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2A132 Career Guide

Air Force

2A132: Avionics Test Station Specialist

Career transition guide for Air Force Avionics Test Station Specialist (2A132)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2A132 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Avionics Technician

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Electronics Technician

$68K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Specific certifications based on the industry of interest (e.g., CompTIA A+, IPC certifications)

Calibration Technician

$65K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Specific calibration certifications (e.g., ASQ Certified Calibration Technician)Knowledge of ISO 17025

Aerospace Engineering Technician

$67K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks)Understanding of aerospace design principles

Field Service Technician

$72K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Strong customer service skillsSpecific product knowledge related to the equipment being serviced

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2A132 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

You routinely analyze complex avionics systems, tracing logic, schematic, and wiring diagrams to understand how different components interact and predict system behavior under various conditions.

This ability to understand and predict the behavior of complex systems translates directly to roles where you need to design, analyze, and troubleshoot intricate systems, such as manufacturing processes, IT networks, or even financial models.

Procedural Compliance

Your work demands strict adherence to maintenance standards, directives, policies, and procedures, ensuring that all tasks are completed accurately and safely. You also interpret and establish training, security, and safety standards.

This dedication to precision and safety is invaluable in highly regulated industries, such as healthcare, pharmaceuticals, or finance, where adherence to established protocols is critical to maintaining quality and avoiding costly errors.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You are skilled at isolating malfunctions in complex avionics systems using self-test functions, computer-operated equipment, and diagnostic tools, allowing you to maintain operational readiness even when systems are not functioning optimally.

This ability to troubleshoot and problem-solve under pressure is highly desirable in roles that require you to quickly identify and resolve issues in complex systems, such as IT support, field service engineering, or technical consulting.

Resource Optimization

You plan the physical layout of facilities and ensure the availability of support equipment and spare parts, maximizing efficiency and minimizing downtime in avionics maintenance activities.

Your ability to optimize resource allocation and manage logistics translates well to roles involving supply chain management, operations management, or project management, where efficient resource utilization is essential to achieving organizational goals.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9086

You've been working with complex electromechanical systems, diagnosing faults, and performing repairs, much like maintaining avionics systems. Your skills in using diagnostic equipment, reading schematics, and troubleshooting will allow you to quickly adapt to wind turbine technology.

Robotics Technician

SOC 49-9062

You've been trained to work with advanced electronic and mechanical systems, making you well-equipped to maintain and repair robotic equipment used in manufacturing and other industries. Your expertise in troubleshooting, calibration, and repair is directly transferable.

Medical Equipment Repairer

SOC 49-9062

You're experienced in repairing complex electronic equipment, including identifying malfunctions and using diagnostic tools. This directly translates to repairing and maintaining medical equipment, such as MRI machines and other diagnostic devices, ensuring patient safety and efficient healthcare operations.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Avionics Test Station Specialist Technical Training, Sheppard AFB, TX

1,120 training hours28 weeksUp to 20 semester hours recommended in electronics technology and avionics maintenance

Topics Covered

  • Avionics Systems Fundamentals
  • Electronic Warfare Systems Maintenance
  • Radar Systems Troubleshooting
  • Communication Systems Diagnostics
  • Test Equipment Operation and Calibration
  • Circuit Analysis and Repair
  • Wiring and Cabling Repair
  • Technical Documentation Interpretation

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Electronics Technician (CET)70% covered

Study specific electronics theory, troubleshooting techniques outside of avionics, and general electronics repair practices applicable to consumer or industrial electronics.

Certified Test Technician (CTT)60% covered

Focus on broader testing methodologies, quality control processes, and documentation standards used in various industries beyond military avionics.

Recommended Next Certifications

CompTIA Network+CompTIA Security+Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)

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) SystemAutomated Test Equipment (ATE) platforms like Teradyne or National Instruments PXI systems
AN/ALM-285 Radar Test SetRohde & Schwarz or Keysight Technologies radar signal generators and analyzers
AN/ALQ-213 Electronic Warfare Management System (EWMS) Test EquipmentElectronic warfare simulation and testing suites from companies like BAE Systems or Elbit Systems
Common Munitions Built-In Test (BIT) Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE)Firmware update and diagnostic tools for embedded systems, similar to those used in aerospace manufacturing and defense contracting
Advanced Boresight Equipment (ABE)Optical alignment and calibration systems used in precision manufacturing and aerospace assembly
Integrated Electronic Warfare System (INEWS) Test BenchesRF and microwave test benches utilizing spectrum analyzers, network analyzers, and signal generators for EW system validation
Joint Service Electronic Combat Systems Tester (JSECST)Multi-purpose electronic test equipment used in the telecommunications or aerospace industry.

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