Air Force

3E591: Engineering Assistant

Career transition guide for Air Force Engineering Assistant (3E591)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 3E591 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Civil Engineering Technician

$65K

High matchStable demand

Surveying Technician

$60K

High matchStable demand

GIS Technician

$68K

High matchGrowing demand

Construction Manager

$98K

Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Project Management Professional (PMP) CertificationAdvanced knowledge of construction-specific software

CAD Drafter

$58K

Good matchStable demand

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 3E591 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

Creating and maintaining Geographic Information Systems (GIS) requires building complex digital models of physical spaces and infrastructure. This involves understanding the relationships between different data layers and how they interact to represent real-world conditions.

The ability to build and manage complex models translates directly into roles that require understanding and manipulating interconnected systems to optimize performance or predict outcomes.

Procedural Compliance

This role demands strict adherence to engineering standards, safety regulations, and contract specifications. Errors can lead to significant cost overruns, structural failures, or safety hazards. Maintaining detailed records and documentation is paramount.

Meticulous attention to detail and unwavering adherence to established protocols are highly valued in civilian roles that require precision, accuracy, and accountability.

Situational Awareness

Evaluating construction sites, managing contracts, and supporting contingency operations require keen awareness of the surrounding environment, potential risks, and available resources. Anticipating potential problems and adapting to changing circumstances are critical.

The ability to quickly assess situations, identify potential hazards, and adapt to evolving circumstances is a valuable asset in dynamic civilian environments.

Resource Optimization

Preparing cost estimates, managing budgets, and coordinating resources for construction and maintenance projects necessitates a focus on maximizing efficiency and minimizing waste. This includes making informed decisions about materials, equipment, and personnel allocation.

The ability to effectively manage and allocate resources is crucial for ensuring project success and organizational efficiency.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Energy Auditor

SOC 13-1199

You've been evaluating facilities, understanding their systems, and developing improvements. As an Energy Auditor (13-1199), you will use that expertise to analyze energy usage in buildings, identify areas for improvement, and recommend energy-efficient solutions to clients.

Land Surveyor

SOC 17-1022

Your experience conducting reconnaissance, site location, and construction surveys in the military directly translates to the civilian world. As a Land Surveyor (17-1022), you'll be using your skills with surveying technology and data analysis to determine property boundaries, map terrain, and provide crucial information for construction and development projects.

Construction Estimator

SOC 13-1051

Your experience preparing cost estimates for construction projects in the Air Force has equipped you with the skills to succeed as a Construction Estimator (13-1051). You'll leverage your knowledge of materials, labor, and construction processes to develop accurate and competitive bids for projects, ensuring profitability and project success.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Civil Engineer Apprentice Course, Sheppard Air Force Base, TX

590 training hours15 weeksUp to 6 semester hours in construction technology or civil engineering technology

Topics Covered

•Civil Engineering Drawings and Specifications
•Surveying Principles and Applications
•Geographic Information Systems (GIS) Operation and Maintenance
•Construction Contract Management and Inspection
•Material Testing Procedures (Soils, Asphalt, Concrete)
•Computer-Aided Design (CAD) Software Applications
•Airfield Damage Assessment and Repair

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Construction Manager (CCM)60% covered

Requires more in-depth knowledge of construction law, finance, and risk management specific to civilian construction projects.

Survey Technician Certification (various levels, NSPS)70% covered

May need to brush up on specific state surveying laws and regulations, as well as potentially learn specialized surveying techniques not utilized in the military.

GIS Professional (GISP)50% covered

Need to demonstrate experience and knowledge across all aspects of GIS, including data management, analysis, and application development, and meet the ethics requirements.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)LEED Green AssociateCertified Professional in Erosion and Sediment Control (CPESC)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military System	Civilian Equivalent
Air Force GeoBase	Esri ArcGIS Enterprise
Survey Grade GPS Equipment (Trimble, Leica)	Trimble GPS Systems, Leica Geosystems
Computer Aided Design (CAD) Software	Autodesk AutoCAD, Bentley MicroStation
Airfield Damage Repair (ADR) Procedures	Pavement Management Systems (PMS)
Base Comprehensive Plan (BCP)	City or Regional Master Plan
USACE Engineering Regulations (ERs) and Technical Manuals (TMs)	ASTM Standards, IBC (International Building Code)
Contract Management System (e.g., Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR) based systems)	Construction Project Management Software (Procore, CMiC)

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3E591 Career Guide