going from computer engineering degree to avionics technician

[u/Past_Decision_9770]

Hello,

I have a degree in computer engineering. Honestly didn't like it and wasn't satisfied with my education. I realized I liked planes and I applied to an accredited Aircraft maintenance program specializing in the electronics/avionics. When applying for jobs after completing the Aircraft maintenance program should I put my computer engineering degree on the resume or would that make me overqualified. I've firmly decided to go this route, and at some point after a few years in the aircraft maintenance field, I'd like to transition back into engineering, having gained much experience. Would this switch from Aircraft maintenance to engineering with a computer engineering degree be relevant with the experience gained in the aircraft maintenance field especially in electronics/avionics? I'm basically asking what gaps would i need to fill to gain an engineering job after a few years in aircraft maintenance, also what roles would be open to me considering I have the computer engineering degree.

[u/West_Good_5961]

I did almost the reverse of this. Avionics tech to data engineer. There is almost zero in common with what these professions actually do. Yes, they’re both using computers in theory, but nobody terminating wires cares that you understand data structures.

As for leaving it on a resume, it’ll come down to the hiring manager’s personal attitude. Not a straight win.

[u/Comprehensive_Meat34]

You’re way overthinking this, if you’re in America you need to get an airframe and PowerPlant license first. Then you need to find aviation work. After that someone may let you take an avionics job. You have to build from within the industry first, and the AP license is that ticket to entry

[u/Comprehensive_Meat34 → u/Comprehensive_Meat34]

If you just want an aviation engineering job… just apply to the major airlines. The engineers make less than the mechanics generally, so it’s not really that hot of a job.

[u/Jetmutant]

West_good has your answer, While your degree will help with the mathematics portion of avionics, it will not kick the doors open. When doing avionics work it will be much more important to understand how to read a wire diagram and effectively use your DVM, software loads are as close as you’ll likely get to your current job. That said I highly recommend it!

[u/PepeleGamba → u/Jetmutant]

Amigo, sou do Brasil e quero cursar avionics. Quais livros são importantes estudar?

[u/Jetmutant → u/PepeleGamba]

Não tenho certeza, pois estou nos Estados Unidos e faz muito tempo que não estudo para provas 😄

[u/PepeleGamba → u/Jetmutant]

Foi muito esclarecedor

[u/JTD177]

As an avionics tech, I can tell you, knowing computer engineering is a helpful skill, the backbone of most new aircraft is almost exclusively computer controlled. My background in computers helped me understand the architecture of the computer systems on aircraft, I also have a degree in electrical engineering with a focus on circuit design. Reading schematics is probably the most useful skill I have in understanding and troubleshooting aircraft systems.

[u/Kalamakid]

If you can’t return the aircraft to service with an A&P cert then you’re not worth much money. Get your Airframe...

[u/brianthelion89]

Shooting wires isn’t really related. Degrees won’t make a huge difference. What will really matter is certifications or factory schools you’ve attended for the aircraft you will be working on. A good way to see if you’ll like avionics is dig under your dash in your car upside down while trying to follow one wire from one connector to the other. If that seems like it’s no fun then avionics will not be a good time. It also sucks if you’re a bigger person height or width wise.