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6032 Career Guide

Marine Corps

6032: Aircraft Maintenance Technician

Career transition guide for Marine Corps Aircraft Maintenance Technician (6032)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 6032 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Aircraft Mechanic/Service Technician

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) licenseFamiliarity with civilian aircraft models

Aerospace Engineer

$125K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace EngineeringCAD/CAM software proficiencyKnowledge of aerospace design principles

Avionics Technician

$80K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FCC licenseSpecific avionics systems certifications (e.g., Garmin, Honeywell)Troubleshooting and repair of civilian avionics systems

Wind Turbine Technician

$60K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Wind turbine safety certifications (e.g., GWO BST)Climbing and rescue trainingElectrical and mechanical troubleshooting skills specific to wind turbines

Maintenance Supervisor

$85K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Project management certification (e.g., PMP)Lean Six Sigma certificationExperience with civilian maintenance management software

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 6032 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

You routinely analyze complex aircraft systems, understanding how each component interacts to ensure optimal performance and identify potential issues. You mentally model the interconnectedness of airframes, power plants, and related systems to troubleshoot effectively.

Your ability to visualize and understand complex systems translates into skills applicable in fields that require understanding intricate processes and workflows.

Rapid Prioritization

You're adept at quickly assessing the severity and urgency of maintenance needs, prioritizing tasks to minimize downtime and maintain operational readiness of aircraft. You're used to making split-second decisions to allocate resources effectively.

Your capability to rapidly assess situations and prioritize tasks makes you valuable in environments where time-sensitive decisions are critical.

Procedural Compliance

You adhere to strict maintenance protocols and regulations, ensuring that all work is performed to the highest standards of safety and quality. You understand the importance of following established procedures to prevent accidents and maintain equipment integrity.

Your commitment to following procedures and maintaining high standards makes you reliable and trustworthy in roles that require adherence to regulations and protocols.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You can troubleshoot and repair aircraft systems even when resources are limited or conditions are less than ideal. You are experienced in finding creative solutions to complex problems under pressure.

Your experience in maintaining functionality in challenging circumstances will make you a resourceful asset when unexpected problems arise.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9099.01

You've been maintaining complex mechanical systems on aircraft. Wind turbines share similar mechanical and electrical components, so your troubleshooting and repair skills are highly transferable. You're already comfortable working with intricate machinery and following safety protocols.

Amusement and Recreation Mechanic

SOC 49-9091

You're experienced in keeping aircraft safely in the air. Amusement park rides similarly require rigorous, scheduled maintenance. You've been trained to rapidly diagnose problems and keep complex machinery functioning smoothly and safely.

Robotics Technician

SOC 49-9062

You possess a strong understanding of mechanical systems and troubleshooting skills. Robotics involves integrating mechanical, electrical, and computer systems, much like aircraft. You've honed your ability to diagnose and repair complex systems, which is directly applicable to robotics maintenance and repair.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Airframes School, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, NC

840 training hours21 weeksUp to 15 semester hours recommended in aviation maintenance technology

Topics Covered

  • Aircraft Hydraulic Systems Maintenance
  • Aircraft Structural Repair
  • Corrosion Control and Prevention
  • Aircraft Electrical Systems Troubleshooting
  • Airframe Inspection Procedures
  • Use of Technical Publications and Maintenance Manuals
  • Safety Procedures and Regulations
  • Basic Aerodynamics

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic70% covered

FAA regulatory knowledge, specific A&P practical skills not covered in the military, and potentially differences in specific aircraft systems depending on the civilian aircraft the veteran wishes to work on.

Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)30% covered

Business aviation specific knowledge, managerial and leadership skills, and industry best practices outside of military aviation.

Recommended Next Certifications

Inspection Authorization (IA)Aviation Safety Professional (ASP)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 database, IHS Markit Standards Expert
Naval Aviation Logistics Command Management Information System (NALCOMIS)Mainpac, IBM Maximo Aviation Maintenance Software
Consolidated Automated Support System (CASS)Automated Test Equipment (ATE) for avionics repair
Advanced Metering System (AMS)Portable diagnostic tools like those from Fluke or Snap-on
Oil Analysis Program (JOAP)Oil analysis services offered by companies like Bureau Veritas or ALS
Automated Corrosion Control System (ACCS)Automated painting and coating systems from Nordson or Graco

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