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2A071A Career Guide

Air Force

2A071A: Avionics Test Station Specialist

Career transition guide for Air Force Avionics Test Station Specialist (2A071A)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2A071A veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Avionics Technician

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Electronics Engineering Technician

$72K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Specific certifications related to civilian electronics standards (e.g., CompTIA Electronic Technician)Familiarity with civilian-specific electronic design software

Calibration Technician

$68K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

ISO 9000 or ISO 17025 standards knowledgeSpecific calibration software experience

Field Service Technician (Avionics)

$78K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Excellent customer service skillsStrong problem-solving abilities in diverse environmentsVendor-specific training on civilian avionics systems

Quality Control Inspector (Electronics)

$55K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

ASQ Certified Quality Technician (CQT) certificationKnowledge of statistical process control (SPC)Experience with quality auditing procedures

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2A071A training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

You constantly analyze complex avionics systems to understand how individual components interact and affect overall performance, allowing you to troubleshoot and repair effectively.

This ability to understand and model complex systems translates directly to industries that rely on intricate machinery or software, where you can quickly grasp system architecture and identify potential issues.

Procedural Compliance

Your strict adherence to maintenance standards, safety protocols, and technical directives ensures the reliability and safety of critical avionics systems.

This commitment to following procedures and maintaining high standards is valuable in regulated industries where accuracy and consistency are paramount.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You are skilled at troubleshooting and repairing avionics systems under pressure, often with limited resources or in challenging environments, ensuring mission readiness.

Your ability to maintain performance and solve problems even when systems are failing or resources are scarce makes you an asset in roles that demand resilience and adaptability.

Situational Awareness

You maintain a broad understanding of the operational environment, anticipating potential issues and adjusting maintenance strategies to ensure optimal system performance.

This ability to stay informed, anticipate problems, and adapt to changing circumstances is critical in dynamic industries where quick thinking and proactive problem-solving are essential.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9099.01

You've been maintaining and repairing complex electro-mechanical systems, and wind turbines require similar skills in troubleshooting, diagnostics, and repair. Plus, your experience with safety protocols and working in challenging conditions makes you a great fit for this field.

Robotics Technician

SOC 49-9069.00

You've been working with advanced avionics systems, you're already familiar with the intricacies of automated systems. Your skills in troubleshooting, repairing, and maintaining complex equipment translate perfectly to the field of robotics.

Building Automation Systems Technician

SOC 49-9021.01

You've been managing and maintaining integrated avionics systems, you have the skills to work on building automation systems that control HVAC, lighting, and security. Your expertise in diagnostics, repair, and system optimization will be highly valuable.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Avionics Test Station Specialist Training, Sheppard AFB, TX

1,040 training hours26 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended in electronics technology or related fields

Topics Covered

  • Avionics fundamentals
  • Electronic principles and circuit analysis
  • Test equipment operation and maintenance
  • Avionics system troubleshooting
  • Calibration procedures
  • Technical data interpretation
  • Hazardous materials handling
  • Automated Test Equipment (ATE) programming and operation

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Electronics Technician (CET)70% covered

Requires study of current electronics industry standards, troubleshooting techniques specific to consumer electronics, and potentially some hands-on practice with devices outside of military avionics.

Certified Calibration Technician (CCT)60% covered

Requires study of metrology principles, calibration procedures for instruments beyond avionics, and potentially industry-specific standards (e.g., ISO 17025).

Recommended Next Certifications

CompTIA Network+CompTIA Security+Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)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) Versatile Avionic Shop Test (VAST) stationAutomated Test Equipment (ATE) for avionics, such as Teradyne or Keysight ATE systems
AN/ARM-186 Radio Frequency Test SetRF test equipment like spectrum analyzers and signal generators from Rohde & Schwarz or Anritsu
AN/ALM-262 Radar Signal SimulatorsRadar test benches and signal simulation software like those from NI (National Instruments) or MATLAB
Common Munitions Built-In Test (BIT) Reprogramming Equipment (CBITRE)Embedded system programmers and diagnostic tools, such as JTAG debuggers and flash programmers used in manufacturing and repair
Electronic Warfare (EW) Test Sets (various models)EW simulation and testing software, and hardware suites from companies like Mercury Systems or BAE Systems (for defense contractors)
Automated Calibration StandardsCalibration management software and automated calibration systems from Fluke Calibration or Transmille
Joint Service Electronic Combat Systems Tester (JSECST)Advanced electronic warfare testing and simulation systems used by defense contractors

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