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2A191 Career Guide

Air Force

2A191: Avionics Test Station Specialist

Career transition guide for Air Force Avionics Test Station Specialist (2A191)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2A191 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Avionics Technician

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Electronics Technician

$68K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

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

Calibration Technician

$65K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

ISO 17025 standard knowledgeSpecific calibration software training

Field Service Technician

$70K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Customer service skillsSpecific product trainingTroubleshooting diverse systems

Quality Control Inspector

$55K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Six Sigma certificationQuality auditing experience

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2A191 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As an avionics technician, you constantly create mental models of complex electronic systems to understand how components interact. You use schematics and technical diagrams to troubleshoot malfunctions and predict the impact of repairs on overall system performance.

This ability to visualize and understand complex systems translates directly to roles where you need to grasp intricate processes or designs. You can quickly learn how different parts of a system work together and identify potential points of failure.

Procedural Compliance

Your job demands strict adherence to technical manuals, safety protocols, and quality control procedures. You understand the importance of following established guidelines to ensure the reliability and safety of avionics systems, with no room for error.

Your dedication to following procedures makes you a valuable asset in regulated industries. You are comfortable working within established frameworks and ensuring that all activities meet the required standards.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You're skilled at troubleshooting and maintaining critical systems under pressure, often with limited resources or information. You're able to quickly adapt to unexpected challenges and find creative solutions to keep systems operational.

This skill demonstrates your resilience and ability to perform effectively in high-stress environments. You can think on your feet and find innovative solutions to keep things running smoothly even when faced with unexpected problems.

Situational Awareness

You are constantly aware of the status of multiple interconnected systems and how they affect each other. This awareness helps you anticipate potential problems and proactively take steps to prevent them, which is critical for aviation safety.

Your ability to maintain a broad awareness of your surroundings and the status of various systems makes you an excellent problem solver. You can quickly assess situations, identify potential risks, and take proactive measures to mitigate them.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9086

You've been expertly trained to diagnose and repair complex electrical and mechanical systems. Wind turbines are essentially giant, sophisticated machines that require similar troubleshooting and maintenance skills. Your experience with schematics, testing equipment, and safety protocols will make you a valuable asset in the renewable energy sector.

Robotics Technician

SOC 49-9062

You've honed your skills in maintaining and repairing intricate electronic and mechanical systems, making you an ideal candidate to work with robotics. Your experience with troubleshooting, calibration, and system integration will be directly applicable to the field of robotics, where precision and reliability are paramount.

Amusement Park Ride Mechanic

SOC 49-9071

You've demonstrated proficiency in maintaining and repairing complex electromechanical systems, skills perfectly suited for amusement park ride mechanics. Your ability to diagnose malfunctions, perform preventative maintenance, and ensure safety standards will make you a valuable addition to any amusement park maintenance team.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Avionics Test Station Specialist Technical Training, Sheppard Air Force Base, TX

1,150 training hours29 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended in electronics technology

Topics Covered

  • Avionics fundamentals (electronics, theory, circuits)
  • Digital logic and microprocessors
  • Electronic warfare (EW) systems theory and maintenance
  • Radar systems theory and maintenance
  • Communication and navigation systems
  • Test station operation and maintenance
  • Use of test equipment (oscilloscopes, signal generators, spectrum analyzers)
  • Troubleshooting and repair techniques

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Electronics Technician (CET)70% covered

Requires study of current electronics theory, troubleshooting techniques, and specific areas within the CET specialty like communications, industrial, or consumer electronics.

ETA International Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET)60% covered

Requires focused study on current FAA regulations, aircraft-specific systems, and advanced troubleshooting techniques related to aircraft electronics beyond military systems.

CompTIA Network+40% covered

Requires additional study of network topologies, cybersecurity concepts, and vendor-specific networking hardware and software commonly used in civilian IT infrastructure.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Test Engineer (CTE)ASQ Certified Calibration Technician (CCT)Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)Six Sigma Green Belt

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/USM-637A(V) Consolidated Automated Support System (CASS)Automated Test Equipment (ATE) platforms like Teradyne or Keysight for electronics testing
AN/APM-424 Radar Test SetSignal Generators and Spectrum Analyzers used in radar testing and maintenance.
Electronic Warfare (EW) Test BenchesRF and Microwave test equipment for simulating and analyzing electronic warfare signals. (Rohde & Schwarz, Keysight)
Joint Service Electronic Combat Systems Tester (JSECST)Advanced signal analysis and threat simulation software used in electronic warfare testing.
Automated Calibration StandardsNIST Traceable calibration equipment and services. (Fluke Calibration, Transmille)
Avionics Fault Tree AnalyzersRoot cause analysis software used in diagnosing system failures. (Isograph FaultTree+, Relyence)
Integrated Diagnostic Support System (IDSS)Enterprise-level diagnostic and maintenance management software. ( PTC Windchill, SAP Service Management)

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