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2874 Career Guide

Marine Corps

2874: Metrology Technician

Career transition guide for Marine Corps Metrology Technician (2874)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2874 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Calibration Technician

$72K
High matchHigh demand

Quality Assurance Specialist

$65K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

ISO 9001 CertificationAuditing techniques

Metrologist

$85K
High matchHigh demand

Test Equipment Engineer

$95K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Electrical Engineering Degree or equivalent experienceProficiency in CAD software

Laboratory Manager

$78K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Project Management Professional (PMP) certificationBusiness management fundamentals

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2874 training built — and where they transfer.

Procedural Compliance

As a metrology technician, you rigorously adhere to calibration procedures and quality standards to ensure accuracy and traceability of measurements. This includes meticulous documentation and adherence to established protocols.

In civilian settings, your commitment to following established procedures translates into roles that demand precision, accuracy, and consistent adherence to protocols. This is valuable in regulated environments and quality control processes.

System Modeling

You develop a deep understanding of how various measurement systems operate, including their inputs, outputs, and interdependencies. You use this knowledge to troubleshoot issues and optimize performance.

Your ability to understand complex systems and how their components interact is highly valuable in fields that require system analysis, process improvement, or technical troubleshooting.

Resource Optimization

Managing a calibration facility requires efficient allocation of resources such as equipment, personnel, and supplies to maximize throughput and minimize downtime while adhering to budget constraints.

Your experience in optimizing resources within a calibration facility translates to skills applicable in roles that demand efficient resource allocation, budget management, and process improvement.

Situational Awareness

You maintain awareness of the status of various pieces of TMDE, calibration schedules, and potential issues that could impact the accuracy of measurements, ensuring timely maintenance and calibration.

Your ability to monitor and assess situations, anticipate potential problems, and proactively address them is transferable to civilian roles that require vigilance, risk management, and proactive problem-solving.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Quality Assurance Specialist

SOC 19-4041.00

You've been meticulously ensuring the accuracy and reliability of measurement equipment. Your experience in calibration and adherence to strict standards translates directly to ensuring quality in manufacturing or other industries, where you'll be responsible for verifying that products meet quality standards and specifications.

Laboratory Manager

SOC 11-9111.00

You've been managing a calibration laboratory, handling everything from equipment maintenance to quality control. This experience is highly relevant to managing a civilian research or testing lab. You'll leverage your skills in resource management, procedural compliance, and system optimization to ensure the efficient and accurate operation of the lab.

Technical Trainer

SOC 25-9041.00

You've been performing the duties as SNCOIC, TMDE School, deploying a calibration maintenance facility, and calibrating laboratory standards. Your deep understanding of metrology and calibration principles makes you an ideal candidate for training other technicians. You'll use your expertise to develop training programs, conduct hands-on instruction, and assess trainee competency.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Metrology Technician School, Marine Corps Detachment, Redstone Arsenal, AL

960 training hours24 weeksUp to 15 semester hours in metrology, quality control, and electronics.

Topics Covered

  • Calibration Principles and Practices
  • Measurement Standards and Traceability
  • Electronic Test Equipment Calibration
  • Mechanical Test Equipment Calibration
  • Optical and Dimensional Calibration
  • Quality Assurance and Laboratory Management
  • Automated Calibration Systems
  • Deployment and Operation of Calibration Facilities

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Calibration Technician (CCT)70% covered

Focus on specific civilian calibration standards, metrology best practices outside of the military, and documentation requirements.

ISO 9001 Lead Auditor50% covered

Study ISO 9001 requirements, auditing techniques, and corrective action processes in civilian manufacturing and service industries.

Recommended Next Certifications

Six Sigma Black BeltProject Management Professional (PMP)Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/USM-707 Radio Frequency Spectrum AnalyzerKeysight or Rohde & Schwarz Spectrum Analyzers
TMDE Automated Calibration System (TACS)Calibration Management Software (e.g., IndySoft, Beamex CMX)
Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM)Coordinate Measuring Machine (CMM) - brands like Zeiss, Hexagon
Laser TrackerLaser Tracker - brands like Leica, FARO
Optical ComparatorsVision Systems / Video Measurement Systems (e.g., OGP, Starrett)
Multifunction CalibratorMultifunction Process Calibrator (e.g., Fluke 754, GE Druck DPI 620)
Standards Laboratory Management System (SLMS)Laboratory Information Management System (LIMS)

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