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6071 Career Guide

Marine Corps

6071: Aircraft Maintenance Technician

Career transition guide for Marine Corps Aircraft Maintenance Technician (6071)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 6071 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Aircraft Mechanic / Aviation Technician

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Aerospace Engineer

$125K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace EngineeringCAD softwareFEA simulation

Quality Control Inspector (Aerospace)

$65K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

ASQ certificationKnowledge of FAA regulationsGeometric Dimensioning and Tolerancing (GD&T)

Wind Turbine Technician

$60K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Safety training for working at heightsElectrical systems knowledgeHydraulic systems maintenanceComposite materials repair

Maintenance Supervisor

$85K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Project managementLeadership trainingBudget management

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 6071 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As an aircraft maintenance technician, you develop a mental model of complex aircraft systems to troubleshoot issues, understand how components interact, and predict the impact of repairs.

This ability to understand and visualize complex systems translates to analyzing and optimizing processes in various industries, such as logistics or manufacturing.

Rapid Prioritization

You're constantly assessing the urgency and importance of maintenance tasks, especially when dealing with multiple aircraft and limited resources. You quickly determine which repairs are critical for flight safety and mission readiness.

Your knack for rapidly prioritizing tasks under pressure is valuable in fast-paced environments where quick decision-making is essential, such as project management or emergency response.

Procedural Compliance

Aircraft maintenance demands strict adherence to detailed procedures and regulations to ensure safety and maintain operational standards. You meticulously follow technical manuals and protocols during inspections, repairs, and maintenance.

Your disciplined approach to following procedures is highly valued in roles that require precision, attention to detail, and adherence to safety guidelines, like quality assurance or regulatory compliance.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining aircraft requires constant awareness of the aircraft's condition, the surrounding environment (weather, airfield conditions), and the potential impact of maintenance actions on overall operations. You need to anticipate problems and proactively take steps to prevent them.

Your developed situational awareness and proactive thinking make you well-suited for roles that require monitoring complex situations, anticipating potential issues, and responding effectively, such as operations management or risk assessment.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9086

You've been working with complex machinery, understanding how its various systems function together to achieve a desired outcome. You also have experience performing maintenance and repairs in various situations. This experience translates perfectly to wind turbine maintenance where you will troubleshoot, repair, and maintain wind turbines, ensuring their efficient operation.

Amusement and Recreation Mechanic

SOC 49-9091

You've been maintaining aircraft. You're adept at diagnosing mechanical and electrical problems. As an amusement and recreation mechanic, you'll apply these skills to maintaining rides and equipment, ensuring safety and operational efficiency. Your experience with detailed inspections and preventative maintenance will be invaluable.

Calibration Technician

SOC 49-9061

You've been working with precise instruments and adhering to strict procedures to ensure accuracy in aircraft maintenance. You will calibrate and maintain testing and measurement equipment used across various industries. Your experience in following detailed protocols and your understanding of technical documentation will make you an ideal candidate.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Aviation Maintenance Technician School, Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL

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

Topics Covered

  • Basic electricity and electronics
  • Aircraft hydraulic systems
  • Airframe structures and repair
  • Aircraft power plant systems
  • Corrosion control and prevention
  • Non-destructive inspection techniques
  • Aircraft Weight and Balance
  • Basic Aerodynamics

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

Formal business management training, financial management, and specific regulations related to civilian aviation management are areas needing focus.

Recommended Next Certifications

Inspection Authorization (IA)FAA Aircraft Dispatcher License

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Joint Technical Data Integration (JTDI)Technical document management systems (e.g., Adobe Technical Communication Suite)
Naval Aviation Logistics Command Management Information System (NALCOMIS)Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software (e.g., IBM Maximo, SAP EAM)
Automated Maintenance Environment (AME)Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS) (e.g., Fiix, UpKeep)
Common Aviation Support Equipment (CASE)Specialized Aviation Ground Support Equipment Suppliers (various manufacturers)
Advanced Diagnostics and Guided Troubleshooting (ADGTS)AI-powered diagnostic and troubleshooting software (e.g., Uptake, Senseye)
Oil Analysis Program (JOAP)Predictive maintenance platforms using oil analysis (e.g., POLARIS Laboratories, Bureau Veritas)

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