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2A031A Career Guide

Air Force

2A031A: Avionics Test Station and Component Specialist

Career transition guide for Air Force Avionics Test Station and Component Specialist (2A031A)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2A031A veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Avionics Technician

$78K
High matchHigh demand

Electronics Technician

$65K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Specific industry certifications (e.g., CompTIA)PLC Programming

Calibration Technician

$68K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Calibration certifications (e.g., NCSL)Metrology training

Aerospace Engineering Technician

$67K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

CAD software proficiencyAerospace-specific regulations

Field Service Engineer (Avionics)

$85K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Strong customer service skillsOEM specific training

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2A031A training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

You constantly use system modeling to understand how various avionics components interact within complex systems like radar, electronic warfare, and flight control. You mentally map these interactions to troubleshoot and maintain the equipment effectively.

Your ability to understand complex systems and how their components interact makes you excellent at analyzing and predicting system behavior, valuable in fields requiring understanding of interconnected processes.

Procedural Compliance

Your role demands strict adherence to maintenance standards, safety regulations, and directives for handling hazardous materials. You ensure every task complies with established protocols to maintain operational readiness and safety.

Your disciplined approach to following procedures and protocols translates directly into roles where regulatory compliance and standardized processes are critical for maintaining quality, safety, and operational integrity.

Degraded-Mode Operations

When avionics systems malfunction or operate in a degraded state, you use your skills to troubleshoot, diagnose, and implement temporary fixes to keep the systems operational until full repairs can be made.

Your expertise in maintaining functionality under duress makes you a perfect fit for jobs that must continue even when things go wrong. Your skills at troubleshooting and creative problem-solving will keep things running smoothly.

Situational Awareness

You maintain constant awareness of the status of avionics equipment, environmental conditions, and potential hazards while performing maintenance and repairs. You anticipate problems and take proactive measures to prevent incidents.

Your ability to stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings, coupled with your proactive approach to problem-solving, makes you incredibly valuable in roles where anticipating and mitigating risks are paramount for safety and efficiency.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9086

You've been maintaining complex electronic and mechanical systems, troubleshooting malfunctions, and ensuring optimal performance, just like wind turbine technicians do. Your avionics background gives you a strong foundation in electrical systems, diagnostics, and safety protocols, all essential for maintaining wind turbines. Plus, your ability to work independently and as part of a team makes you an ideal candidate.

Robotics Technician

SOC 49-9062

Your experience with avionics systems translates seamlessly to robotics. You've been working with electronic, mechanical, and computer-controlled systems, diagnosing faults, and performing repairs. As a robotics technician, you'll apply those same skills to maintain and repair robotic systems used in manufacturing, healthcare, and other industries. Your problem-solving abilities and attention to detail will be invaluable.

Building Automation Systems Technician

SOC 49-9021

You've been working with integrated electronic systems, performing maintenance, and ensuring optimal functionality in avionics. Building automation systems technicians do the same for heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, and security systems in buildings. Your troubleshooting skills and ability to read schematics will be highly valued in this field.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Avionics Test Station Specialist Course, Sheppard AFB, TX

1,100 training hours28 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended in electronics technology

Topics Covered

  • Avionics Systems Theory and Operation
  • Electronic Warfare Systems Diagnostics
  • Radar Systems Maintenance
  • Communication Systems Repair
  • Test Equipment Calibration Procedures
  • Circuit Analysis and Troubleshooting
  • Hazardous Materials Handling

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Electronics Technician (CET)70% covered

Requires studying specific electronics principles, troubleshooting methodologies, and industry standards not explicitly covered in the military training. Focus on current industry best practices.

ETA International - Avionics Technician60% covered

Needs additional study in areas like digital avionics systems, aircraft communication and navigation systems, and FAA regulations.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Test Engineer (CTE)ASQ Certified Calibration Technician (CCT)CompTIA Network+Project Management Professional (PMP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/USM-636(V) Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) Test SetFLIR camera test and calibration equipment
AN/APM-424(V) Radar Test SetRadar signal generators and analyzers
AN/ALM-243 Electronic Warfare (EW) Test SetRF and microwave test equipment for EW systems
Common Munitions Built-In Test (BIT) Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE)Automated test equipment (ATE) for guided munitions
Integrated Avionics Support System (IASS)Aerospace component maintenance and repair software
Automated Test Equipment (ATE) StationsAutomated test equipment platforms
Joint Service Electronic Combat Systems Tester (JSECST)Electronic warfare simulation and testing software

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