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2A231 Career Guide

Air Force

2A231: Avionics Systems Technician

Career transition guide for Air Force Avionics Systems Technician (2A231)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2A231 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Avionics Technician

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Aerospace Engineer

$120K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace EngineeringCAD software proficiencyFEA Analysis

Field Service Technician (Aviation)

$70K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Specific product training (e.g., Collins Aerospace)Excellent customer service skills

Wind Turbine Technician

$60K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Wind turbine-specific safety certificationsClimbing and rescue trainingElectrical troubleshooting in renewable energy systems

Aircraft Inspector

$72K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) licenseKnowledge of FAA regulations

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2A231 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As an Avionics Technician, you constantly create mental models of complex aircraft systems to understand how each component interacts and affects overall performance. This allows you to quickly diagnose problems and predict potential issues.

This skill translates directly into the ability to understand and troubleshoot complex systems in various civilian industries. You can quickly grasp how different components work together and identify potential points of failure.

Procedural Compliance

Your role demands strict adherence to technical orders, safety regulations, and maintenance procedures to ensure the airworthiness of aircraft and the safety of personnel. You understand the importance of following protocols precisely.

This meticulous approach to following established guidelines and regulations is highly valuable in industries where precision and safety are paramount. You are adept at understanding and adhering to complex procedures.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining awareness of the operational status of multiple avionics systems, understanding how they interact with flight parameters, and anticipating potential malfunctions requires a high level of situational awareness. You're constantly monitoring and interpreting data.

This ability to quickly assess situations, anticipate potential problems, and maintain a broad understanding of complex environments translates well to roles requiring vigilance and quick decision-making.

After-Action Analysis

Analyzing maintenance data, inspection records, and system logs to identify trends, improve maintenance procedures, and prevent future malfunctions is a key aspect of your role. You are adept at learning from past experiences and implementing improvements.

Your experience in analyzing data, identifying trends, and implementing corrective actions is directly applicable to roles that require continuous improvement and problem-solving.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9099.01

You've been troubleshooting complex electromechanical systems your entire career. Wind turbines are essentially giant, complex machines with intricate electrical and control systems. Your avionics background gives you a massive head start in diagnosing and repairing these systems, especially since you're comfortable working at heights!

Amusement Park Ride Mechanic

SOC 49-9071.00

You've been maintaining life-critical systems where safety is paramount. Amusement park rides are similarly complex, relying on intricate control systems and safety mechanisms. Your experience in troubleshooting and repairing avionics makes you an ideal candidate for ensuring the safe operation of these rides.

Building Automation Systems Technician

SOC 49-9021.00

You've been working with integrated systems that control critical functions. Modern buildings have complex automation systems that control HVAC, lighting, security, and other functions. Your ability to diagnose and repair these systems, combined with your understanding of electrical systems, makes you a valuable asset in this growing field.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Avionics Systems Apprentice Course, Sheppard AFB, TX

1,152 training hours24 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended

Topics Covered

  • Avionics Systems Fundamentals
  • Electronic Principles and Troubleshooting
  • Digital Logic Circuits
  • Microprocessors and Computer Systems
  • Navigation Systems Maintenance
  • Communication Systems Maintenance
  • Radar Systems Maintenance
  • Aircraft Wiring and Connector Repair

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Electronics Technician (CET)70% covered

Requires studying specific electronics principles, troubleshooting techniques, and industry standards not explicitly covered in military avionics training. Focus on the specific CET exam topics.

Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) - Airframe and Powerplant40% covered

While avionics experience provides a foundation, the AMT certification requires in-depth knowledge of airframe and powerplant systems. Significant study in these areas is needed.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Avionics Technician (NCATT)CompTIA Network+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 RadarWeather and Navigation Radar Systems
AN/ALQ-131 Electronic Warfare PodElectronic Countermeasures (ECM) and Signal Jammers
Inertial Navigation System (INS)Inertial Measurement Units (IMUs) used in robotics and autonomous vehicles
MIL-STD-1553 Data BusController Area Network (CAN bus) in automotive and industrial automation
Joint Surveillance Target Attack Radar System (JSTARS)Airborne Ground Surveillance Radar
Built-In Test (BIT) equipmentAutomated Test Equipment (ATE) for electronics diagnostics

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