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2A194 Career Guide

Air Force

2A194: Avionics Systems Specialist

Career transition guide for Air Force Avionics Systems Specialist (2A194)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2A194 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Avionics Technician

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Aircraft Mechanic/Service Technician

$70K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) licenseSpecific aircraft model certifications

Electronics Engineering Technician

$65K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Associate's degree in electronics or related fieldCAD/CAM software proficiency

Wind Turbine Technician

$60K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Safety certifications (e.g., OSHA 30)Climbing and rescue trainingExperience with large mechanical systems

Aerospace Engineering Technician

$72K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

CAD/CAM software proficiencyData analysis and reportingKnowledge of aerospace design principles

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2A194 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

Troubleshooting complex avionics systems requires building a mental model of how different components interact and how malfunctions in one area can affect others.

The ability to understand and predict how interconnected systems behave, allowing for effective problem-solving and optimization.

Rapid Prioritization

When an aircraft is down, you need to quickly assess the most critical issues impacting mission readiness and allocate resources to address them in the most efficient order.

The capacity to quickly evaluate competing demands, identify the most urgent tasks, and focus efforts where they will have the greatest impact.

Procedural Compliance

Avionics maintenance demands strict adherence to technical orders, safety regulations, and documentation procedures to ensure airworthiness and prevent catastrophic failures.

A commitment to following established protocols and guidelines to ensure accuracy, safety, and consistency in high-stakes environments.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You're skilled at maintaining and repairing aircraft systems, even when you are missing tools, documents, or when the systems themselves are partially disabled or malfunctioning.

The ability to effectively troubleshoot, problem-solve, and maintain operations even when resources or systems are compromised.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining awareness of the overall operational status of the aircraft, how your work impacts other systems, and the environmental factors affecting maintenance activities is crucial.

The ability to perceive and understand the surrounding environment, anticipate potential problems, and make informed decisions based on a comprehensive understanding of the situation.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9086

You've been maintaining complex electromechanical systems in demanding environments. This role needs your diagnostic skills and ability to work at height.

Robotics Technician

SOC 49-9062

Your expertise in avionics systems directly translates to robotics, where you'll apply your diagnostic and repair skills to automated systems.

Amusement Park Ride Mechanic

SOC 49-9071

You've been trained to maintain complex systems where safety is paramount. Your ability to follow strict maintenance procedures makes you ideal for this role.

Building Automation Systems Technician

SOC 49-9012

You're adept at troubleshooting interconnected systems. You can apply this to managing and repairing the complex electronic systems that control modern buildings.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Avionics Systems Apprentice Course, Sheppard AFB, TX

960 training hours24 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended in electronics technology

Topics Covered

  • Basic Electronics Theory
  • Digital Logic Circuits
  • Microprocessors and Computer Systems
  • Avionics Systems Troubleshooting
  • Radar Systems Maintenance
  • Navigation Systems Maintenance
  • Communication Systems Maintenance

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Aviation Technician (AMT)70% covered

General aviation powerplant and airframe knowledge, FAA regulations specific to civilian aircraft maintenance.

Certified Electronics Technician (CET)60% covered

Advanced electronics troubleshooting, specific industry standards, and potentially more in-depth theoretical knowledge depending on the CET specialization.

Recommended Next Certifications

CompTIA Network+CompTIA Security+Project Management Professional (PMP)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/APG-68 Radar SystemWeather and Navigation Radar Systems (e.g., used in commercial aviation)
Inertial Navigation System (INS)GPS-aided Inertial Navigation Systems (e.g., used in autonomous vehicles)
Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS)Airborne Ground Surveillance Radar (e.g., used in mapping and environmental monitoring)
AN/ALQ-131 Electronic Warfare PodRadio Frequency Jammers and Countermeasure Systems
MIL-STD-1553 Data BusController Area Network (CAN bus) or Ethernet
Automated Maintenance SystemsEnterprise Asset Management (EAM) or Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS)
Central Air Data Computer (CADC)Air Data System (ADS) in commercial aircraft

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