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2A051 Career Guide

Air Force

2A051: Avionics Test Station Specialist

Career transition guide for Air Force Avionics Test Station Specialist (2A051)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2A051 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Avionics Technician

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Electronics Engineering Technician

$72K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Advanced Circuit AnalysisPrinted Circuit Board (PCB) Design

Calibration Technician

$65K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

ISO 17025 CertificationMetrology Principles

Field Service Technician (Avionics Focus)

$78K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Customer service skillsSpecific OEM product training

Quality Control Inspector (Aerospace)

$60K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

AS9100 auditingLean Six Sigma

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2A051 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As an avionics technician, you routinely analyze complex systems, including radar, sensors, communication, and electronic warfare systems. You create mental models to understand how these systems interact and predict potential points of failure.

This skill translates directly to understanding and troubleshooting complex systems in civilian industries, allowing you to quickly grasp intricate processes and identify areas for improvement.

Procedural Compliance

You're deeply familiar with adhering to strict maintenance standards, safety regulations, and compliance directives when working with avionics equipment. This includes meticulous documentation and following precise protocols.

Your dedication to procedural compliance ensures you can consistently meet regulatory requirements and maintain high standards of quality and safety in any industry.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You're adept at troubleshooting and repairing avionics systems under pressure, often with limited resources or incomplete information. You can quickly adapt and find solutions even when systems are not functioning optimally.

This ability to perform under duress and solve problems in challenging situations is invaluable in any fast-paced or high-stakes civilian environment.

Situational Awareness

You maintain a high level of awareness of the status of various avionics systems, understanding their interconnectedness and potential impact on mission success. You're constantly monitoring performance and anticipating potential issues.

This heightened situational awareness allows you to proactively identify risks, anticipate challenges, and make informed decisions in complex environments.

After-Action Analysis

You initiate deficiency reports, maintenance analysis documents, and technical data changes to improve processes and prevent future issues. You analyze equipment failures to identify root causes and implement corrective actions.

Your ability to analyze past events, identify areas for improvement, and implement changes makes you a valuable asset in any organization striving for continuous improvement.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Robotics Technician

SOC 49-9062

You've been working with sophisticated electronic and mechanical systems, troubleshooting complex issues, and performing precise repairs. Robotics technicians require these same skills to maintain and repair robotic systems in manufacturing, healthcare, and other industries. Your familiarity with schematics, diagnostic equipment, and precision tools makes you a natural fit.

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9081

You're experienced in maintaining and repairing complex electromechanical systems, which directly translates to the skills needed to service wind turbines. You're comfortable working with high-voltage systems, troubleshooting electrical and mechanical issues, and adhering to strict safety protocols. Your background in avionics provides a solid foundation for understanding the intricacies of wind turbine technology.

Semiconductor Processing Technician

SOC 51-9141

You're highly skilled in maintaining and calibrating sophisticated equipment, troubleshooting complex electronic systems, and adhering to strict quality control standards. These skills are directly transferable to semiconductor manufacturing, where technicians are responsible for operating and maintaining the equipment used to produce microchips. Your attention to detail and ability to follow precise procedures will make you a valuable asset in this industry.

Building Automation Systems Technician

SOC 49-9012

You have a strong understanding of interconnected electronic and mechanical systems, and you're adept at troubleshooting and repairing complex equipment. Building automation systems technicians install, maintain, and repair systems that control heating, ventilation, air conditioning, lighting, and security in commercial buildings. Your experience with avionics provides a solid foundation for understanding the intricacies of these systems.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Avionics Test Station Training Program, Sheppard Air Force Base, TX

1,240 training hours31 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended in electronics technology.

Topics Covered

  • Avionics Systems Theory
  • Electronic Warfare Systems Maintenance
  • Radar Systems Diagnostics
  • Automated Test Equipment Operation
  • Circuit Analysis and Repair
  • Calibration Procedures
  • Technical Order Compliance
  • Hazardous Materials Handling

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Electronics Technician (CET)70% covered

Requires studying specific electronics principles, troubleshooting techniques, and industry standards not explicitly covered in military training, as well as passing the CET exam.

ETA International Fiber Optics Technician (FOT)40% covered

Needs supplemental training on fiber optic cabling, splicing, termination, and testing, as well as current industry standards for fiber optic communication systems.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Test Engineer (CTE)Six Sigma Green BeltProject Management Professional (PMP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/USM-642 Versatile Avionics Shop Test (VAST)Automated Test Equipment (ATE) for avionics, such as those from Teradyne or Keysight Technologies
AN/ASM-760 Miniaturized Inertial Navigation System Test Set (MINTS)Inertial Navigation System (INS) calibration and testing equipment by companies like Honeywell or Safran
Common Munitions Built-in Test (BIT) Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE)Embedded systems diagnostic and reprogramming tools, similar to those used in automotive or aerospace industries
Electronic Warfare (EW) system test equipment (e.g., signal generators, spectrum analyzers)RF and microwave test equipment from Rohde & Schwarz or Anritsu
Automated Test Equipment (ATE) for flight control systemsHardware-in-the-loop (HIL) simulation and testing platforms from National Instruments or dSPACE
Joint Service Electronic Combat Systems Tester (JSECST)Cybersecurity and electronic warfare testing platforms by companies like Keysight or Viavi
Advanced Boresight Equipment (ABE)Optical alignment and calibration systems from manufacturers such as Newport or Thorlabs

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