A study explored the relationship between literacy and on-the-job performance. Subjects were 29 electronics technicians who were employed at a technical school, a naval base, a major Fortune 500 electronics plant, and a small local electronics plant. Subjects, classified according to three different employment levels (training, experienced, and supervisory), were observed, interviewed, tested, and rated according to job performance. Results indicated significant differences among experience levels in terms of literacy abilities, job literacy demands, and literacy strategies and purposes employed on the job. In addition, there appeared to be relationships between electronics technicians' rated job performance and their ability to handle job literacy demands. Superior job performers seem to be able to express and explain to others the important aspects of what they read. (DF)