53C Career Guide
53C: Materiel Developer
Career transition guide for Army Materiel Developer (53C)
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Top civilian roles for 53C veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Program Manager
Skills to develop:
Management Analyst
Skills to develop:
Logistics Manager
Skills to develop:
Business Development Manager
Skills to develop:
IT Project Manager
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 53C training built — and where they transfer.
System Modeling
This role requires building and understanding complex system models to manage the lifecycle of Army's automated systems, from initial conception to disposal.
The ability to create and interpret system models translates directly into understanding how complex civilian organizations and processes function, enabling effective problem-solving and strategic planning.
Resource Optimization
Managing combat and materiel development involves optimizing resources across the entire acquisition process, ensuring efficient allocation of funds, personnel, and technology.
Skills in resource optimization are highly valuable in civilian settings, allowing you to maximize efficiency, reduce costs, and improve overall productivity in any organization.
Procedural Compliance
Adhering to the Defense Acquisition Process is critical, requiring strict compliance with established procedures, regulations, and standards to ensure successful project outcomes.
Your commitment to procedural compliance ensures that projects are completed accurately, ethically, and in accordance with industry best practices and legal requirements.
After-Action Analysis
Assessing the performance and effectiveness of automation systems involves conducting comprehensive evaluations and learning from both successes and failures to improve future acquisitions.
Your after-action analysis skills enable you to identify areas for improvement, implement corrective actions, and continuously enhance the quality and efficiency of processes.
Situational Awareness
You maintained high situational awareness to evaluate competing technological approaches and programs affecting present or projected Army systems requirements.
Your deep awareness of your surroundings and the broader situation will allow you to anticipate changes, identify risks, and make informed decisions, contributing to project success.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Management Consultant
SOC 13-1111You've been managing complex projects from conception to completion, balancing resources and adhering to strict procedures. As a Management Consultant (13-1111), you will leverage these skills to advise organizations on improving their performance and efficiency.
Business Intelligence Analyst
SOC 15-2051You've been evaluating technological approaches and programs, assessing performance, and preparing comprehensive evaluations. As a Business Intelligence Analyst (15-2051), you can leverage your analytical skills to identify trends and insights that drive strategic decision-making.
Regulatory Affairs Specialist
SOC 13-1041You've been ensuring compliance with the Defense Acquisition Process and representing user needs throughout the acquisition lifecycle. As a Regulatory Affairs Specialist (13-1041), you can apply your expertise in navigating regulations to ensure products meet required standards.
Technical Writer
SOC 27-3042You've supervised the development of schedules, procedures, and documentation for software and firmware. Now you can translate that skill into crafting clear and concise technical documents and manuals, helping others understand complex systems. (27-3042)
Training & Education Equivalencies
Materiel Developer Course, Fort Lee
Topics Covered
- •Defense Acquisition Process
- •Life Cycle Systems Management
- •Systems Engineering Fundamentals
- •Requirements Management
- •Cost Estimating and Analysis
- •Test and Evaluation Planning
- •Risk Management
- •Contracting Basics
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
Formal project management training, specific PMBOK Guide knowledge, and documented project management experience are needed to fill gaps.
Requires knowledge of DoD-specific financial management policies, procedures, and practices, as well as passing exams.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Defense Acquisition System (DAS) | Project Management Lifecycle (PMLC) methodologies |
| Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS) | Requirements Engineering and Management Platforms |
| Army Battle Command Systems (ABCS) | Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Systems |
| Logistics Information Systems (LIS) | Supply Chain Management (SCM) Software |
| Common Hardware Systems (CHS) | Ruggedized Computing and Networking Solutions |
| Future Vertical Lift (FVL) Program | Advanced Aviation Technology Programs |
| Integrated Personnel and Pay System - Army (IPPS-A) | Human Capital Management (HCM) Software |
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