What does a radio mechanic do?

What is a Radio Mechanic?

A radio mechanic is a technical professional who builds, operates and repairs the equipment necessary for radio communications. Radio mechanics test new equipment, develop new technologies that make it possible to communicate more reliably and over longer distances, replace defective parts, troubleshoot malfunctioning radio equipment and complete repairs for individuals, organizations and the military. Many mechanics must also be innovators with a talent for improvising workable communication solutions in harsh environments and inclement weather, using limited parts.

What does a Radio Mechanic do?

A radio mechanic is an applied scientist and communications professional who builds, repairs, enhances and protects radio equipment. Some radio mechanics work in the public sector, selling electronic equipment and performing repairs on broken home radios and car stereos. Others specialize in inspecting and certifying radio equipment used in civil aviation, the freight industry and the military. Radio mechanics must often identify and fix problems on the fly, with limited access to repair equipment and spare components.

The duties of both civil and military radio mechanics may extend to erecting and repairing communications towers, positioning equipment within the tower and adjusting the antennas for optimum reception. Others specialize in inspecting radio equipment and accessories; these mechanics must be thoroughly familiar with applicable building and communications regulations and are responsible for ensuring that all equipment is correctly and safely installed and poses no danger to people nearby. During an inspection, a radio mechanic must also examine the relevant electrical connections and determine if they are properly grounded and insulated.

Many radio mechanics are responsible for operating cranes and other heavy lifting equipment; these professionals must use this equipment to position the large, heavy components of a radio array, and must often do so without help. Other mechanics enjoy the luxury of co-workers assigned to help with these tasks. However, even radio mechanics employed by large, wealthy companies are often expected to be proficient with hand and power tools and to conduct most repairs themselves.

What is the workplace of a Radio Mechanic like?

Radio mechanics may work in many different environments. Local mechanics who sell consumer radios and execute basic repairs may work at an electronics retailer or home hardware store; others have a home or basement workshop and advertise their services on billboards, television or the Internet.

Military radio mechanics may work in a shop or office on a base or other military installation; they may also be dispatched into combat zones, where they need to keep radio communications intact in dangerous areas where flying bullets, bombs, missiles and guerrilla attacks are constant threats.

Civilian radio mechanics may have to travel frequently, especially if they work for the government, a major corporation, or a university, and are responsible for inspecting equipment scattered over a large area. Because radio communications are so important throughout the world, many radio mechanics have to work overtime shifts, nights and weekends; in many cases they must also be "on call" 24 hours a day to address any emergencies that arise, even on major holidays.

A radio mechanic should also be prepared to work in the wilderness and often at great heights; radio towers are often placed on mountains so as to avoid signal interruption, so mechanics who are installing these towers or performing maintenance on them have to be comfortable working in the wilderness.

Aircraft (civilian and military) and seafaring vessels are other common workplace environments for engineers and radio mechanics. This is crucial work, since radio transmissions are often the only method of communication available in such settings. American radio mechanics who work in aviation or on marine vessels must be licensed by the Federal Communications Commission; those in other countries must submit to other applicable licensing regulations.