2A173 Career Guide
2A173: Avionics Test Station Specialist
Career transition guide for Air Force Avionics Test Station Specialist (2A173)
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Top civilian roles for 2A173 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Avionics Technician
Electronics Technician
Skills to develop:
Calibration Technician
Skills to develop:
Aerospace Engineering Technician
Skills to develop:
Field Service Engineer (Avionics)
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 2A173 training built — and where they transfer.
System Modeling
Troubleshooting complex avionics systems requires building a mental model of how the system should function, including signal flow, component interactions, and expected outputs. This involves understanding schematics, technical diagrams, and operational procedures to predict system behavior.
The ability to create and utilize system models translates directly to understanding complex processes and predicting outcomes in various civilian industries. This skill is valuable in roles requiring analysis, troubleshooting, and optimization of complex systems.
Procedural Compliance
Maintaining and repairing avionics equipment demands strict adherence to detailed technical manuals, safety regulations, and quality control procedures. Deviations can lead to equipment malfunction, safety hazards, or mission failure. This role necessitates consistent and accurate execution of established protocols.
Your commitment to procedural compliance is crucial in regulated industries like manufacturing, healthcare, or finance, where adherence to protocols ensures safety, quality, and regulatory compliance.
Situational Awareness
Avionics technicians must maintain a broad awareness of the operational environment, including the status of various systems, potential threats, and the impact of maintenance actions on overall mission readiness. They need to anticipate problems and adapt to changing circumstances to ensure optimal system performance.
Your ability to maintain situational awareness translates to roles requiring you to quickly assess complex environments, anticipate potential issues, and make informed decisions under pressure. This skill is highly valuable in dynamic and critical situations.
After-Action Analysis
Following maintenance actions, technicians analyze the outcomes to identify areas for improvement, document lessons learned, and refine procedures. This includes reviewing maintenance records, identifying recurring issues, and recommending modifications to prevent future problems.
Your experience in after-action analysis is highly valued in any role requiring continuous improvement and problem-solving. You can bring a systematic approach to identifying root causes, implementing corrective actions, and enhancing overall efficiency.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Wind Turbine Technician
SOC 49-9086You've been trained to troubleshoot and repair complex electromechanical systems. Your avionics background gives you a solid foundation in electrical systems, hydraulics, and control systems – all essential for wind turbine maintenance. Plus, your experience working at heights translates directly to this role.
Robotics Technician
SOC 49-9062You've got extensive experience with electronic systems, diagnostics, and repair, which directly applies to the field of robotics. Your ability to read schematics, troubleshoot complex systems, and use diagnostic tools makes you an ideal candidate for maintaining and repairing robotic equipment used in manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics.
Building Automation Systems Technician
SOC 49-9021You've honed your skills in diagnosing and repairing complex electronic and mechanical systems, which are essential for maintaining building automation systems. Your knowledge of control systems, sensors, and networking will allow you to excel in this field, ensuring energy efficiency and occupant comfort.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Avionics Test Station Training, Sheppard AFB, TX
Topics Covered
- •Avionics Systems Theory
- •Electronic Warfare Systems Diagnostics
- •Radar Systems Maintenance
- •Test Equipment Calibration Procedures
- •Circuit Analysis and Repair
- •Automated Test Equipment Operation
- •Technical Order (TO) Interpretation
- •Hazardous Materials Handling
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
Focus on specific troubleshooting techniques, industry standards, and current electronics technologies not explicitly covered in military training.
Study statistical process control, quality assurance, and specific test methodologies used in civilian manufacturing environments.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| AN/USM-636(V) Flightline Test Set (FTS) | Automated Test Equipment (ATE) platforms for avionics systems, such as those from Keysight or National Instruments |
| AN/APM-424 Radar Test Set | Radar signal generators and analyzers (e.g., Rohde & Schwarz) |
| AN/ARM-186 Signal Generator | RF signal generators for testing communication and electronic warfare systems (e.g., Agilent, Tektronix) |
| Common Munitions Built-in Test/Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE) | Embedded systems testing and reprogramming tools used in aerospace and defense manufacturing |
| Integrated Electronic Warfare System (INEWS) | Commercial EW testing and simulation software (e.g., from companies like BAE Systems or Mercury Systems, though functionality is highly regulated) |
| Automated Measurement and Control Systems (AMCS) | SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems for monitoring and controlling industrial processes |
| Joint Service Electronic Combat Systems Tester (JSECST) | Software-defined radios (SDRs) and vector signal analyzers for testing and simulating electronic warfare scenarios |
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