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2A175B Career Guide

Air Force

2A175B: Avionics Test Station Specialist

Career transition guide for Air Force Avionics Test Station Specialist (2A175B)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2A175B veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Avionics Technician

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Electronics Technician

$68K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

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

Field Service Engineer

$78K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Strong customer service skillsProject managementSpecific product knowledge

Calibration Technician

$65K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

ISO 17025 knowledgeSpecific calibration software proficiency

Aerospace Engineering Technician

$62K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

CAD software proficiencyMaterials science knowledgeEngineering documentation

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2A175B training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

You routinely analyze complex avionics systems, tracing logic through schematics and diagrams to understand how different components interact and affect overall system performance.

This skill translates to an ability to understand and troubleshoot complex interconnected systems, predicting how changes in one area might impact others – a valuable asset in many technical fields.

Procedural Compliance

Your job requires strict adherence to maintenance standards, safety regulations, and documentation protocols when working on sensitive avionics equipment. You understand the importance of following procedures to ensure accuracy and prevent errors.

This demonstrates a commitment to following established protocols and guidelines, ensuring work is done accurately, safely, and in compliance with regulations. This is invaluable in highly regulated industries.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You're experienced in identifying malfunctions and troubleshooting complex avionics systems using self-tests, diagnostic equipment, and technical documentation, often under pressure to restore critical systems quickly.

This translates to the ability to effectively diagnose and resolve issues in complex systems, even with limited information or resources, and maintain functionality in less-than-ideal circumstances.

Situational Awareness

You constantly monitor the overall performance of avionics test stations and aircraft components, understanding how your work fits into the bigger picture of mission readiness and safety.

This skill translates into the ability to maintain a broad understanding of your environment and how your actions affect the overall outcome. You can anticipate potential problems and adjust your approach accordingly.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9099.01

You've been maintaining complex electromechanical systems in aircraft. Wind turbines are similar – large, complex machines that require regular maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair. Your experience with diagnostics, electrical systems, and following procedures makes you a great fit.

Building Automation Systems Technician

SOC 49-9021

You've been tracing logic and analyzing system performance, which directly translates to working with building automation systems (BAS). These systems control HVAC, lighting, and security, and require technicians who can troubleshoot problems, maintain equipment, and ensure optimal performance. You’ve been doing that with planes, now do it for buildings.

Amusement Park Ride Mechanic

SOC 49-9041

You've been maintaining complex mechanical and electronic systems that have very little margin for error. Amusement park rides, just like planes, must be maintained to extreme safety standards and require someone with a keen eye for detail and experience with diagnostics, electrical systems, and adherence to safety procedures.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Avionics Test Station Training, Sheppard AFB, TX

1,120 training hours28 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended in electronics technology and avionics maintenance

Topics Covered

  • Avionics Systems Theory
  • Electronic Warfare (EW) Systems Diagnostics
  • Radar Systems Maintenance
  • Avionics Test Equipment Operation & Maintenance
  • Sensor Systems Troubleshooting
  • Automated Test Equipment (ATE) Programming
  • Calibration Procedures
  • Technical Order (TO) Compliance

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Electronics Technician (CET)70% covered

Civilian electronics standards, troubleshooting techniques specific to non-military equipment.

CompTIA A+60% covered

Focus on current PC hardware, operating systems, and networking in a civilian context. Exam objectives change regularly.

ETA International - Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET)75% covered

Differences in FAA regulations, civilian aircraft-specific systems, and documentation procedures.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Test Engineer (e.g., ASQ)Project Management Professional (PMP)Six Sigma Green Belt

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/USM-636(V) Consolidated Automated Support System (CASS)Automated Test Equipment (ATE) systems, such as those from Keysight or National Instruments
AN/ALM-285 Radar Test SetSpectrum analyzers and signal generators for radar system testing and maintenance
AN/ALQ-131 Electronic Warfare (EW) Pod TesterRF and microwave test equipment for simulating and analyzing EW signals
Flight Line Test Sets (various)Portable diagnostic tools for on-site aircraft maintenance, such as pitot-static testers
Common Munitions Built-In Test (BIT) Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE)Embedded systems programmers and debuggers
Joint Service Electronic Combat Systems Tester (JSECST)Electronic warfare simulation and testing software and hardware
Integrated Family of Test Equipment (IFTE)Modular and configurable test platforms for various electronic systems

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