Defense Electronics Technician Jobs in Arlington, TX
Defense electronics is a quiet powerhouse in the DFW economy, and Arlington workers are right in the middle of it. Raytheon, L3Harris, and Elbit America build the radars, sensors, communications, and mission systems that go on military aircraft and vehicles, and they hire technicians to build, test, and troubleshoot those electronics to exacting military standards.
Current electronics technician Openings in Arlington, TX
Listings marked External are sponsored openings provided by the Jobs2Careers network.
Top Arlington Employers Hiring Defense Electronics Technicians
These DFW-area employers hire defense electronics and test techs within reach of Arlington.
- Raytheon (RTX) - radar, missiles, and sensor electronics.
- L3Harris - communications and mission systems electronics.
- Elbit America - defense sensors and electronic systems.
- Lockheed Martin - avionics and mission systems test.
- Peraton - defense systems support and integration.
- DFW defense electronics contractors - circuit card assembly and test roles.
Defense Electronics Technician Salaries in Arlington
- Entry (electronic assembler, IPC-certified): about $20 to $27 per hour.
- Experienced (test/RF tech, 3 to 7 years): about $28 to $42 per hour.
- Senior (lead, integration, cleared): about $44 to $58+ per hour.
These are estimates and vary by clearance and program. A security clearance and RF or test specialization push earnings to the top of the range, with strong defense benefits.
How to Become a Defense Electronics Technician in Arlington
A common path is an electronics technology associate degree or certificate from Tarrant County College, plus IPC-A-610 and J-STD soldering certifications that employers prize. Some techs come from military electronics backgrounds. There is no Texas state license for the role. Defense programs require U.S. citizenship and the ability to obtain a Secret or higher security clearance.
What the Job Involves
Techs assemble and solder circuit card assemblies, wire harnesses, and chassis; set up and run functional and environmental tests; and troubleshoot to the component level. Work follows military and IPC standards with strict documentation and ESD control.
Skills Employers Look For
- Electronics fundamentals and troubleshooting
- IPC-A-610 / J-STD-001 soldering certification
- Ability to read schematics and use test equipment
- RF or environmental test experience a plus
- U.S. citizenship and ability to hold a clearance
Career Path and Advancement
Techs move from assembly into test, RF, and integration roles, then into lead, engineering support, or quality. Holding an active clearance greatly expands options and pay across DFW defense contractors.
Related Careers in Arlington
These related Arlington roles share electronics and defense skills.
- Avionics Technician Jobs
- Electrical Engineer Jobs
- Electronics Assembler Jobs
- Aerospace Quality Inspector Jobs
Frequently Asked Questions
Do you need a license to be a defense electronics technician in Texas?
No state license is required. Employers value IPC-A-610 and J-STD soldering certifications, but these are industry credentials, not state licenses.
How long does it take to become a defense electronics technician?
An electronics associate degree takes about two years, though certificate programs plus IPC certification can get you hired faster.
Do defense electronics jobs near Arlington require a security clearance?
Yes, most do. Roles at Raytheon, L3Harris, and Elbit America typically require U.S. citizenship and a Secret or higher clearance.
Can you work as a defense electronics technician remotely?
No. The work uses labs, test benches, and controlled facilities, so it is on-site.
Which Arlington-area employer pays defense electronics techs the most?
Raytheon, L3Harris, and cleared RF or integration roles generally pay at the top of the local range.
Ready to apply? Browse all defense electronics technician jobs in Arlington, TX on LocalJobPage and apply today.