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45691 Career Guide

Air Force

45691: Avionics Test Station Specialist

Career transition guide for Air Force Avionics Test Station Specialist (45691)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 45691 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Avionics Technician

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Electronics Technician

$65K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Specific certifications related to industrial or commercial electronics (e.g., CompTIA Electronic Technician)Experience with different types of electronic systems

Calibration Technician

$68K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Specific certifications in calibration (e.g., ASQ Certified Calibration Technician)Knowledge of ISO 17025 standards

Field Service Technician

$70K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Strong customer service skillsExperience with remote diagnosticsKnowledge of specific industry products (e.g., medical equipment, industrial machinery)

Aerospace Engineering Technician

$62K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in a related engineering fieldCAD software proficiencyKnowledge of aerospace design principles

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 45691 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

You constantly analyze complex avionics systems, understanding how various components interact and predict potential points of failure based on your knowledge of the overall system architecture.

This ability to understand and predict system behavior translates directly into designing, troubleshooting, and optimizing complex systems in civilian industries.

Procedural Compliance

You meticulously adhere to strict maintenance standards, directives, policies, and procedures when inspecting, repairing, and calibrating avionics equipment, ensuring safety and operational readiness.

Your commitment to following established protocols and your understanding of the importance of adherence to regulations are valuable assets in any regulated industry, such as healthcare or finance.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You're adept at diagnosing and repairing malfunctions in avionics systems, often under pressure and with limited resources, finding creative solutions to keep equipment operational even in a degraded state.

This skill translates to the ability to troubleshoot complex problems, think on your feet, and maintain functionality even when systems are not operating at their optimal level – crucial in fast-paced and demanding civilian roles.

After-Action Analysis

You initiate deficiency reports, maintenance analysis documents, and technical data changes, systematically documenting and analyzing equipment performance to identify areas for improvement and prevent future issues.

Your analytical skills and attention to detail make you well-suited for roles that require continuous improvement, quality assurance, and problem-solving based on data analysis.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9086

You've been trained to troubleshoot and repair complex electromechanical systems, a skillset that's directly transferable to wind turbine maintenance. Your experience with diagnostics, electrical systems, and safety protocols makes you an ideal candidate for ensuring the reliable operation of wind turbines.

Medical Equipment Repairer

SOC 49-9062

You're highly skilled in repairing and maintaining sophisticated electronic equipment. This makes you perfectly equipped to handle medical devices, which require a high degree of precision and a thorough understanding of electronics and mechanics.

Industrial Automation Technician

SOC 49-2094

You've got a strong foundation in electronics, mechanics, and computer systems, putting you in an excellent position to work with automated manufacturing systems. You've honed your ability to troubleshoot and repair complex systems under pressure, so you can quickly adapt to keeping automated lines running smoothly.

Building Automation Systems Technician

SOC 49-9012

You're adept at understanding and maintaining complex interconnected systems. This makes you well-suited to working with building automation systems, which control HVAC, lighting, and security, requiring a holistic view of the building's operations.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Avionics Test Station Specialist Technical Training, Sheppard AFB, TX

1,120 training hours28 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended in electronics technology

Topics Covered

  • Avionics Systems Theory and Operation
  • Electronic Warfare Systems Diagnostics
  • Radar Systems Troubleshooting
  • Communication Systems Maintenance
  • Test Equipment Calibration Procedures
  • Automated Test Program Set (TPS) Operation
  • Hazardous Materials Handling and Safety
  • Maintenance Data Collection and Reporting

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Electronics Technician (CET)70% covered

Civilian electronics standards, troubleshooting techniques specific to non-military equipment, and current industry best practices.

ETA International Avionics Technician (AvT)75% covered

Specific avionics models used in civilian aircraft, FAA regulations, and updated diagnostic procedures relevant to the civilian sector.

CompTIA A+60% covered

Focus on current PC hardware, operating systems (Windows, macOS, Linux), networking fundamentals, and software troubleshooting.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)Project Management Professional (PMP)Six Sigma Green BeltCertified Test Engineer (CTE)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/USM-636(V) Versatile Avionic Shop Test (VAST)Automated Test Equipment (ATE) for avionics repair
AN/APM-424 Radar Test SetRadar signal generators and spectrum analyzers
Common Munitions Bit/Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE)Munitions testing and programming systems
Electronic Warfare (EW) Test SetsRF and microwave test and measurement equipment
Automated Measurement and Control Systems (AMCS)Industrial control systems, SCADA
Joint Service Electronic Combat Systems Tester (JSECST)Complex electronic warfare simulation and testing platforms

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