61CX Career Guide
61CX: Research and Development Scientist
Career transition guide for Air Force Research and Development Scientist (61CX)
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Top civilian roles for 61CX veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Research Scientist
Skills to develop:
Management Consultant
Skills to develop:
Data Scientist
Skills to develop:
Technical Writer
Skills to develop:
Operations Research Analyst
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 61CX training built — and where they transfer.
System Modeling
As a 61CX, you develop models to predict the outcomes of research projects, factoring in variables and constraints to optimize resource allocation and anticipate potential challenges in scientific endeavors.
This translates directly to the ability to construct and use models for forecasting, risk assessment, and strategic planning in various civilian sectors. You can visualize complex systems, understand interdependencies, and make informed predictions.
Resource Optimization
Your role involves managing budgets, personnel, and equipment to achieve research goals efficiently. You make data-driven decisions on resource allocation, ensuring maximum impact from limited resources.
In the civilian world, this skill is highly valued in project management, operations, and finance. You're adept at maximizing productivity, minimizing waste, and driving cost-effective solutions in any organization.
After-Action Analysis
You analyze research outcomes, identifying successes and failures to improve future project design and execution. This involves reviewing data, processes, and team performance to extract actionable insights.
This skill makes you excellent at continuous improvement and quality assurance. You can systematically evaluate performance, identify areas for improvement, and implement strategies to enhance efficiency and effectiveness in civilian organizations.
Pattern Recognition
Identifying trends and anomalies within complex research data sets is critical to your work. You use this ability to derive meaningful insights from experiments and assessments.
This translates to a keen ability to spot emerging opportunities or risks in the civilian sector. You can analyze market trends, customer behavior, or operational data to inform strategic decision-making.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Financial Analyst
SOC 13-2051You've been developing and managing complex research projects with strict budgets; now you can leverage those skills to analyze financial data, predict market trends, and advise clients on investment strategies. Your experience with data analysis and resource optimization directly translates to success in this role.
Management Consultant
SOC 13-1111You've been developing new methods and techniques to solve scientific and operational problems, which will serve you well in analyzing business operations, identifying inefficiencies, and recommending solutions to improve performance. Your strategic thinking and analytical abilities are a perfect fit.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051You've been employing mathematical techniques including probability and statistics to analyze data and improve performance, which makes you an ideal candidate to analyze large datasets, develop algorithms, and create predictive models. Your background in research and data analysis will set you apart.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) New Scientist Training Program, Wright-Patterson AFB
Topics Covered
- •Research methodologies and design
- •Data analysis and statistical modeling
- •Technical writing and reporting
- •Program management and budgeting
- •Air Force research priorities and policies
- •Ethical considerations in research
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
Formal project management methodologies (Agile, Scrum, Waterfall), detailed PMBOK knowledge, and specific tools and techniques not explicitly covered in the military description.
In-depth knowledge of grant writing, research compliance (IRB, IACUC), financial management of research projects, and specific regulations governing research in civilian institutions.
Requires extensive knowledge of healthcare-specific IT systems, HIPAA compliance, and healthcare data management standards.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| MATLAB (Matrix Laboratory) | MATLAB, Python (with scientific computing libraries like NumPy, SciPy, and Pandas) |
| Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) High Performance Computing (HPC) Centers | Cloud-based HPC platforms (e.g., AWS, Azure, Google Cloud), Commercial HPC Clusters |
| DoD High Performance Computing Modernization Program (HPCMP) Software Applications | COMSOL Multiphysics, ANSYS, OpenFOAM (Commercial and Open Source Simulation Software) |
| Joint Technical Architecture (JTA) | Enterprise Architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF), IT standards (e.g., ISO/IEC standards) |
| Defense Technical Information Center (DTIC) | IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar, Academic Databases |
| Automated Cost Estimating Integrated Tools (ACEIT) | Cost modeling software (e.g., SEER-SEM), project management software with cost estimation capabilities |
| System Engineering Process (SEP) | Systems engineering methodologies (e.g., INCOSE framework), Requirements management software (e.g., IBM DOORS) |
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