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2A671 Career Guide

Air Force

2A671: Aerospace Propulsion Craftsman

Career transition guide for Air Force Aerospace Propulsion Craftsman (2A671)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2A671 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Aircraft Mechanic/Technician

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license

Aerospace Engineer

$125K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace EngineeringCAD/CAM software proficiencyFEA (Finite Element Analysis) knowledge

Gas Turbine Technician

$70K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Specific OEM certifications (e.g., Siemens, GE)Experience with industrial gas turbines

Quality Control Inspector (Aerospace)

$65K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

ASQ Certified Quality Inspector (CQI) certificationKnowledge of AS9100 standardsGD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing) proficiency

Wind Turbine Technician

$60K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Safety certifications (e.g., OSHA 30)Climbing and rescue trainingElectrical troubleshooting skillsExperience with hydraulic systems

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2A671 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

You developed a deep understanding of complex aerospace propulsion systems, enabling you to predict how changes to one component affect the entire engine's performance.

This ability to visualize and understand complex systems translates into skills applicable to any role requiring systems-level thinking.

Procedural Compliance

You were responsible for meticulously following detailed technical manuals and safety procedures when inspecting, maintaining, and repairing engines.

Your commitment to following established protocols and maintaining rigorous standards is highly valuable in regulated environments.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You routinely troubleshot malfunctions, diagnosed issues, and implemented repair procedures under pressure, often with limited resources or information.

This experience translates to adaptability and problem-solving skills crucial for maintaining operations during unexpected disruptions.

Situational Awareness

You maintained a high level of awareness of the overall maintenance operation, understanding how your actions impacted other teams and the mission's success.

Your ability to see the big picture and understand how individual tasks contribute to broader goals makes you an effective team player and leader.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Quality Assurance Manager

SOC 11-3051.00

You've been immersed in highly regulated maintenance environments, ensuring strict adherence to procedures and identifying potential risks. This background is directly applicable to managing and improving quality control processes in various industries. Your experience with technical documentation and inspection protocols is also highly valuable.

Technical Trainer

SOC 25-9044.00

You've mastered complex engine systems and have likely trained junior personnel on maintenance procedures. This makes you well-suited to developing and delivering technical training programs in fields like manufacturing, engineering, or even the renewable energy sector. Your ability to explain complex concepts clearly and effectively is a major asset.

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9099.01

You've worked on complex mechanical and electrical systems, including turbine engines. This background provides a strong foundation for working on wind turbines, which require similar skills in maintenance, troubleshooting, and repair. The experience you've gained working with specialized tools and equipment translates directly to this field.

Robotics Technician

SOC 49-9062.00

You've honed your skills working with intricate mechanical and electrical systems. This skillset translates well to the growing field of robotics. You'll apply your ability to diagnose and repair complex systems to robots used in manufacturing, healthcare, and other industries. Your problem-solving skills and understanding of technical documentation are highly transferable.

Training & Education Equivalencies

2A671 Technical Training, Sheppard AFB, TX

480 training hours12 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended in Aircraft Maintenance Technology

Topics Covered

  • Jet Engine Theory and Operation
  • Turboprop and Turboshaft Engine Systems
  • Engine Inspection and Maintenance Procedures
  • Engine Test Stand Operations
  • Use of Technical Manuals and Diagrams (IETMs)
  • Engine Health Management and Diagnostics
  • Propeller Repair and Maintenance
  • Ground Support Equipment Maintenance

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) License70% covered

FAA regulatory knowledge, hands-on experience with specific civilian aircraft models, and passing the FAA written, oral, and practical exams.

Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)40% covered

Specific business aviation knowledge, financial management, and strategic planning principles are areas requiring further study.

Recommended Next Certifications

Six Sigma Green BeltProject Management Professional (PMP)Lean Manufacturing Certification

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Interactive Electronic Technical Manuals (IETMs)Online interactive technical documentation and repair manuals (e.g., Mitchell 1, Alldata)
Engine Health Management (EHM) systemsPredictive maintenance software for aviation engines (e.g., GE Aviation, Rolls-Royce)
Turboprop Engines (T56)Industrial turboprop engine maintenance (e.g., Pratt & Whitney Canada, Honeywell)
Jet Engine Test StandsEngine dynamometers and test cells (e.g., AVL, Horiba)
F100, F110, F118, F404, J85 Jet EnginesCommercial jet engine maintenance and repair (e.g., CFM International, Pratt & Whitney)
TF33, CF6, F103, F108, F117, JT3D-3, JT8, TF34, TF39, PW 2020 Jet EnginesCommercial jet engine maintenance and repair (e.g., CFM International, Pratt & Whitney)
Engine Ground Support Equipment (SE)Aviation ground support equipment maintenance (e.g., Tronair, Guinault)

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