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2A636 Career Guide

Air Force

2A636: Aircraft Electrical and Environmental Systems Specialist

Career transition guide for Air Force Aircraft Electrical and Environmental Systems Specialist (2A636)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2A636 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Avionics Technician

$78K
High matchHigh demand

Electrical Engineer

$95K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical EngineeringProfessional Engineer (PE) license

HVAC Technician

$55K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

EPA Section 608 CertificationRelevant state HVAC license

Aerospace Engineering Technician

$72K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

CAD/CAM software proficiencySpecific aerospace regulations knowledge (FAA, etc.)

Wind Turbine Technician

$65K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Wind turbine safety trainingClimbing and rescue certificationExperience with large rotating machinery

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2A636 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As an aircraft E&E technician, you develop a deep understanding of how electrical and environmental systems function individually and as interconnected networks. You mentally model these systems to diagnose issues and predict the impact of repairs.

This ability to understand and visualize complex systems translates to skills in designing, analyzing, and optimizing systems in various civilian industries.

Procedural Compliance

Your work demands strict adherence to technical manuals, safety regulations, and maintenance procedures. Your consistent compliance ensures safety and operational readiness.

This meticulous approach to following established procedures is highly valued in regulated industries where precision and adherence to standards are critical.

Situational Awareness

You must maintain awareness of the operational status of aircraft E&E systems, environmental factors, and potential hazards in the work environment.

This heightened awareness translates to a proactive approach to identifying and mitigating risks, making you adept at preventing accidents and ensuring safety in dynamic settings.

Degraded-Mode Operations

When systems fail or operate outside normal parameters, you apply troubleshooting skills to diagnose the root cause and implement effective solutions, even under pressure.

Your ability to maintain functionality and problem-solve effectively in challenging situations is a valuable asset in any field where unexpected disruptions can occur.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Building Automation Systems Technician

SOC 49-9012.00

You've been maintaining complex electrical and environmental systems in aircraft. As a Building Automation Systems Technician, you'll apply similar skills to manage and optimize HVAC, lighting, and security systems in commercial buildings, ensuring energy efficiency and occupant comfort.

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9099.01

You've been troubleshooting and repairing sophisticated electrical systems on aircraft. This makes you an excellent candidate for a Wind Turbine Technician role, where you'll diagnose and fix electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic systems on wind turbines, contributing to renewable energy production.

Robotics Technician

SOC 49-9062.00

You've been working with intricate electrical and electronic systems, including motors, sensors, and control panels. As a Robotics Technician, you can leverage these skills to maintain, troubleshoot, and repair automated robotic systems in manufacturing, healthcare, and logistics.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Aircraft Electrical and Environmental Systems Specialist Technical Training, Sheppard AFB, TX

672 training hours16 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended in Aviation Maintenance Technology or related fields.

Topics Covered

  • Electrical Circuit Theory
  • Aircraft Electrical Systems Troubleshooting
  • Environmental Control Systems (ECS) Maintenance
  • Landing Gear and Anti-Skid Systems
  • Aircraft Lighting Systems Maintenance
  • Power Generation Systems
  • Wiring Repair and Connector Maintenance
  • Use of Technical Publications and Diagrams

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

ETA Certified Aircraft Electronics Technician (CETa)70% covered

Requires study of FAA regulations, specific aircraft models outside of military experience, and hands-on experience with civilian aircraft systems.

Certified Electronic Technician (CET)60% covered

Requires additional study in general electronics theory, troubleshooting techniques, and specific electronic components not typically encountered in military aircraft E&E systems.

Recommended Next Certifications

FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) MechanicASQ Certified Quality Technician (CQT)CompTIA Network+Project Management Professional (PMP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/AWM-102 Continuity Test SetMultimeter, Wire Tracer
TTU-205 series test standAutomated Test Equipment (ATE) for avionics
Aircraft Integrated Data System (AIDS)Flight Data Monitoring (FDM) or Flight Operations Quality Assurance (FOQA) systems
Automated Maintenance Information System (AMIS)Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software
Common Munitions Built-In Test/Reprogramming Equipment (CMBITS)Programmable Logic Controllers (PLCs) and industrial control systems
Avionics Test Sets (e.g., for radar, navigation)Spectrum Analyzers, Signal Generators
Cryogenic liquid servicing carts (LOX/LIN)Industrial gas handling equipment

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