3E551 Career Guide
3E551: Engineering Assistant
Career transition guide for Air Force Engineering Assistant (3E551)
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Top civilian roles for 3E551 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Civil Engineering Technician
Surveyor
Skills to develop:
CAD Technician
Skills to develop:
Construction Manager
Skills to develop:
GIS Analyst
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 3E551 training built — and where they transfer.
System Modeling
As a 3E551, you develop system models when evaluating existing airfield pavements, lighting, navigational aids, and arresting systems. You assess how these components interact and predict their performance under various conditions, especially during contingency operations.
This translates to an ability to understand complex systems and predict outcomes. You can analyze how different parts of a system work together and identify potential problems or areas for improvement.
Procedural Compliance
Your role requires strict adherence to engineering standards, contract specifications, and regulatory requirements when performing design, drafting, surveying, and contract surveillance activities. You ensure all projects meet established guidelines.
This demonstrates a strong ability to follow established protocols and maintain high standards of accuracy and quality. You are detail-oriented and understand the importance of compliance in regulated environments.
Resource Optimization
You optimize resource allocation when preparing cost estimates for construction projects, developing plans for contingency operations, and managing construction contracts. You balance project needs with available resources to achieve the best possible outcomes.
This shows you are adept at maximizing efficiency and effectiveness with limited resources. You can identify opportunities to streamline processes and reduce costs while maintaining quality.
Situational Awareness
You maintain high situational awareness by evaluating potential construction sites, performing field tests, and assessing airfield damage during contingency operations. You quickly understand the environment and make informed decisions.
Your ability to quickly assess and respond to changing conditions is valuable in dynamic environments. You can anticipate potential problems and proactively take steps to mitigate risks.
After-Action Analysis
You conduct post-acceptance inspections and prepare reports for engineering evaluation, analyzing the effectiveness of completed projects and identifying areas for improvement. This continuous learning process ensures better outcomes in future endeavors.
Your ability to learn from past experiences and apply those lessons to future projects is highly valuable. You can identify best practices and implement changes to improve performance over time.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Construction Technology Specialist
SOC 17-3029.01You've been managing construction and maintenance contracts, interpreting plans and specs, and using CAD/GIS. These skills give you a solid foundation to leverage emerging technologies to improve construction processes. You already understand project lifecycles and have a keen eye for detail.
Geospatial Data Analyst
SOC 15-1121Your experience operating and maintaining Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and collecting, converting, and presenting field survey data makes you a strong candidate for a Geospatial Data Analyst. You're already familiar with spatial data, metadata standards, and query routines, giving you a head start in this field.
Facilities Management Consultant
SOC 13-1199.04You've developed preliminary engineering designs, prepared cost estimates, and acted as a liaison between design, review, and construction agencies. Your ability to understand complex projects from design to execution makes you well-suited to advise organizations on optimizing their facility operations.
Infrastructure Resilience Planner
SOC 19-3099You've developed plans for contingency operations, evaluated airfield pavements, and performed airfield damage assessments. This background in infrastructure assessment and planning translates well into helping communities and organizations develop resilience strategies to protect against disruptions and disasters.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Civil Engineer Assistant Technical School, Sheppard AFB, TX
Topics Covered
- •Civil Engineering Fundamentals
- •Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Software
- •Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Operation and Maintenance
- •Surveying Techniques and Equipment
- •Construction Materials Testing (Soils, Asphalt, Concrete)
- •Contract Management Principles
- •Base Comprehensive Planning
- •Contingency Operations Support
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
Requires studying specific surveying principles, legal descriptions, and boundary law not explicitly covered in the military description. Focus on the CST Level I or II content.
While experience with CAD is mentioned, specific AutoCAD software mastery needs to be demonstrated. Requires focusing on AutoCAD-specific commands, workflows, and best practices through practice and potentially a training course.
Requires demonstrating advanced GIS skills, professional ethics, and contributions to the GIS field. Focus on the GISCI application process, portfolio development, and understanding the GIS Code of Ethics.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Computer Aided Design (CAD) | AutoCAD, Revit, Civil 3D |
| Geographic Information Systems (GIS) | Esri ArcGIS, QGIS |
| Global Positioning System (GPS) surveying equipment | Trimble GPS, Leica Geosystems |
| Auto-levels and electronic total stations | Spectra Precision Total Stations, Sokkia Automatic Levels |
| Airfield Damage Assessment System (ADAS) | Pavement Condition Index (PCI) software, visual inspection methodologies |
| Base Comprehensive Plan (BCP) | City or County Master Plan |
| Civil Engineer Environmental Readiness Assessment Tool (CEERAT) | Environmental compliance software (e.g., EHS Insight, Intelex) |
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