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3E091 Career Guide

Air Force

3E091: Electrical Power Production Specialist

Career transition guide for Air Force Electrical Power Production Specialist (3E091)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 3E091 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Electrician

$65K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Local electrical codesNational Electrical Code (NEC) certification

Power Plant Operator

$82K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Power plant operations trainingSpecific equipment certifications (e.g., boiler operation)

Electrical Inspector

$70K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

ICC certificationKnowledge of local building codes

Wind Turbine Technician

$60K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Wind turbine maintenance certificationClimbing and rescue trainingOSHA 30

Telecommunications Line Installer and Repairer

$58K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Fiber optic splicingNetworking fundamentals

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 3E091 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As a 3E091, you routinely analyze complex electrical systems, interpreting schematics and diagrams to understand how components interact within the larger network. You use this understanding to troubleshoot malfunctions and predict the impact of repairs or modifications.

Your ability to understand complex systems and predict outcomes makes you valuable in any field where you need to understand how interconnected components impact overall performance.

Procedural Compliance

Your role demands strict adherence to safety regulations, technical orders, and established procedures when working with high-voltage systems and hazardous environments. This ensures both personal safety and the integrity of the electrical infrastructure.

Your meticulous approach to following protocols and regulations translates into a strong ability to maintain quality, minimize risks, and ensure projects adhere to required standards.

Situational Awareness

Working on airfield lighting and electrical distribution systems requires constant awareness of your surroundings. You must anticipate potential hazards, monitor environmental conditions (like toxic gases), and coordinate with others to ensure a safe working environment.

Your heightened awareness and ability to anticipate problems makes you excellent at managing risks, coordinating activities, and ensuring safety in dynamic environments.

Degraded-Mode Operations

When electrical systems fail, you are responsible for quickly diagnosing the problem and implementing solutions, often under pressure and with limited resources. You are adept at finding workarounds and improvising repairs to restore functionality.

Your experience in restoring critical systems in emergency situations demonstrates your resourcefulness and calm under pressure. This skill is invaluable in any industry where maintaining uptime and resolving crises is a priority.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9099.01

You've been working with complex electrical systems and climbing structures for years, so the transition to maintaining wind turbines is natural. You already understand electrical distribution, troubleshooting, and safety protocols associated with high-voltage equipment, making you a strong candidate.

Industrial Automation Technician

SOC 49-9062.00

Your experience troubleshooting and repairing electrical systems translates well to industrial automation. You've been working with wiring diagrams, schematics, and control systems, so you'll be able to quickly grasp the concepts of programmable logic controllers (PLCs) and automated machinery. This role leverages your existing skills in a growing field.

Building Automation Systems (BAS) Technician

SOC 49-9021.00

You've been maintaining fire alarms, intrusion detection systems, and traffic controls, which are all part of building automation. As a BAS Technician, you'll use your troubleshooting skills to keep commercial buildings running efficiently. Your electrical background will give you a head start in understanding the complex network of systems that BAS technicians work with.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Electrical Power Production Apprentice Course, Sheppard AFB, TX

672 training hours16 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended in electrical technology

Topics Covered

  • Electrical Safety (NFPA 70E)
  • Power Distribution Systems (Overhead and Underground)
  • Airfield Lighting Systems
  • Electrical Troubleshooting
  • Transformer Theory and Maintenance
  • Protective Relaying
  • Fire Alarm and Intrusion Detection Systems
  • National Electrical Code (NEC) application

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Journeyman Electrician70% covered

Local electrical codes, residential wiring practices, and specific requirements for commercial and industrial installations.

OSHA 30-Hour Construction60% covered

Specific OSHA regulations related to construction safety, record keeping, and site-specific hazard analysis.

Recommended Next Certifications

Master ElectricianElectrical InspectorProject Management Professional (PMP)Certified Fire Alarm TechnicianCertified Electrical Safety Compliance Professional (CESCP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Underground Cable Locator (Various Models)Electromagnetic cable locators (e.g., Radiodetection RD8100)
High Voltage Test Equipment (e.g., hipot testers, megohmmeters)High voltage insulation testers (e.g., Megger MIT525)
Bucket Trucks/Aerial Lifts (Various Models)Utility Bucket Trucks/Aerial Work Platforms (e.g., Altec, Terex)
Airfield Lighting Control and Monitoring Systems (ALCMS)Airport Lighting Control Systems (e.g., ADB SAFEGATE, Honeywell)
Power Distribution Control Systems (SCADA)Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) systems (e.g., Schneider Electric, Siemens)
Fire Alarm Control Panels (FACP) (e.g., Simplex, Notifier)Commercial Fire Alarm Systems (e.g., Johnson Controls, Siemens)
Intrusion Detection Systems (IDS) (e.g., Bosch, ADT)Commercial Security Systems (e.g., Tyco, Honeywell)

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