2A290 Career Guide
2A290: Avionics Test Station Specialist
Career transition guide for Air Force Avionics Test Station Specialist (2A290)
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Top civilian roles for 2A290 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 Technician
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 2A290 training built — and where they transfer.
System Modeling
As an avionics technician, you constantly build mental models of complex electronic systems to troubleshoot and repair them efficiently. You understand how different components interact and anticipate the effects of changes or failures.
This ability to visualize and understand complex systems translates directly into fields where you need to grasp how things work at a high level and predict potential problems.
Procedural Compliance
Your role demands strict adherence to detailed maintenance procedures, technical manuals, and safety protocols. You understand the importance of following established guidelines to ensure accuracy, safety, and mission success.
This dedication to precision and protocol makes you an ideal candidate for roles that require meticulous attention to detail and unwavering adherence to regulations.
Degraded-Mode Operations
You're adept at diagnosing and repairing systems under pressure, often with limited resources or incomplete information. You can maintain functionality and achieve mission objectives even when things aren't working perfectly.
This ability to troubleshoot, adapt, and perform under challenging circumstances is highly valued in fast-paced environments where unexpected problems are common.
Situational Awareness
You maintain a constant awareness of the status of avionics systems, test equipment, and the surrounding environment. You proactively identify potential problems and take steps to prevent them from escalating.
Your ability to stay vigilant, assess risk, and anticipate potential issues is invaluable in roles that require vigilance and proactive problem-solving.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Wind Turbine Technician
SOC 49-9086You've been working with complex electronic and mechanical systems, diagnosing faults, and performing maintenance in demanding conditions. Your skills in troubleshooting, using diagnostic equipment, and following strict procedures make you well-suited for maintaining wind turbines. Your experience with safety protocols and technical documentation will also be directly applicable.
Robotics Technician
SOC 49-9069You've been repairing and maintaining sophisticated avionics systems; robotics is a natural transition. You've honed skills in troubleshooting, reading schematics, and using diagnostic tools, making you capable of diagnosing and repairing robotic equipment in manufacturing or other industries. Your experience with automated systems will give you a head start.
Semiconductor Processing Technician
SOC 51-9141You've been working with sensitive electronic equipment and maintaining precise calibration; the semiconductor industry needs that! You already understand the importance of clean environments, following strict protocols, and troubleshooting complex systems, all of which are vital for semiconductor manufacturing.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Avionics Test Station Training, Sheppard AFB, TX
Topics Covered
- •Avionics Systems Theory
- •Electronic Warfare Systems Maintenance
- •Radar Systems Diagnostics
- •ATE (Automated Test Equipment) Operation
- •Circuit Troubleshooting
- •Calibration Procedures
- •Technical Order Compliance
- •Hazardous Materials Handling
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
Requires study of current electronics industry best practices, troubleshooting methodologies beyond military-specific equipment, and potentially some hands-on practice with civilian electronics repair.
Study current PC hardware, operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux), networking basics, and troubleshooting software issues relevant to general IT support.
While military experience is extensive, review specific avionics standards, regulations, and testing procedures used in civilian aviation. Study newer communication, navigation, and surveillance technologies.
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) Forward Looking Infrared (FLIR) Test Set | FLIR test benches, infrared camera calibration systems |
| AN/ALM-285 Radar Signal Simulators | RF signal generators, radar testing equipment |
| AN/ALQ-213 Electronic Warfare Management System (EWMS) Test Equipment | Electronic warfare simulation and testing platforms |
| Automated Test Equipment (ATE) stations (various) | Automated test equipment platforms (e.g., Teradyne, Keysight) |
| Common Munitions Built-In Test (BIT) Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE) | Embedded systems programmers, firmware flashing tools |
| Integrated Avionics Test Stations | Aerospace test benches, avionics simulation software |
| Advanced Threat Infrared Countermeasures (ATIRCM) systems testers | Laser system test and measurement equipment |
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