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2M072 Career Guide

Air Force

2M072: Missile and Space Systems Maintenance

Career transition guide for Air Force Missile and Space Systems Maintenance (2M072)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 2M072 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Aerospace Engineering Technician

$75K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Specific CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD, SolidWorks)Modern aerospace materials and manufacturing processes

Mechatronics Engineer

$88K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

PLC ProgrammingRoboticsAdvanced Sensor Integration

Industrial Maintenance Technician

$62K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

OSHA Safety StandardsSpecific equipment certifications (e.g., welding, HVAC)Advanced troubleshooting of automated systems

Calibration Technician

$58K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Metrology principlesISO 17025 standardsCalibration software proficiency

Quality Control Inspector

$55K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Six Sigma certificationStatistical Process Control (SPC)GD&T (Geometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing)

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 2M072 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

You're responsible for understanding and maintaining complex systems like missiles, launch facilities, and R&D setups, which requires building a mental model of how all the components interact.

This translates to an ability to grasp complex systems quickly, foresee potential problems, and understand the impact of changes – crucial for roles involving design, optimization, and troubleshooting.

Procedural Compliance

Your work demands strict adherence to procedures, protocols, and international treaties to ensure safety and mission success when handling hazardous materials and sensitive equipment.

This means you're highly disciplined and meticulous, with an innate understanding of the importance of following established guidelines – a valuable asset in regulated environments.

Situational Awareness

From flightline missile maintenance to supervising space launch activities, you are constantly assessing your surroundings, identifying potential hazards, and responding to evolving conditions.

Your keen awareness of your environment and the ability to anticipate potential problems makes you excellent at risk management and quality control.

Degraded-Mode Operations

Troubleshooting malfunctions in missiles, launch facilities, and R&D systems requires you to maintain functionality even when things aren't working perfectly and improvising solutions under pressure.

This demonstrates your problem-solving abilities and your capacity to remain calm and effective even when facing unforeseen challenges.

Resource Optimization

You're responsible for ensuring efficient use of resources, from equipment and materials to personnel, in maintenance, launch, and R&D activities.

This means you are adept at maximizing productivity and minimizing waste, skills highly sought after in any organization striving for efficiency.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Robotics Technician

SOC 49-9062

You've been working with sophisticated electromechanical systems, troubleshooting malfunctions, and adhering to strict safety protocols. That directly translates to maintaining and repairing robotic systems in manufacturing, healthcare, or logistics.

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9081

You've been trained in maintaining complex systems, performing inspections, and troubleshooting problems. Your experience with hydraulics, pneumatics, and electrical systems makes you ideal for ensuring the smooth operation of wind turbines.

Hazardous Materials Removal Worker

SOC 47-4041

Your experience with hazardous materials, safety procedures, and compliance with regulations makes you a great fit for the safe removal, handling, and disposal of hazardous materials.

Quality Control Systems Manager

SOC 11-3051

You've been ensuring compliance with procedures, inspecting complex systems, and evaluating malfunctions. This experience translates directly to managing quality control systems in manufacturing or other industries where precision and reliability are critical.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Missile and Space Systems Maintenance Technical Training, Sheppard AFB, TX

750 training hours19 weeksUp to 9 semester hours in electromechanical technology

Topics Covered

  • Missile Systems Maintenance Fundamentals
  • Space Launch Vehicle Systems
  • Cryogenics and Propellants Handling
  • Electrical and Electronic Troubleshooting
  • Hydraulic and Pneumatic Systems
  • Ground Support Equipment Operation
  • Safety Procedures and Protocols
  • Technical Documentation and Reporting

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Electronics Technician (CET)60% covered

Requires studying specific electronics principles, troubleshooting methodologies, and current industry standards related to consumer or industrial electronics.

Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP)40% covered

Requires studying maintenance and reliability best practices across various industries, including business management, manufacturing process reliability, equipment reliability, and organization management.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Reliability Engineer (CRE)Six Sigma Green BeltAWS Certified Solutions Architect – Associate

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) Launch Control SystemsIndustrial Control Systems (ICS) for critical infrastructure
Missile Guidance and Control SystemsPrecision navigation and control systems for robotics and autonomous vehicles
Spacelift Booster SystemsCommercial rocket launch systems (e.g., SpaceX, Blue Origin)
Missile Component Testing EquipmentAutomated test equipment (ATE) for electronics manufacturing
Environmental Blast Doors and ValvesHigh-security access control systems and industrial safety valves
Data Acquisition Systems for R&DLaboratory information management systems (LIMS)
High/Low Pressure Gas SystemsIndustrial gas supply and distribution systems

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