Navigation Systems Technician

A Navigation Systems Technician is skilled in troubleshooting navigational systems in aircraft, automobiles, or watercraft. They must be able to understand complex systems, and stay up to date on newer technologies that might replace older systems. These systems often use GPS or inertial navigation systems, or are satellite-based, and a Navigation Systems Technician must be able to accurately read and interpret the data provided by these systems during troubleshooting efforts.

Educational Background

Most Navigation Systems Technicians learn their trade in technical schools or community colleges that offer the necessary training. While many 4-year universities do not offer degrees directly related to this field, sometimes students who major in physics or engineering can specialize in related areas that include coursework in navigation systems. However, it’s likely that the majority of those working in this role have received hands-on training from a trade school or technical college.

Skills and Experience

Navigation Systems Technicians work in a few primary industries, such as the aerospace industry, the automotive industry, and the watercraft industry. Thus, the environment in which they work often varies, and can change even within a specific industry. Nonetheless, there are certain universal skills and experience that is necessary to excel in this field.

• A Navigation Systems Technician should be skilled in reading and interpreting technical schematics.
• They should be able to understand the technology behind GPS, INS, and satellite-based navigational systems.
• The ability to interpret navigation data is essential for these technicians.
• Troubleshooting complex systems and being able to understand the problem-solving process quickly is required.
• Navigation Systems Technicians should be familiar with various software programs that assist in troubleshooting, as well as equipment such as oscilloscopes and logic analyzers.

Challenges

While the field of navigation systems is innovative, and new advances provide more precise navigation techniques, Navigation Systems Technicians face some consistent challenges within the role.

• Navigation Systems Technicians must be able to keep up with the latest technological developments in the field of navigation. With the speed at which technology changes, this can be a constant challenge.
• Similarly, they must complete continuing education units (CEUs) in order to maintain their skill levels and stay current on new technologies and industry practices.
• Deciphering complex technical schematics and understanding how the intricate systems that are modern navigational systems work can be challenging.

Career Growth

While many Navigation Systems Technicians go on to work within their specific industry, some do move into roles of more authority or leadership. A Navigation Systems Technician could become the Lead Technician on a project, or be promoted to an Engineering or Management position. Some may even become Sales Representatives for manufacturers of navigation systems.

Personality Traits and Values

As with any role that involves troubleshooting complex systems and requires the use of specialized tools, equipment, and software, a Navigation Systems Technician should be detail-oriented, and have the ability to focus for extended periods of time. They should have a knack for problem-solving and be able to think through a process logically. Above all, the ability to interpret information and data, and then translate that information into actionable solutions is a vital personality trait or value that will benefit someone in this role.

Projects

Depending on the industry in which they work, the projects undertaken by Navigation Systems Technicians may vary.

• In the aerospace industry, they may be responsible for installing, testing, and maintaining navigation systems on aircraft.
• In the automotive industry, they may be responsible for developing and testing navigation systems for cars and trucks.
• In the watercraft industry, they may be responsible for designing and implementing navigation systems for boats and ships.

No matter what industry they work in, Navigation Systems Technicians play an important role in ensuring that people can travel safely and efficiently.

Self-Guided Learning

To better prepare for this role, there are some self-guided projects and activities that students can undertake.

• Take online courses that teach the basics of navigation systems, such as those offered on platforms such as Coursera or edX.
• Build a basic navigation system using a microcontroller and a GPS module.
• Attend industry conferences and workshops to learn about the latest developments in navigation systems.

By completing these activities, students can gain the skills and knowledge they need to be successful in this field.

Online Courses

Online courses can be a great way to learn about navigation systems and prepare for a career in this field. These courses can provide students with a solid foundation in the principles of navigation, as well as the practical skills needed to troubleshoot and repair navigation systems.

Online courses can be especially helpful for students who do not have access to traditional educational programs. They can also be a great way to supplement the learning of students who are already enrolled in a navigation systems program.

However, it is important to note that online courses alone are not enough to prepare someone for a career as a Navigation Systems Technician. While they can provide a strong foundation in the principles of navigation, they do not provide the hands-on experience that is necessary to work on real-world systems.

Therefore, students who are interested in this field should consider supplementing their online learning with hands-on experience. This can be done through internships, apprenticeships, or by volunteering to work on navigation systems in their community.