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6055 Career Guide

Marine Corps

6055: Aircraft Maintenance Technician

Career transition guide for Marine Corps Aircraft Maintenance Technician (6055)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 6055 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Aircraft Mechanic/Technician

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificationSpecific aircraft type certifications (e.g., Boeing, Airbus)

Aerospace Engineer

$125K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace EngineeringCAD/CAM software proficiencyFEA (Finite Element Analysis) knowledge

Avionics Technician

$78K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

FCC licenseSpecific avionics systems trainingTroubleshooting complex electronic systems

Wind Turbine Technician

$60K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Wind turbine maintenance certificationClimbing and safety trainingElectrical systems knowledge

Maintenance Manager

$95K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Project management certification (e.g., PMP)Supervisory experienceBudget management skills

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 6055 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

Aircraft maintenance requires a deep understanding of how various components interact within complex systems. Technicians diagnose issues by mentally modeling system behavior and predicting the effects of component failures.

The ability to understand and predict the behavior of complex systems is valuable in any field that involves troubleshooting, design, or optimization.

Procedural Compliance

Aircraft maintenance is governed by strict procedures and regulations to ensure safety and reliability. Technicians must meticulously follow these procedures to avoid errors and ensure proper function of equipment.

Adherence to established procedures is critical in highly regulated industries such as healthcare, finance, and manufacturing, as well as in roles requiring precision and accuracy.

Degraded-Mode Operations

Aircraft maintenance personnel frequently face situations where equipment is not functioning optimally. They must be able to troubleshoot problems, devise temporary fixes, and maintain functionality under less-than-ideal circumstances.

The ability to adapt to unexpected challenges and maintain operations in the face of adversity is highly valued in dynamic environments, especially in leadership and problem-solving roles.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining situational awareness is crucial in aircraft maintenance to prevent accidents and ensure safety. This includes understanding the position of equipment, the status of systems, and the presence of potential hazards.

The ability to perceive and understand the surrounding environment is important in fields like security, logistics, and emergency response, where quick decisions can have significant consequences.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Quality Assurance Manager

SOC 11-3051

You've been trained to adhere to strict procedures and maintain the highest standards of quality. As a Quality Assurance Manager, you'll use those skills to ensure products and services meet or exceed customer expectations. Your meticulous attention to detail will be invaluable.

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9099

Your experience maintaining aircraft systems translates well to wind turbine maintenance. You're adept at diagnosing mechanical and electrical issues, and your safety-conscious mindset is crucial in this environment. With some additional training, you'll be right at home.

Robotics Technician

SOC 49-9062

You possess a strong foundation in mechanical systems and troubleshooting. As a Robotics Technician, you'll apply those skills to maintain and repair automated systems in manufacturing and other industries. Your ability to understand complex systems will make you a valuable asset.

Building Automation Systems Technician

SOC 49-9041

You understand complex systems and how they interact. You can use this knowledge, with some training, to install, maintain, and repair automated systems that control HVAC, lighting, and security in commercial buildings. Your troubleshooting skills will be highly valued.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Aviation Maintenance Technician School, Naval Air Station Pensacola

1,200 training hours30 weeksUp to 30 semester hours recommended in aviation maintenance technology

Topics Covered

  • Aircraft Electrical Systems
  • Hydraulic Systems Maintenance
  • Airframe Inspection and Repair
  • Powerplant Theory and Maintenance (specific to assigned aircraft)
  • Avionics Fundamentals
  • Corrosion Control
  • Nondestructive Inspection (NDI) Techniques
  • Safety Procedures and Regulations

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic70% covered

FAA regulations, specific aircraft models not covered in military training, and civilian maintenance procedures.

Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)30% covered

Focus on business management, leadership, and safety management systems within civilian aviation operations. Requires additional study in financial management, marketing, and strategic planning.

Recommended Next Certifications

Inspection Authorization (IA)ASQ Certified Quality Technician (CQT)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, technical data management systems
Naval Aviation Logistics Command Management Information System (NALCOMIS)Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software, Maintenance Management Software (MMS)
Automated Support Equipment (ASE)Automated Test Equipment (ATE), diagnostic and testing equipment
Common Aviation Support Equipment (CASE)Specialized tooling and equipment for aircraft maintenance, OEM-specific tooling
Advanced Metering System (AMS)Condition monitoring systems, vibration analysis equipment
Integrated Maintenance Management System (IMMS)Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS)

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