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5911 Career Guide

Marine Corps

5911: Circuit Card Repairer

Career transition guide for Marine Corps Circuit Card Repairer (5911)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 5911 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Electronics Technician

$65K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

IPC certification (e.g., IPC-A-610)Advanced troubleshooting techniques

Field Service Engineer

$75K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Customer service skillsSpecific product knowledge (e.g., medical devices, industrial equipment)

Quality Control Inspector

$55K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Quality assurance methodologies (e.g., Six Sigma)Familiarity with ISO standards

Avionics Technician

$70K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA certification (e.g., A&P license)Aircraft-specific maintenance training

Biomedical Equipment Technician (BMET)

$60K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Biomedical Equipment TechnologyUnderstanding of medical terminology and equipment regulations

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 5911 training built — and where they transfer.

Pattern Recognition

As a circuit card repairer, you identify faulty components by recognizing unusual electrical signals or visual anomalies on the circuit cards. You quickly learn to distinguish between normal and abnormal patterns of current flow and component behavior.

This ability to quickly identify anomalies by recognizing patterns translates directly to roles where identifying deviations from the norm is critical. Your experience allows you to efficiently diagnose and resolve issues based on established patterns.

Procedural Compliance

Your work demands strict adherence to technical manuals, safety protocols, and repair procedures. Every step, from diagnosis to component replacement, is executed according to established guidelines to ensure safety and quality.

This discipline is invaluable in roles where precision and consistency are paramount. Your commitment to following established protocols ensures that tasks are completed accurately and efficiently.

System Modeling

You develop a deep understanding of how electronic circuits function as interconnected systems. This requires mentally modeling the flow of electricity, the interaction of components, and the potential cascading effects of a single point of failure.

This ability to visualize and understand complex systems is highly transferable to roles involving system analysis and design. You can quickly grasp the intricacies of any system, predict potential failures, and optimize performance.

Resource Optimization

As a circuit card repairer, you're often tasked with making the most of limited resources, be it time, specialized tools, or replacement components. You need to find the most efficient path to complete repairs while minimizing waste and downtime.

Your experience in optimizing resources translates seamlessly into roles where efficient management of assets is crucial. Your proven ability to maximize output with minimal input makes you an invaluable asset.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Quality Assurance Analyst

SOC 19-4041

You've been trained to identify defects at a component level and meticulously follow procedures. This skillset translates directly into ensuring product quality in manufacturing or technology settings, where you'll be responsible for identifying and addressing flaws before products reach consumers. Your commitment to detail and precision ensures the highest quality standards are maintained.

Field Service Technician

SOC 49-2097

You've honed your troubleshooting skills to repair complex electronic systems. This translates perfectly to a field service role, where you'll travel to customer sites to diagnose and repair equipment. Your ability to work independently, identify problems quickly, and follow precise repair procedures will make you highly effective in this role.

Calibration Technician

SOC 49-9061

You're skilled in using precise instruments to test and diagnose electronic equipment. As a Calibration Technician, you'll use these same skills to ensure that testing and measurement equipment operates accurately. Your meticulous attention to detail and adherence to procedures will make you a valuable asset in maintaining the integrity of critical instruments.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Electronics Maintenance Course, Marine Corps Communication-Electronics School, Twenty-Nine Palms, CA

840 training hours21 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended in electronics technology

Topics Covered

  • Basic Electronics Theory
  • Soldering and Desoldering Techniques
  • Surface Mount Technology (SMT) Component Repair
  • Automated Test Equipment (ATE) Operation and Maintenance
  • Circuit Card Troubleshooting
  • Digital and Analog Circuit Analysis
  • Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Control
  • Micro-Miniature Component Repair

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Electronics Technician (CET)60% covered

Requires knowledge of broader electronics principles, industry standards, and specific troubleshooting techniques not explicitly covered in military training. Study general electronics theory, safety practices, and customer service.

IPC-7711/21 Rework of Electronic Assemblies70% covered

While trained in component removal/replacement, formal IPC certification requires demonstrating proficiency per IPC standards. Study specific IPC requirements and best practices.

Recommended Next Certifications

CompTIA A+CompTIA Network+Certified Automation Professional (CAP)Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AN/USM-706 OMNI VII Automated Test StationAutomated Test Equipment (ATE) such as those from Teradyne or Keysight
AN/APM-434 Radar Test SetSpectrum analyzers and signal generators for RF testing
Fluke 9100A Calibration SystemGeneral purpose calibrators and multi-meters
Tektronix TDS Series OscilloscopesDigital storage oscilloscopes (DSOs) from Tektronix, Keysight, or Rohde & Schwarz
Hot Air Rework Station (e.g., Pace ST 325)SMD/BGA rework stations
Electrostatic Discharge (ESD) Control ProgramESD-safe workstations and handling procedures

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