Avionics Technician
$75KHigh match
High demand
Skills to develop
- — FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license
- — Specific aircraft type certifications
Live · Guide v1.02E031B · Career GuideValidated · Lightcast Labor DataUpdated · Q2 20262027 Cohort · Applications Open
USAF · 2E031BCareer Guide · Operations · VWC.CG.2E031B.R.04
2E031B · USAF · EnlistedGround Radar Systems
Ground Radar Systems
Technician.
Air Force 2E031B (Ground Radar Systems Technician). 1,120 hours of formal training translate to 5 validated civilian career pathways with salary bands of $55K–$75K. Sourced from DoD training data and Lightcast labor signals.
Training hours1,120DoD pipeline
ACE creditACEUp to 15 semester hours recommended in electronics technology (estimated)
Tech roles4mapped to your code
Civilian pathways5validated
Cert coverage3/6direct + partial
This career guide was generated using AI analysis of military job code data. Salary figures, certification coverage percentages, and career matches are estimates — verify with official sources before making career decisions.
/ 01 · Tech Roles
Roles your code maps to.
Industry tech roles your 2E031B background maps to — picked from BLS-anchored occupations using your training, cognitive skills, and systems experience.
Sort · Match descending
/ 02 · Skill Bridge
The gap, named.
What 2E031B training already gave you, and the specific gaps to close — not a generic checklist.
Already have09
- 01Radar Principles and Theory→ Understanding of signal processing concepts applicable to data analysis.
- 02Digital Signal Processing→ Ability to analyze and interpret complex data patterns.
- 03Troubleshooting and Repair Procedures→ Systematic approach to problem-solving and issue resolution.
- 04Networking and Communications Systems→ Knowledge of network protocols and communication technologies.
- 05Radar System Alignment and Calibration→ Experience in system optimization and performance tuning.
- 06System Modeling→ Designing, troubleshooting, and optimizing processes.
- 07Degraded-Mode Operations→ Maintaining operational effectiveness in challenging situations.
- 08Procedural Compliance→ Commitment to following established protocols and regulations.
- 09Situational Awareness→ Assessing dynamic situations and making informed decisions.
To learn14
The concrete gap to bridge — specific to the roles above, not a generic checklist.
+Linux system administration fundamentals+Cloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) basics+Scripting languages (Python, Bash) for automation+Configuration management tools (Ansible, Chef, or Puppet)+Fundamentals of TCP/IP networking+Network monitoring and analysis tools (e.g., Wireshark)+Network security principles and practices+Cloud networking concepts (VPC, VPN, etc.)+Infrastructure as Code (Terraform or CloudFormation)+Containerization with Docker and Kubernetes basics+Continuous Integration/Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) pipelines+SIEM tools+Vulnerability management+Compliance frameworks
How VWC fits
Vets Who Code is a free, remote-first software engineering accelerator for veterans, active duty, and military spouses. We close the fundamentals — terminal, web platform, AI tooling, portfolio projects — so the rest of this list becomes specialization, not square one.
See VWC Programs →/ 03 · Civilian Pathways
Where your code lands.
Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer
$68KGood match
Stable demand
Skills to develop
- — Fiber optic cabling certification
- — Specific telecom equipment training (e.g., Cisco, Juniper)
Electronics Engineering Technician
$72KGood match
Growing demand
Skills to develop
- — Associate's degree in Electronics Technology
- — Proficiency in CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, Altium)
- — Advanced troubleshooting methodologies
Wind Turbine Technician
$65KModerate match
Very high demand
Skills to develop
- — Wind turbine safety and maintenance certification
- — Climbing and rescue training
- — Knowledge of renewable energy systems
Industrial Maintenance Mechanic
$55KModerate match
High demand
Skills to develop
- — PLC (Programmable Logic Controller) certification
- — Hydraulic and pneumatic systems training
- — Welding certification
/ 04 · Hidden Strengths
What the code built.
Cognitive skills your 2E031B training built — and where they transfer in civilian work.
System Modeling
You routinely use schematics and diagrams to understand the intricate workings of ground radar systems, predicting how changes in one component will affect the entire system.
Transfers to
This ability to visualize and understand complex systems translates directly to designing, troubleshooting, and optimizing processes in various industries.
Degraded-Mode Operations
You're adept at diagnosing and repairing radar systems under pressure, often with limited resources or incomplete information, ensuring critical systems remain operational.
Transfers to
This translates to a strong ability to maintain operational effectiveness in challenging situations, adapting to unforeseen problems, and implementing contingency plans.
Procedural Compliance
You are deeply familiar with strict maintenance and installation policies, technical orders, and safety standards, ensuring all work adheres to these regulations.
Transfers to
This demonstrates a commitment to following established protocols and regulations, a crucial skill in regulated industries where adherence to standards is paramount.
Situational Awareness
You maintain constant awareness of the status of radar systems, environmental factors, and potential threats to ensure optimal performance and security.
Transfers to
This translates to a keen ability to assess dynamic situations, anticipate potential problems, and make informed decisions based on real-time information.
/ 05 · Non-Obvious Matches
Roles the recruiter won't suggest.
Adjacent civilian roles your training maps to that conventional military-to-civilian advice tends to miss.
Industrial Control Systems (ICS) Security Engineer
SOC 15-1299.02You've been working with complex, interconnected radar systems, which require strict security protocols. As an ICS Security Engineer, you’ll apply your expertise to protect critical infrastructure systems from cyber threats. Your experience in troubleshooting and maintaining these systems will be invaluable in identifying and mitigating vulnerabilities.
Adjacent · MatchRobotics Technician
SOC 49-9062.00You're skilled in repairing and maintaining sophisticated electronic systems. As a Robotics Technician, you’ll leverage this expertise to work with robots and automated systems in manufacturing, healthcare, or logistics. Your ability to diagnose and fix complex mechanical and electronic issues will make you a highly valued asset.
Adjacent · MatchWind Turbine Technician
SOC 49-9081.00You're experienced in working with complex electrical and mechanical systems in outdoor environments. As a Wind Turbine Technician, you'll install, maintain, and repair wind turbines, applying your troubleshooting skills and knowledge of electrical systems to ensure efficient and reliable energy generation.
Adjacent · Match/ 06 · Training & Certs
What you trained on.
Academy
Ground Radar Systems Maintenance Course
Keesler AFB, MS1,120hHours
28wkWeeks
ACECredit
Up to 15 semester hours recommended in electronics technology (estimated)
Topics · 8
- Radar Principles and Theory
- Digital Signal Processing
- Antenna Systems and Waveguides
- Transmitter and Receiver Systems
- Troubleshooting and Repair Procedures
- Networking and Communications Systems
- Radar System Alignment and Calibration
- Safety Procedures and Regulations
Partial coverage · 3
- Certified Electronics Technician (CET)70%
Formal electronics theory, specific troubleshooting techniques outside of radar systems, and current industry standards may need review.
- CompTIA Network+60%
While experienced with communication systems, a deeper understanding of modern networking concepts, protocols, and security practices might be needed.
- FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL)50%
Focus on FCC rules and regulations, as well as broader radio communication principles outside of military radar systems.
Recommended next · 03
- Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP)Adjacent
- Project Management Professional (PMP)Adjacent
- Certified Wireless Network Administrator (CWNA)Adjacent
/ 07 · Systems Translation
What you ran, in their words.
Military systems you operated and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent | Domain |
|---|---|---|
| AN/TPS-75 Radar System | Commercial Airport Surveillance Radar (ASR) systems | Signals |
| AN/GPN-27 Airport Surveillance Radar | Air Traffic Control Radar systems | Signals |
| Identification Friend or Foe (IFF) Systems | Automatic Dependent Surveillance-Broadcast (ADS-B) transponders | Operations |
| Ground-to-Air Radio Communication Systems (VHF/UHF) | Land Mobile Radio (LMR) systems | Networking |
| Radar Data Remoting Systems | Remote telemetry and data acquisition systems | Signals |
| AN/TPN-19 Landing Control Center | Mobile Air Traffic Control Towers | Operations |
| Air Route Surveillance Radar (ARSR) | Long-range radar used for en route air traffic control | Signals |
Cohort 2027 · Intake Open
Ship 2E031B into a software engineering career.
The pathways above are the destination. Vets Who Code is the route: a free, remote-first software engineering accelerator for active duty, veterans, and military spouses. 17 weeks at 20–30 hours a week, and a body of work that ships.