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2M071 Career Guide

Air Force

2M071: Missile and Space Systems Maintenance Technician

Career transition guide for Air Force Missile and Space Systems Maintenance Technician (2M071)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2M071 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Avionics Technician

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA A&P License

Aerospace Engineer

$125K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace EngineeringCAD/CAM software proficiency

Electrical Engineer

$95K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical EngineeringPLC ProgrammingCircuit Design

Calibration Technician

$65K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

ISO 17025 TrainingSpecific calibration equipment certifications (e.g., pressure, temperature)

Wind Turbine Technician

$60K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Wind Turbine Technician CertificationOSHA Safety TrainingClimbing and Rescue Training

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2M071 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As a 2M071, you constantly monitored and analyzed complex missile and spacelift systems, building mental models to predict behavior and identify potential issues before they escalated.

This ability to understand and predict the behavior of complex systems translates directly to skills in designing, optimizing, and troubleshooting intricate processes and technologies in civilian settings.

Procedural Compliance

Your work demanded strict adherence to detailed technical orders and maintenance procedures, ensuring safety and mission success in high-stakes environments.

This rigorous experience in following established protocols and maintaining meticulous records is highly valued in roles requiring precision, accountability, and adherence to regulatory standards.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You were responsible for maintaining system functionality even when components failed or systems operated outside of nominal parameters, improvising solutions and adapting to unexpected challenges to keep things running.

This skill in maintaining operations under duress will enable you to excel in managing crises, troubleshooting unexpected problems, and finding creative solutions when resources are limited.

Situational Awareness

You constantly monitored the status of missiles, spacelift boosters, payloads, and support equipment, maintaining a comprehensive understanding of the operational environment and anticipating potential problems.

This ability to maintain a broad awareness of your surroundings and anticipate potential problems translates to project management, risk assessment, and strategic planning roles.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Industrial Control Systems Technician

SOC 49-9041

You've been managing complex electromechanical systems under pressure, and you are skilled at reading schematics, using test equipment, and troubleshooting problems. Now you can apply your skills to other electromechanical systems.

Power Plant Operator

SOC 51-8013

You've been operating and maintaining critical systems in a high-stakes environment, including monitoring performance, troubleshooting issues, and following strict procedures. This experience translates perfectly to the power generation industry, where reliability and safety are paramount.

Robotics Technician

SOC 49-9092

You've been hands-on with advanced electromechanical systems and understand their intricacies, applying your knowledge of electronics, mechanics, and control systems to a growing field with high demand.

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9097

You've been maintaining complex machinery in challenging conditions and are comfortable with heights, technical documentation, and problem-solving. Now you can bring your skills to the renewable energy sector, contributing to a sustainable future.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Missile and Space Systems Maintenance Technical Training, Sheppard Air Force Base, TX

1,120 training hours28 weeksUp to 15 semester hours in electronics and electromechanical technologies

Topics Covered

  • Electronic Principles and Troubleshooting
  • Missile Systems Theory
  • Ground Support Equipment Maintenance
  • Launch Control Systems
  • ICBM Maintenance Procedures
  • Spacelift Booster Systems
  • Payload Integration and Testing

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Electronics Technician (CET)70% covered

Requires study of current electronics theory, troubleshooting techniques, and specific CET exam topics. Hands-on experience with a wider range of electronic devices and systems beyond missile systems may be needed.

CompTIA A+40% covered

Needs to study general computer hardware, software, networking, and troubleshooting not specific to missile systems. Requires broader knowledge of operating systems and security concepts.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE)Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Automated Test Equipment (ATE) (various types depending on missile system)Automated Test Equipment (ATE) for electronics manufacturing and aerospace industries
Launch Control Systems (LCS) (e.g., for ICBMs)Industrial control systems (ICS) used in manufacturing and critical infrastructure
Missile Guidance SystemsNavigation and guidance systems used in aircraft, drones, and autonomous vehicles
Checkout Equipment (various types)Diagnostic and testing equipment for electronic and mechanical systems
Telemetry Systems (for launch data analysis)Telemetry systems used in motorsport, aerospace, and industrial monitoring
Environmental Control Systems (ECS) (for missile and payload storage)HVAC and environmental monitoring systems used in data centers and sensitive equipment storage
Fiber Optic Test Equipment (OTDR, optical power meters)Fiber optic testing and certification equipment used by telecommunications technicians

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