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6056 Career Guide

Marine Corps

6056: Aircraft Maintenance Technician

Career transition guide for Marine Corps Aircraft Maintenance Technician (6056)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 6056 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 (Finite Element Analysis)

Avionics Technician

$78K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FCC licenseSpecific avionics systems training (e.g., Garmin, Honeywell)

Wind Turbine Technician

$60K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Climbing certificationOSHA 10 or 30Specific wind turbine maintenance training

Maintenance Supervisor

$85K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Project management certificationAdvanced knowledge of maintenance management systems

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 6056 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As an aircraft maintenance technician, you develop a mental model of how the aircraft's various systems (hydraulic, electrical, engine) are interconnected and how they should function together. You use this model to diagnose problems and predict the impact of repairs.

This ability to understand and visualize complex systems translates directly into roles requiring you to analyze and troubleshoot intricate processes or technologies.

Procedural Compliance

Aircraft maintenance is governed by strict regulations and procedures to ensure safety and airworthiness. You consistently adhere to detailed technical manuals, checklists, and quality control protocols in your work.

Your commitment to following established procedures and maintaining high standards is highly valuable in regulated industries or roles where precision and consistency are paramount.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining awareness of the aircraft's overall condition, the maintenance environment, and potential hazards is crucial. You constantly assess the situation to identify risks and prevent accidents.

Your ability to perceive your surroundings, anticipate potential problems, and maintain focus in a dynamic environment is directly transferable to roles requiring vigilance and quick decision-making.

Degraded-Mode Operations

When aircraft systems malfunction, you need to troubleshoot and repair them under pressure, often with limited resources or time. This requires adaptability and the ability to find creative solutions.

This experience in working through challenges and finding solutions makes you valuable in fields that require you to adapt to unexpected problems.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Quality Assurance Analyst

SOC 19-4041

You've been trained to adhere to the highest standards of quality and safety when maintaining complex aircraft systems. As a Quality Assurance Analyst, you can apply that same attention to detail to ensure that products and processes meet established standards.

Industrial Machinery Mechanic

SOC 49-9041

You've been working on power plants, you have a high degree of mechanical aptitude and experience troubleshooting complex mechanical systems. As an industrial machinery mechanic, you can leverage your skills to maintain and repair equipment in manufacturing or other industrial settings.

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9099

You've been working on aircraft, you already have experience maintaining complex mechanical and electrical systems in a challenging environment. As a Wind Turbine Technician, you can use your skills to install, inspect, and repair wind turbines, contributing to renewable energy production.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Aviation Maintenance Technician School, Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL

960 training hours24 weeksUp to 18 semester hours recommended in aviation maintenance technology

Topics Covered

  • Basic Electricity and Electronics
  • Aircraft Hydraulic Systems
  • Aircraft Engines (Theory and Operation)
  • Airframe Structures and Repair
  • Corrosion Control and Prevention
  • Nondestructive Inspection Techniques
  • Aircraft Weight and Balance
  • Aviation Safety Procedures

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic70% covered

FAA regulations, specific aircraft models not covered in military training, and hands-on experience requirements for certification.

Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)30% covered

Business management, leadership, and aviation-specific regulations. This certification focuses on the management aspects of aviation, which may require further study beyond the technical maintenance background.

Recommended Next Certifications

Inspection Authorization (IA)FAA Part 147 Aviation Maintenance Technician School InstructorProject 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 and technical publications
Naval Aviation Logistics Command Management Information System (NALCOMIS)Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software like IBM Maximo or SAP EAM
Automated Test Equipment (ATE) for aircraft componentsAutomated diagnostic and testing equipment for aerospace or automotive components
Support Equipment Recommendation Data (SERD)Maintenance planning and resource optimization software
Advanced Composite Repair TrainingCertified composite technician programs (e.g., FAA-approved repair courses)
Oil Analysis Program (JOAP)Predictive maintenance programs using oil analysis (e.g., POLARIS Laboratories)

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