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6016 Career Guide

Marine Corps

6016: Basic Aircraft Maintenance Marine

Career transition guide for Marine Corps Basic Aircraft Maintenance Marine (6016)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 6016 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Aircraft Mechanic/Technician

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Aerospace Engineer

$125K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace EngineeringCAD software proficiencyFEA analysis

Avionics Technician

$78K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FCC licenseSpecific avionics systems training

Wind Turbine Technician

$60K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

OSHA safety certificationsClimbing and rescue trainingElectrical troubleshooting

Quality Control Inspector

$55K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

ASQ certificationGD&T knowledgeISO 9001 familiarity

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 6016 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As an aircraft maintenance technician, you're constantly visualizing and understanding the complex interactions of various aircraft systems to diagnose and repair issues effectively.

This skill translates directly to understanding and troubleshooting complex systems in any industry, from manufacturing to IT. You excel at seeing the big picture and how individual components contribute to the overall function.

Procedural Compliance

Aircraft maintenance is governed by strict regulations and procedures to ensure safety and operational readiness. You're meticulous in following these protocols.

Your unwavering commitment to following procedures makes you ideal for roles where precision and adherence to guidelines are paramount, ensuring consistent and reliable results.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining aircraft requires constant awareness of the environment, potential hazards, and the status of various systems. You're adept at identifying and responding to anomalies before they escalate.

This heightened awareness allows you to anticipate potential problems and proactively address them, a valuable asset in dynamic and demanding civilian environments.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You're skilled at finding solutions and keeping systems running even when the standard parts or tools aren't available; this is a key component of keeping aircraft mission ready in austere locations.

The ability to adapt and overcome challenges with limited resources is highly sought after in the civilian sector, especially in roles requiring creative problem-solving and resourcefulness.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9086

You've been working on aircraft powerplants, so you already have the mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills to maintain complex machinery. Wind turbines are just another type of advanced equipment that requires regular maintenance and repair, and your attention to detail will translate directly into the safety-critical aspects of this role.

Robotics Technician

SOC 49-9069

You've been working with aircraft systems that are increasingly reliant on robotic assistance and automated processes. Your experience in diagnosing and repairing complex electro-mechanical systems, your understanding of schematics, and your procedural compliance will all make you an exceptional robotics technician.

Quality Control Inspector

SOC 51-9061

You've been trained to adhere to the highest standards of quality control to ensure the airworthiness of military aircraft. Your ability to identify discrepancies, document findings, and recommend corrective actions makes you a perfect fit for ensuring the quality and reliability of manufactured products or services.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Basic Aircraft Maintenance Course, Naval Air Technical Training Center (NATTC) Pensacola

240 training hours6 weeksUp to 3 semester hours in aviation maintenance technology

Topics Covered

  • Aviation Maintenance Fundamentals
  • Basic Electricity and Electronics
  • Aircraft Hardware and Materials
  • Aircraft Tools and Equipment
  • Safety Procedures in Aviation Maintenance
  • Basic Hydraulics and Pneumatics
  • Basic Airframe Structures

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic70% covered

While military experience provides a strong foundation, a civilian A&P license requires passing FAA exams. Gaps include specific FAA regulations, civilian aircraft maintenance procedures, and potentially some general science knowledge. Study FAA-approved materials and practice exams.

Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)30% covered

CAM certification focuses on aviation business management. Gaps include business aviation operations, safety management systems, aviation law, and financial management. Requires further education and experience in aviation management.

Recommended Next Certifications

FAA Inspection Authorization (IA)NDT Level II Certification (specific method)Project Management Professional (PMP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Joint Technical Data Integration (JTDI)SAE International standards, technical data management systems
Naval Aviation Logistics Command Management Information System (NALCOMIS)Aerospace Maintenance Management Software (e.g., Rusada ENVISION, Trax)
Aviation Ground Support Equipment (GSE)Aircraft ground handling equipment (e.g., tugs, power carts, hydraulic test stands)
Automated Test Equipment (ATE) for avionicsATE systems for aerospace components (e.g., Keysight, Teradyne)
Technical Manuals and Publications Library (TM/P)Online technical documentation databases (e.g., IHS Markit, LexisNexis)
Oil Analysis Program (JOAP)Predictive maintenance software using oil analysis (e.g., POLARIS Laboratories, WearCheck)
Advanced Composite Repair (ACR) equipmentComposite repair systems (e.g., Heatcon, Advanced Composites Training)

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