6214 Career Guide
6214: UAV Mechanic
Career transition guide for Marine Corps UAV Mechanic (6214)
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Top civilian roles for 6214 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Aircraft Mechanic/Avionics Technician
Skills to develop:
Wind Turbine Technician
Skills to develop:
Robotics Technician
Skills to develop:
Quality Control Inspector
Skills to develop:
Field Service Technician
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 6214 training built — and where they transfer.
System Modeling
UAV mechanics develop a deep understanding of how the various systems within a UAV interact. They troubleshoot issues by mentally modeling the system's behavior and predicting how changes in one area will affect others.
This ability to visualize and understand complex systems translates directly into roles where you need to grasp intricate processes and predict outcomes.
Procedural Compliance
Maintenance on UAVs is governed by strict procedures to ensure safety and operational readiness. UAV mechanics adhere to detailed manuals and checklists, documenting every step of their work.
Your experience following rigorous procedures and maintaining meticulous records makes you valuable in industries where compliance and accuracy are paramount.
Degraded-Mode Operations
When UAVs experience malfunctions, mechanics must be able to diagnose and repair them quickly, often under pressure and with limited resources. This requires creative problem-solving and the ability to adapt to unexpected challenges.
Your ability to troubleshoot and repair complex systems under pressure is highly valuable in roles that demand quick thinking and adaptability.
Situational Awareness
UAV mechanics need to be aware of the overall operational environment, including flight schedules, weather conditions, and potential hazards, to ensure that UAVs are safe and ready for flight.
Your attention to detail and understanding of your work environment translates well to civilian roles where safety and efficiency are critical.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Wind Turbine Technician
SOC 49-9086You've been maintaining complex electromechanical systems in demanding environments, just like wind turbines! Your experience with diagnostics, repairs, and procedural compliance makes you a perfect fit for ensuring these renewable energy systems operate reliably.
Robotics Technician
SOC 49-9092You've worked on UAVs, which are essentially flying robots. Your skills in maintaining airframes, avionics, and control systems are directly transferable to the field of robotics, where you'll be responsible for keeping automated systems running smoothly.
Amusement Park Ride Mechanic
SOC 49-9071You're skilled at troubleshooting and maintaining complex machinery under strict safety regulations. Your experience translates directly to ensuring the safety and reliability of amusement park rides, keeping the fun going for everyone!
Training & Education Equivalencies
UAV Mechanic Course, Marine Aviation Training Support Group 22, Camp Pendleton, CA
Topics Covered
- •UAV Airframe Inspection
- •Composite Material Repair
- •Avionics Troubleshooting
- •Flight Control Systems Maintenance
- •Engine Maintenance (specific to UAV)
- •Hydraulic Systems Maintenance
- •Flight Line Operations and Safety
- •Technical Documentation and Procedures
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
FAA regulations, specific aircraft systems outside of UAVs, and practical experience on manned aircraft.
Advanced composite repair techniques, specific material science related to civilian aircraft, and industry-specific standards.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| RQ-21A Blackjack UAV | Fixed-wing drone platforms (e.g., DJI Matrice series, senseFly eBee X) |
| Advanced Ground Control Station (AGCS) | Drone ground control software (e.g., DroneDeploy, Pix4Dcapture) |
| UAV Integrated Test Equipment (UITE) | Avionics testing and diagnostic equipment (e.g., signal generators, spectrum analyzers) |
| Naval Aviation Logistics Command Management Information System (NALCOMIS) | Aviation maintenance tracking software (e.g., Corridor Aviation Software, RAAS) |
| Technical Manuals and Schematics (e.g., NAVAIR 01-RQ21A-1) | Aircraft maintenance manuals and documentation (e.g., Airbus AMM, Boeing Maintenance Manuals) |
| Forward Arming and Refueling Point (FARP) Equipment | Mobile fueling systems and equipment for remote operations |
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