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2A031D Career Guide

Air Force

2A031D: Avionics Test Station Specialist

Career transition guide for Air Force Avionics Test Station Specialist (2A031D)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2A031D veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Avionics Technician

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Electronics Engineering Technician

$72K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Associate's Degree in Electronics Engineering Technology

Calibration Technician

$68K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

ISO 9001 Calibration Certification

Aerospace Engineering Technician

$65K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

CAD Software ProficiencyMaterials Science Knowledge

Field Service Engineer (Avionics)

$85K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Strong Customer Service SkillsProject Management Experience

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2A031D training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

Troubleshooting complex avionics systems requires understanding how different components interact and affect the overall system performance. You create mental models to predict behavior and isolate faults.

You can apply this skill to understand and optimize complex processes in any industry, predicting outcomes and identifying areas for improvement.

Procedural Compliance

Adhering to strict maintenance standards, safety protocols, and technical directives is crucial for ensuring the reliability and safety of avionics systems. You are trained to follow procedures meticulously.

Your commitment to following established procedures and regulations makes you valuable in roles requiring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to industry standards.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You are adept at identifying workarounds when systems fail to operate within normal parameters. You are experienced at making critical decisions during stressful and complex situations.

Your proficiency in identifying problems and implementing short-term solutions while maintaining safety and compliance, translates to success in any business environment.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining awareness of the operational environment, equipment status, and potential hazards is essential for safe and effective avionics maintenance. You're constantly assessing the situation to anticipate and mitigate risks.

You can leverage this heightened awareness to identify potential problems, adapt to changing circumstances, and make informed decisions in dynamic civilian environments.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9086

You've been maintaining and repairing complex electromechanical systems, so you're well-prepared to handle the challenges of wind turbine maintenance. Your troubleshooting skills and understanding of electrical systems are directly transferable.

Robotics Technician

SOC 49-9092

You've been working with intricate electronic and mechanical systems, including computer-controlled avionics test equipment. This makes you a great candidate to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair industrial robots, using your existing skills in diagnostics and repair.

Building Automation Systems Technician

SOC 49-9021

You've been maintaining and repairing complex electrical systems, you're well-prepared to troubleshoot and repair building automation systems that control HVAC, lighting, and security. Your knowledge of control systems and diagnostics is directly applicable.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Avionics Test Station Specialist Technical Training, Sheppard AFB, TX

960 training hours24 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended in avionics maintenance and electronics technology.

Topics Covered

  • Avionics principles and theory
  • Electronic warfare systems maintenance
  • Radar systems diagnostics and repair
  • Communication systems troubleshooting
  • Test station operation and maintenance
  • Calibration procedures
  • Technical order (TO) interpretation
  • Hazardous materials handling

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Electronics Technician (CET)70% covered

Focus on troubleshooting consumer electronics, specific industry standards outside of military avionics, and current electronics manufacturing processes.

Certified Test Technician (CTT)60% covered

Study metrology principles and calibration standards beyond military-specific equipment. Review statistical process control (SPC) techniques used in manufacturing quality control.

CompTIA A+40% covered

Focus on current PC hardware, operating systems, mobile devices, and networking fundamentals as they apply to general IT support, not specifically avionics systems.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Aviation Technician (Avionics) - Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC)Certified Quality Technician (CQT) - American Society for Quality (ASQ)Project Management Professional (PMP) - Project Management Institute (PMI)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Automated Test Equipment (ATE) - various models (e.g., AN/USM-672, AN/USM-707)Automated Test Equipment (ATE) - Teradyne, Keysight, National Instruments
AN/ALQ-213 Electronic Warfare Management SystemElectronic Warfare Simulation and Testing - Keysight, Rohde & Schwarz
AN/APG-83 Scalable Agile Beam Radar (SABR)Advanced Radar Systems - Raytheon, Lockheed Martin
Common Munitions Built-in Test (BIT) Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE)Embedded System Diagnostic and Reprogramming Tools
Joint Service Electronic Combat Systems Tester (JSECST)RF and Microwave Signal Analyzers - Keysight, Anritsu
Integrated Avionics Test Stations (IATS)Aerospace Component Testing and Simulation Platforms
Cryptographic equipment (e.g., KIV-7M, KG-250)Hardware Security Modules (HSMs) and encryption key management systems - Thales, Entrust

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