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2A755 Career Guide

Air Force

2A755: Low Observable Aircraft Structural Maintenance

Career transition guide for Air Force Low Observable Aircraft Structural Maintenance (2A755)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2A755 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Aircraft Painter

$60K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Commercial aircraft painting standards (FAA)Specific paint system certifications (e.g., polyurethane)

Aerospace Composites Technician

$65K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Advanced composite repair techniquesVacuum bagging and curing processesNDT (Non-Destructive Testing) certifications

Industrial Coating Specialist

$55K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Specialized industrial coating applicationSafety training and certifications (e.g. OSHA)Surface preparation techniques

Wind Turbine Technician

$62K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Electrical knowledge related to wind turbinesClimbing and safety certifications for wind turbinesTroubleshooting and repair of composite blades

Manufacturing Technician

$45K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Lean manufacturing principlesSpecific equipment operation (CNC, etc.)Quality control procedures

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2A755 training built — and where they transfer.

Procedural Compliance

Adhering strictly to technical orders and safety regulations when handling hazardous materials and performing precise repairs on aircraft structures and coatings.

Meticulously following established protocols and guidelines to ensure accuracy, safety, and quality in highly regulated environments.

Pattern Recognition

Identifying subtle inconsistencies in aircraft coatings and structures that indicate potential damage or corrosion, even under low observable treatments.

Detecting deviations from established norms or expected results through keen observation and attention to detail, enabling proactive problem-solving.

Resource Optimization

Efficiently managing and utilizing specialized materials, tools, and equipment to minimize waste and maximize the effectiveness of repairs and maintenance procedures.

Strategically allocating and coordinating resources to achieve optimal outcomes while adhering to budgetary and time constraints.

System Modeling

Understanding how each layer and coating on the aircraft interact to achieve the Low Observable purpose of the overall system.

Grasping the interdependencies of complex systems, to anticipate how adjustments in one area affect the entire network.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9086.00

You've been trained to work at heights, troubleshoot complex mechanical systems, and follow precise maintenance procedures. This translates perfectly to inspecting, maintaining, and repairing wind turbines. Your experience with composite materials and coatings also gives you a leg up.

Quality Control Inspector (Aerospace)

SOC 51-9061.00

Your experience in evaluating, repairing, and inspecting aircraft structures makes you a natural fit. You're skilled at identifying defects, ensuring compliance with standards, and documenting findings – all crucial for maintaining quality in aerospace manufacturing.

Industrial Coatings Application Specialist

SOC 47-2141.00

You've mastered the art of applying specialized coatings to protect and enhance surfaces. This translates to applying protective coatings to industrial equipment, pipelines, and other infrastructure, ensuring longevity and performance. You already know about surface prep, paint mixing and application techniques!

Training & Education Equivalencies

Low Observable Aircraft Structural Maintenance Course, Sheppard AFB, TX

1,320 training hours33 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended in aviation maintenance technology

Topics Covered

  • Aircraft structural repair techniques
  • Low Observable (LO) materials and application
  • Corrosion identification and treatment on aircraft
  • Advanced composite repair
  • Radar Absorbent Material (RAM) application and repair
  • Aircraft painting and finishing
  • Use of technical orders and maintenance documentation
  • Hazardous materials handling and disposal

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic60% covered

This role provides a solid foundation in aircraft structural repair, but the A&P license requires additional knowledge and practical skills in powerplant (engine) maintenance, aircraft systems (electrical, hydraulic, etc.), and FAA regulations. Study these areas and complete the FAA-required practical experience.

Certified Composites Technician (CCT)70% covered

While experienced with composite repair, further study the specific requirements of the Composites Certification, especially in areas such as advanced composite materials, manufacturing processes beyond repair, and quality control procedures.

OSHA 30-Hour General Industry40% covered

While the role involves safety practices, the OSHA 30-Hour course covers a broader range of general industry safety topics. Focus on areas such as hazard communication, electrical safety, machine guarding, and emergency procedures.

Recommended Next Certifications

NACE Coating Inspector Program (CIP) Level 1ASNT Level II Inspector in Visual Testing (VT)AWS Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)Six Sigma Green Belt

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Radar Absorbent Material (RAM) Application/Removal ToolsSpecialized coating application equipment, sanding and media blasting tools
Planform Alignment EquipmentLaser alignment and measuring systems used in aerospace or automotive manufacturing
Automated Maintenance Systems (e.g., IMDS)Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) or Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS)
NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) equipment (e.g., Ultrasonic testers, Eddy current testers)Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) equipment (e.g., Ultrasonic testers, Eddy current testers)
TO (Technical Order) DataTechnical data sheets, Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs)
Lockout/Tagout ProceduresOSHA Lockout/Tagout Procedures

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