2A735 Career Guide
2A735: Aircraft Structural Maintenance Technician
Career transition guide for Air Force Aircraft Structural Maintenance Technician (2A735)
Translate Your 2A735 Experience Now
Get a personalized AI-powered translation of your military experience into civilian resume language.
Start Free TranslationCivilian Career Pathways
Top civilian roles for 2A735 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Aircraft Mechanic/Technician
Skills to develop:
Aerospace Engineer
Skills to develop:
Industrial Painter
Skills to develop:
Quality Control Inspector
Skills to develop:
Wind Turbine Technician
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 2A735 training built — and where they transfer.
Procedural Compliance
Following detailed technical orders (TOD) for applying coatings, repairing structures, and handling hazardous materials is paramount. Strict adherence ensures aircraft integrity and safety.
The ability to meticulously follow established protocols and regulations to ensure quality, safety, and consistency in complex processes.
Pattern Recognition
Identifying subtle defects in low observable coatings or structural components requires recognizing deviations from established standards and anticipating potential failures.
The ability to discern anomalies, inconsistencies, or potential problems by recognizing patterns in data, materials, or systems.
Situational Awareness
Maintaining awareness of environmental factors, equipment status, and potential hazards during maintenance operations ensures a safe and efficient work environment.
The ability to perceive and understand the surrounding environment, anticipate potential risks, and make informed decisions in dynamic situations.
Resource Optimization
Efficiently managing materials, tools, and time to complete repairs and maintenance tasks within budget and schedule constraints is essential.
The ability to allocate resources effectively, streamline processes, and minimize waste to maximize productivity and achieve desired outcomes.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Quality Control Inspector
SOC 51-9061.00You've been trained to meticulously inspect aircraft structures and coatings for defects, ensuring compliance with stringent technical standards. This translates perfectly to inspecting manufactured goods for flaws and adherence to quality specifications.
Industrial Safety Specialist
SOC 25-1081.00You're accustomed to working with hazardous materials and ensuring safety protocols are followed. Your experience makes you well-suited to ensure workplaces comply with safety regulations, minimizing risks and promoting a safe working environment.
Restoration Technician (Art/Antiques)
SOC 49-9091.00You're skilled in repairing and restoring damaged materials, including composites and coatings. This experience can be applied to restoring valuable artifacts and antiques, requiring similar attention to detail and material science knowledge.
Wind Turbine Technician
SOC 49-9081.00You have experience working on large structures, repairing composite materials, and applying protective coatings. Wind turbines require similar maintenance, making this a natural fit for your skills.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Aircraft Structural Maintenance Course, Sheppard Air Force Base, TX
Topics Covered
- •Aircraft metal and composite repair techniques
- •Low Observable (LO) coatings application and repair
- •Corrosion identification and treatment
- •Aerospace fasteners and adhesives
- •Structural component fabrication and modification
- •Hazardous materials handling and disposal
- •Aircraft painting and finishing
- •Technical order interpretation
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
Study specific refrigerant types, recovery techniques, and regulatory compliance for stationary refrigeration systems.
Requires significant additional study of welding codes, metallurgy, destructive and non-destructive testing, and quality assurance specific to welding processes beyond basic structural repair.
Requires additional study of OSHA regulations, focusing on areas such as hazard communication, personal protective equipment, and control of hazardous energy (lockout/tagout) specific to general industry beyond aviation.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Radar Absorbent Material (RAM) Application Equipment | Specialized coating application equipment for electromagnetic shielding (e.g., spray systems, vacuum chambers) |
| Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI) Equipment (e.g., Ultrasonic testers, eddy current testers) | NDI/NDT equipment used in aerospace, automotive, and manufacturing industries (e.g., Olympus NDT, GE Inspection Technologies) |
| Planform Alignment Tools | Laser trackers and 3D scanners for precise dimensional measurement and alignment (e.g., FaroArm, Leica Absolute Tracker) |
| Automated Maintenance Systems (e.g., Integrated Maintenance Data System (IMDS)) | Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) and Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) (e.g., SAP PM, Maximo) |
| Corrosion Detection and Treatment Systems (e.g., Boroscopes, chemical conversion coating systems) | Corrosion analysis and prevention technologies used in automotive, marine, and construction industries (e.g., electrochemical testing equipment, rust converters) |
| Specialized Fastener Installation Tools | Pneumatic and electric fastener installation tools (e.g., Huck, Cherry) |
Ready to Translate Your Experience?
Our AI-powered translator converts your 2A735 experience into ATS-optimized civilian resume language.
Translate My Resume — Free