61D3 Career Guide
61D3: Research and Development Scientist
Career transition guide for Air Force Research and Development Scientist (61D3)
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Top civilian roles for 61D3 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Research Scientist
Data Scientist
Skills to develop:
Management Consultant
Skills to develop:
Project Manager
Skills to develop:
Operations Research Analyst
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 61D3 training built — and where they transfer.
System Modeling
As a 61D3, you build models to simulate and understand complex systems, predicting how changes in one area affect others, which is critical for research and development projects.
This ability to create and interpret models translates directly into understanding and optimizing business processes, financial systems, or technological infrastructures in the civilian sector.
Resource Optimization
You're adept at managing and allocating resources effectively across research projects, balancing budgets, personnel, and equipment to achieve maximum impact.
Your experience in resource optimization makes you valuable in roles where efficiency and strategic allocation of funds, personnel, and materials are crucial for meeting organizational goals.
After-Action Analysis
You meticulously review research outcomes and project results, identifying lessons learned, strengths, and areas for improvement to refine future strategies and methodologies.
Your analytical approach to reviewing projects ensures continuous improvement, a skill highly valued in industries focused on innovation, quality control, and process refinement.
Rapid Prioritization
As a 61D3, you routinely assess the urgency and impact of different research tasks and projects, ensuring that critical objectives are addressed promptly and effectively.
Your experience in rapid prioritization is highly transferable to fast-paced environments where quickly deciding what matters most is key to success.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Management Consultant
SOC 13-1111You've been managing research projects and analyzing data to drive strategic decisions. As a management consultant, you'll use these same analytical and project management skills to help businesses improve their performance and efficiency. Your military experience has equipped you to handle complex challenges and deliver impactful results.
Data Scientist
SOC 15-2051You've been employing mathematical techniques and computer systems to analyze and interpret complex datasets. As a data scientist, you'll leverage these skills to extract actionable insights from data, helping organizations make data-driven decisions and solve complex problems. Your ability to develop and apply models will be highly valued.
Financial Analyst
SOC 13-2051You've been developing design studies and monitoring contracts. In finance, you'll use your analytical abilities to assess investment opportunities, manage financial risks, and develop strategies for financial growth. Your skills in resource optimization and system modeling will be particularly beneficial in this field.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Research and Development Scientist Initial Skills Training, Wright-Patterson AFB
Topics Covered
- •Research methodologies and design
- •Statistical analysis and data interpretation
- •Experimental design and instrumentation
- •Technical report writing and presentation
- •Program and project management principles
- •Air Force research and development processes
- •Scientific ethics and responsible conduct of research
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
Requires study of the PMBOK guide, particularly in areas of stakeholder management, communications management, and procurement management. Formal project management training is highly recommended.
Requires deeper knowledge of research ethics, regulatory compliance, and financial administration of research grants.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) Collaboration Tools | Cloud-based project management and collaboration platforms (e.g., Confluence, SharePoint) |
| High Performance Computing (HPC) clusters | Cloud-based high-performance computing services (e.g., Amazon EC2, Google Compute Engine) |
| MATLAB | MATLAB |
| Air Force Technical Reports Server (AFTRS) | Digital libraries and document management systems (e.g., ProQuest, DSpace) |
| DoD Grants and Agreements Management System (DoDGAMS) | Grants management software (e.g., Blackbaud Grantmaking, Salesforce Grants Management) |
| Test Resource Management Center (TRMC) databases | Test data management and analysis software (e.g., National Instruments DIAdem) |
| Defense Research and Engineering Network (DREN) | High-speed, secure research networks (e.g., Internet2) |
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