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2A696 Career Guide

Air Force

2A696: Aircraft Electrical and Environmental Systems Specialist

Career transition guide for Air Force Aircraft Electrical and Environmental Systems Specialist (2A696)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2A696 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Aircraft Mechanic/Technician

$73K
High matchHigh demand

Avionics Technician

$78K
High matchVery high demand

Electrical Engineer

$95K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

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

Wind Turbine Technician

$60K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Experience with high-voltage systemsClimbing certification

Automotive Electrician

$55K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

ASE certifications in automotive electrical systemsFamiliarity with automotive diagnostic tools

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2A696 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As an aircraft E&E technician, you create and maintain mental models of complex electrical and environmental systems to quickly diagnose malfunctions and predict the impact of repairs across interconnected components.

This ability to mentally map complex systems translates to understanding intricate processes and dependencies in various civilian industries, allowing you to anticipate problems and optimize performance.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You're adept at maintaining essential functions and implementing workarounds when aircraft E&E systems fail or operate sub-optimally, ensuring mission readiness even in challenging conditions.

The skill to adapt to system failures and implement solutions in high-pressure situations is highly valuable in roles requiring rapid problem-solving and resilience.

Procedural Compliance

Your work requires strict adherence to technical manuals, safety regulations, and maintenance protocols to ensure the reliability and safety of aircraft E&E systems.

Your commitment to following established procedures and maintaining high standards of quality is transferable to any role where safety, accuracy, and consistency are paramount.

Situational Awareness

You continuously monitor aircraft E&E systems, assess environmental factors, and observe operational conditions to anticipate potential problems and ensure safe and effective performance.

This heightened awareness of your surroundings and the ability to quickly assess risks allows you to make informed decisions and proactively address potential issues in a variety of civilian settings.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Building Automation Systems Technician

SOC 49-9012

You've been working on the complex electrical and environmental systems of aircraft. This translates directly to the integrated systems found in modern buildings. You already possess the troubleshooting and maintenance expertise to excel in this role.

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9099

You've maintained electrical systems, generators, and control systems. Wind turbines utilize similar technology, and your experience will give you a head start in this growing field focused on renewable energy.

Amusement Park Ride Mechanic

SOC 49-9071

You're accustomed to ensuring the safety and reliability of complex electromechanical systems. Amusement park rides require similar expertise in troubleshooting, repair, and preventative maintenance.

Training & Education Equivalencies

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

640 training hours16 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended in Avionics Maintenance Technology or Aviation Maintenance Management

Topics Covered

  • Direct and Alternating Current Fundamentals
  • Gas Turbine Compressors and Auxiliary Power Units
  • Landing Gear and Anti-Skid Systems
  • Electronic Engine Control Systems
  • Aircraft Lighting Systems
  • Fire and Overheat Warning Systems
  • Fuel Control Systems
  • Air Conditioning and Pressurization Systems

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Aviation Technician (Avionics)70% covered

FAA regulations, specific aircraft avionics systems not covered in military training, and civilian maintenance procedures.

ETA Certified Aircraft Electronics Technician (CET)60% covered

Focus on FAA regulations, commercial aircraft-specific systems, and advanced troubleshooting techniques used in civilian aviation.

Recommended Next Certifications

FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) LicenseASQ Certified Quality Technician (CQT)Project Management Professional (PMP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/AWM-55A Aircraft Armament Test SetAutomated Test Equipment (ATE) for aerospace electronics
Fluke 8060A Digital Multimeter (DMM)Fluke 87V Digital Multimeter
AN/USM-488A Radio Test SetCommunication System Analyzer (e.g., Keysight 8960 Series)
Cryogenic Mobile Aircraft Servicing UnitsMobile liquid nitrogen/oxygen servicing carts
Avionics Test Benches (various)Aerospace-grade electronics diagnostic and repair stations
Technical Order (TO) LibraryOnline Aerospace Maintenance Manuals (e.g., Boeing Maintenance Manuals)

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