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15E Career Guide

Army

15E: Unmanned Aircraft Systems Repairer

Career transition guide for Army Unmanned Aircraft Systems Repairer (15E)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 15E veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Avionics Technician

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA A&P License

Wind Turbine Technician

$60K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

OSHA Safety CertificationsClimbing/Rescue trainingSpecific turbine manufacturer certifications

Robotics Technician

$65K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

PLC ProgrammingRobotics certifications (e.g., FANUC, ABB)

Field Service Technician (Electrical/Electronics)

$68K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Strong customer service skillsSpecific product training (varies by industry)

Maintenance Supervisor

$80K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Project management certification (e.g., PMP)Lean Six Sigma certificationBachelor's Degree in related technical field (preferred)

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 15E training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

You develop a deep understanding of complex systems, from aircraft electrical systems to radio frequency paths. You use schematics and technical manuals to create mental models of how these systems function, enabling you to diagnose and repair malfunctions efficiently.

Your ability to understand and visualize complex systems translates directly into being able to design, analyze, and optimize processes and workflows in various industries.

Procedural Compliance

You strictly adhere to technical manuals, safety procedures, and operational policies when diagnosing, repairing, and maintaining unmanned aircraft systems. Your meticulous approach ensures the safety and reliability of these complex machines.

Your commitment to following procedures and maintaining high standards of quality is invaluable in regulated industries where compliance is critical.

After-Action Analysis

You evaluate maintenance operations, analyze trends, and apply maintenance management principles to improve efficiency and prevent future issues. You use your insights to refine processes and enhance the overall performance of your team.

Your ability to analyze past performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions is essential for driving continuous improvement and achieving organizational goals.

Situational Awareness

From launch to recovery, you maintain constant awareness of your surroundings and the status of your systems. You quickly identify potential hazards, adapt to changing conditions, and ensure the safe and effective operation of unmanned aircraft systems.

Your ability to stay alert, anticipate potential problems, and react quickly in dynamic environments is highly valued in roles that require quick thinking and decisive action.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Robotics Technician

SOC 49-9062

You've been working with sophisticated electromechanical systems for years. As a Robotics Technician, you’ll apply your troubleshooting and repair skills to maintain and improve robotic systems in manufacturing, healthcare, or logistics.

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9099

You're already skilled in maintaining complex electromechanical systems and understand the importance of safety. As a Wind Turbine Technician, you’ll leverage your expertise to inspect, maintain, and repair wind turbines, contributing to renewable energy production.

Quality Assurance Analyst

SOC 19-4041

You're trained to ensure maintenance operations comply with all directives and technical manuals. Now, as a Quality Assurance Analyst, you’ll use your attention to detail and analytical skills to evaluate products, processes, and systems, ensuring they meet the highest standards of quality.

Field Service Engineer

SOC 49-2098

You're adept at diagnosing and repairing complex equipment in the field, often under pressure. As a Field Service Engineer, you’ll apply your technical expertise to install, maintain, and repair equipment at customer sites, ensuring optimal performance and customer satisfaction.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS) Repairer Course, Fort Huachuca, Arizona

840 training hours21 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended in aviation maintenance technology or electronics technology

Topics Covered

  • UAS Electrical Systems Troubleshooting
  • UAS Avionics Repair
  • Radio Frequency Systems Maintenance
  • Propulsion Systems Diagnostics
  • Fuel Systems Repair
  • Optical Payload Maintenance
  • Weapon Systems Maintenance
  • Ground Control Station Maintenance

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic60% covered

Formal A&P certification requires passing FAA written, oral, and practical exams. Military training provides a strong foundation, but specific A&P knowledge and hands-on experience with civilian aircraft models is needed. Focus on FAA regulations, reciprocating engine theory, and sheet metal repair.

Certified Electronics Technician (CET)70% covered

While the 15E training provides a solid foundation in electronics, the CET exam covers a broad range of topics. Study consumer electronics, industrial electronics, and digital electronics to fill the gaps.

CompTIA Network+40% covered

The 15E role involves some networking knowledge. Study more advanced networking concepts, including network security, cloud networking, and network troubleshooting, to successfully pass the exam.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Maintenance Manager (CMM)Lean Six Sigma Green BeltCertified Professional Maintenance Manager (CPMM)

Technical Systems Translation

Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
RQ-7 Shadow UASSmall Unmanned Aircraft System (sUAS) repair technician working on platforms like the DJI Matrice or Parrot ANAFI.
Ground Control Station (GCS)Remote control and monitoring software and hardware for drones; similar to drone ground stations used in commercial drone operations.
Common Aviation Ground Equipment (CAGE)General purpose aviation maintenance tools and diagnostic equipment (multimeters, oscilloscopes, etc.) found in civilian aviation maintenance shops.
Forward Area Refueling Equipment (FARE)Mobile fuel truck and dispensing systems used at small airports or for agricultural aviation.
AN/USM-704(V) Aviation Communication System Test SetAvionics test equipment for simulating radio frequency (RF) signals and testing communication systems, similar to Aeroflex or IFR avionics testers.
Battlefield Aviation Repair Program (BARP)Aviation maintenance management and tracking software, similar to MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) software used in civilian aviation.
Army Oil Analysis Program (AOAP)Oil analysis and diagnostics services offered by companies like Bureau Veritas or ALS Tribology, used to monitor equipment health.

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