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6135 Career Guide

Marine Corps

6135: Aircraft Power Plants Test Cell Operator

Career transition guide for Marine Corps Aircraft Power Plants Test Cell Operator (6135)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 6135 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Aircraft Mechanic/Technician

$73K
High matchHigh demand

Aerospace Engineer

$125K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Bachelor's degree in Aerospace EngineeringCAD software proficiency

Power Plant Mechanic

$65K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Commercial Power Plant Certification

Quality Control Inspector

$55K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Quality control certifications (e.g., Six Sigma)Knowledge of quality control standards

Wind Turbine Technician

$58K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Wind Turbine Technician CertificationSafety training for working at heights

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 6135 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As an aircraft power plants test cell operator, you develop a deep understanding of how engine systems interact, predicting how changes in one component will affect overall performance. You use this to troubleshoot effectively.

This ability to understand complex systems and predict outcomes translates directly to analyzing and optimizing business processes or technological infrastructures.

Procedural Compliance

Your work demands strict adherence to testing protocols and safety regulations to ensure accurate results and prevent accidents. You understand the importance of following procedures meticulously.

This dedication to procedure is highly valuable in regulated industries where compliance is critical, such as pharmaceuticals, finance, or quality assurance.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You're skilled in troubleshooting and maintaining engine performance even when components are failing or the test cell itself experiences issues. You know how to adapt and find solutions under pressure.

This ability to maintain functionality under duress is essential for disaster recovery planning, IT incident management, or any role requiring quick thinking and problem-solving in crisis situations.

After-Action Analysis

Following each engine test, you meticulously analyze the results, identifying areas for improvement in testing procedures or engine maintenance protocols. You know how to learn from experience.

This skill translates directly to performance analysis roles, where you'll be able to review data, identify trends, and recommend strategies for optimizing processes and outcomes in a variety of fields.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Building Automation Systems Technician

SOC 49-9012.00

You've been working with complex systems, diagnosing problems, and ensuring optimal performance of aircraft engines. As a Building Automation Systems Technician, you'll use similar skills to manage and maintain the automated systems that control a building's environment (HVAC, lighting, security). Your understanding of engine systems translates well to understanding complex building systems, and your troubleshooting skills will be invaluable.

Quality Assurance Analyst

SOC 19-4061.00

You've been meticulously testing and inspecting aircraft engines, ensuring they meet stringent standards. As a Quality Assurance Analyst, you'll apply your attention to detail and commitment to quality to evaluate products, services, or processes in various industries. You already know how to identify defects, document findings, and recommend corrective actions.

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9081.00

You've been maintaining and repairing complex mechanical systems under pressure. As a Wind Turbine Technician, you'll be responsible for inspecting, maintaining, and repairing wind turbines. You already have the mechanical aptitude and troubleshooting skills needed to succeed in this growing field.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Aviation Power Plant Test Cell Operator Course, Marine Corps Air Station (MCAS) Cherry Point, NC

320 training hours8 weeksUp to 6 semester hours recommended in Aviation Maintenance Technology

Topics Covered

  • Gas Turbine Engine Theory and Operation
  • Test Cell Safety Procedures
  • Engine Instrumentation and Control Systems
  • Data Acquisition and Analysis
  • Engine Troubleshooting and Maintenance
  • Test Cell Minor Repair Procedures
  • Technical Documentation and Reporting

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

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

While the military training provides a strong foundation in turbine engine maintenance, additional study in FAA regulations, specific A&P knowledge areas not covered in the military training, and practical experience on civilian aircraft is required. Focus on FAR Part 65, maintenance record keeping, and specific airframe systems.

ASQ Certified Quality Technician (CQT)40% covered

The military training provides a foundation in testing and inspection, but the CQT requires knowledge of quality standards, metrology, statistics, and auditing. Study the ASQ CQT Body of Knowledge for specific areas not covered in the military training.

Recommended Next Certifications

Lean Six Sigma Green BeltProject Management Professional (PMP)Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
F404 Engine Test StandTurbine Engine Test Cell
AV8-B Propulsion System Test Set (PSTS)Data Acquisition Systems for Engine Testing
Joint Oil Analysis Program (JOAP)Commercial Oil Analysis Labs
Naval Aviation Logistics Command Management Information System (NALCOMIS)Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) Software
Automated Maintenance Environment (AME)Computerized Maintenance Management Systems (CMMS)

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