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2A135A Career Guide

Air Force

2A135A: Avionics Test Station Specialist

Career transition guide for Air Force Avionics Test Station Specialist (2A135A)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2A135A veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Avionics Technician

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Electronics Technician

$68K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

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

Field Service Engineer (Avionics)

$85K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Excellent customer service skillsProject management

Calibration Technician

$62K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Formal metrology trainingISO 17025 understanding

Quality Control Inspector (Aerospace)

$58K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

ASQ certificationKnowledge of aerospace quality standards (e.g., AS9100)

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2A135A training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

You built mental models of complex avionics systems to quickly diagnose faults and predict the impact of repairs on overall system performance.

This ability to visualize and understand how different components interact within a larger system translates directly to designing, troubleshooting, and optimizing complex systems in various industries.

Procedural Compliance

You meticulously followed detailed maintenance procedures and technical directives to ensure avionics systems met strict operational standards and safety regulations.

Your commitment to adhering to established protocols and regulations makes you ideal for roles that require precision, accuracy, and a strong understanding of regulatory requirements.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You maintained and repaired avionics systems even when resources were limited or under pressure, finding creative solutions to keep critical systems operational.

Your experience in maintaining operations under duress demonstrates an ability to maintain composure and problem-solve under pressure, making you an asset in fast-paced, demanding environments.

Situational Awareness

You maintained constant awareness of the operational status of avionics systems, anticipating potential issues and responding quickly to emerging problems to avoid system failures.

Your heightened sense of awareness and ability to anticipate and react to changing conditions makes you well-suited for roles that require vigilance, quick thinking, and proactive problem-solving.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9099.01

You've been working with complex electromechanical systems, troubleshooting malfunctions, and following strict maintenance procedures – all of which are highly applicable to wind turbine maintenance and repair. Your experience with avionics systems translates directly to understanding the intricate systems within wind turbines.

Robotics Technician

SOC 49-9062.00

You've been repairing and maintaining sophisticated electronic equipment. Robotics Technicians require the same skillset to maintain, repair, and program automated systems, and your experience ensures you can hit the ground running.

Building Automation Systems Technician

SOC 49-9021.00

You're adept at troubleshooting and maintaining complex electronic systems. As a Building Automation Systems Technician, you'll use those same skills to ensure that HVAC, lighting, and security systems are running smoothly and efficiently, optimizing building performance and energy consumption.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Avionics Test Station Specialist Training, Sheppard AFB, TX

1,200 training hours30 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended in electronics technology

Topics Covered

  • Avionics Test Equipment Operation
  • Electronic Warfare Systems Maintenance
  • Radar Systems Diagnostics
  • Communication Systems Troubleshooting
  • Avionics Component Repair
  • Test Station Calibration
  • Technical Order Compliance
  • Hazardous Materials Handling

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Electronics Technician (CET)70% covered

Requires studying specific electronics theory, troubleshooting techniques, and industry best practices not explicitly covered in the military training. Also, refresh on current electronics industry standards and safety protocols.

CompTIA A+60% covered

Needs to study current PC hardware, operating systems, networking, security, and troubleshooting. Focus on areas outside of avionics-specific 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-636(V) Versatile Avionic Shop Test (VAST) SystemAutomated Test Equipment (ATE) systems for avionics testing
AN/ALM-244 Radar Signal SimulatorsRF signal generators and waveform generators
AN/ALQ-213 Electronic Warfare Management SystemElectronic warfare simulation and testing suites
Common Munitions Built-In Test (BIT) Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE)Embedded systems diagnostics and firmware update tools
Automated Test Equipment (ATE) for F-16, F-15, and A-10 aircraftAircraft component testing platforms (e.g., National Instruments LabVIEW-based systems)
Integrated Avionics Computer System (IACS)Flight control system testing and simulation software

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