshoot assemblies down to the component level. At Raytheon that might mean building or repairing missile and radar electronics, working closely with engineering, test, and quality assurance teams. The work is precise and microscope-aided, performed onsite in secure facilities, and governed by strict IPC workmanship standards and documentation.
Skills Employers Look For
- IPC soldering certification (J-STD-001, A-610, or 620)
- Hand soldering, rework, and microsoldering skill
- Ability to read schematics and assembly drawings
- Comfort with test equipment and troubleshooting
- Steady hands and meticulous attention to detail
- U.S. citizenship and clearance eligibility
Career Path & Advancement
Defense electronics offers a clear, well-paid ladder in Tucson. A common path runs from electronics assembler to electronics technician, then into test technician or rework and repair specialist roles, and on to lead technician, IPC trainer, or manufacturing and test engineering support. Maintaining a security clearance and stacking IPC certifications are the main accelerators, and Raytheon's large operation provides a deep internal ladder for technicians who want to grow.
Related Careers in Tucson
If you are exploring electronics and defense-industry careers in Tucson, these related guides are worth a look:
- Avionics Technician Jobs in Tucson, AZ
- Aerospace Jobs in Tucson, AZ
- Cybersecurity Jobs in Tucson, AZ
- Engineering Jobs in Tucson, AZ
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a security clearance for defense electronics jobs in Tucson?
Most do require one. Defense electronics roles at Raytheon and similar contractors generally require U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a DoD security clearance, often at the Secret level, since only U.S. citizens are eligible. Some commercial electronics manufacturing roles do not require a clearance.
What certification do you need to be a defense electronics technician in Tucson?
The key credentials are IPC standards: IPC-J-STD-001 for soldering, IPC-A-610 for assembly acceptability, and IPC/WHMA-A-620 for cable and harness work. Many Tucson employers also administer a timed hands-on soldering test during hiring to verify your skill level.
How much do defense electronics technicians make in Tucson?
Entry-level defense electronics technicians in Tucson generally earn about $21 to $26 per hour, experienced technicians roughly $26 to $33 per hour, and senior, cleared, test, or lead roles around $33 to $42 per hour. An active clearance and IPC certifications push pay toward the top.
Do you need a degree to work in defense electronics in Tucson?
No. Most roles are open to those with an associate degree in electronics from Pima Community College or equivalent military training, and entry-level assembly positions accept a high school diploma plus relevant experience. IPC certifications and demonstrated soldering skill matter more than a four-year degree.
Which Tucson employers hire defense electronics technicians?
Raytheon is by far the largest employer, joined by the avionics manufacturer Universal Avionics, defense companies L3Harris and General Atomics, aerospace and sensor makers Sargent Aerospace and Lunewave, contract manufacturer Celestica, and electronics assembly at World View and Parker Hannifin.
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