New Cohort Starts:

Donate

6252 Career Guide

Marine Corps

6252: AV-8/TAV-8 Airframe Mechanic

Career transition guide for Marine Corps AV-8/TAV-8 Airframe Mechanic (6252)

Translate Your 6252 Experience Now

Get a personalized AI-powered translation of your military experience into civilian resume language.

Start Free Translation

Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 6252 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Aircraft Mechanic

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Aerospace Engineer

$125K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace EngineeringCAD software proficiency

Avionics Technician

$70K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA certificationSpecific avionics systems training

Wind Turbine Technician

$60K
Moderate matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

Climbing certificationElectrical systems knowledgeHydraulic systems knowledge

Maintenance Supervisor

$85K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Project management certificationLeadership trainingOSHA safety standards

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 6252 training built — and where they transfer.

Pattern Recognition

As a 6252, you quickly identify patterns in aircraft system behavior. Recognizing subtle deviations from the norm during inspections allows you to predict potential failures before they occur, ensuring aircraft safety and operational readiness.

This ability to spot subtle deviations translates directly to identifying anomalies and trends in complex datasets or systems. Your keen eye for detail enables you to proactively address issues before they escalate.

Rapid Prioritization

With multiple aircraft requiring maintenance, you constantly prioritize tasks based on urgency, impact on mission readiness, and resource availability. You make quick decisions under pressure to keep aircraft operational.

This skill is invaluable in fast-paced environments where you need to juggle multiple projects and deadlines. You excel at assessing competing priorities and allocating your time and resources effectively to achieve optimal outcomes.

Procedural Compliance

You adhere strictly to maintenance manuals, technical orders, and safety regulations when inspecting, maintaining, and repairing aircraft. Your meticulous compliance ensures quality control and prevents errors that could compromise safety.

Your commitment to following established procedures translates to meticulous attention to detail and a strong understanding of regulatory requirements. You're adept at ensuring compliance in industries where precision and accuracy are paramount.

System Modeling

You develop a strong understanding of how aircraft systems function individually and interact as a whole. This knowledge allows you to diagnose complex issues and predict the impact of maintenance actions on overall aircraft performance.

This holistic understanding allows you to see how different parts of a system interact. This is incredibly useful in any field that involves managing complex projects or operations.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Quality Control Inspector

SOC 51-9061.00

You've been rigorously trained to inspect, maintain, and repair complex systems, adhering to strict standards and procedures. Your ability to identify deviations from the norm and ensure compliance with regulations makes you an ideal candidate for ensuring quality in manufacturing or other industries.

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9081.00

You've been maintaining complex mechanical and hydraulic systems in demanding environments. Wind turbines require similar skills in inspection, maintenance, and repair, often in remote locations. Your troubleshooting abilities and commitment to safety will make you a valuable asset in the renewable energy sector.

Elevator Mechanic

SOC 47-4021.00

You've been working with intricate systems involving hydraulics, pneumatics, and electrical components, ensuring their safe and reliable operation. Elevators require similar expertise in installation, maintenance, and repair. Your attention to detail and commitment to safety will make you a highly sought-after elevator mechanic.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Airframe Mechanic Course, MCAS Cherry Point, NC

480 training hours12 weeksUp to 9 semester hours recommended

Topics Covered

  • Aircraft Hydraulic Systems Maintenance and Repair
  • Pneumatic Systems Troubleshooting
  • Structural Repair Techniques (Composites and Metals)
  • Corrosion Control and Prevention
  • Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI) Methods
  • Avionics Systems Integration and Testing
  • Aircraft Weight and Balance Calculations

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Airframe Technician Certification70% covered

FAA regulations, general aviation aircraft systems outside of AV-8/TAV-8, and specific airframe types not covered in military training.

Aviation Maintenance Technician (AMT) General Certification60% covered

Civilian aviation regulations (FARs), general aviation maintenance practices, and specific knowledge areas outlined in 14 CFR Part 66 Appendix C.

Recommended Next Certifications

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) LicenseNDT Level II Certification (specific method, e.g., Ultrasonic Testing)Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
AV-8B/TAV-8B Harrier Aircraft Hydraulic SystemsCommercial Aircraft Hydraulic Systems (e.g., Boeing/Airbus)
AV-8B/TAV-8B Harrier Aircraft Pneumatic SystemsCommercial Aircraft Pneumatic Systems
Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI) equipment (X-ray, ultrasound)NDT Equipment and Services (various vendors)
Aircraft Maintenance Logs and RecordsAviation Maintenance Tracking Software (e.g., RAAS, Corridor)
Technical Publications Library (TPL)Online technical documentation portals (e.g., Boeing maintenance manuals online)
Automated Maintenance Environment (AME)Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software for aviation (e.g., IBM Maximo Aviation, SAP S/4HANA)
Common Aviation Support Equipment (CASE)Commercial Aviation Ground Support Equipment (GSE) (various vendors)

Ready to Translate Your Experience?

Our AI-powered translator converts your 6252 experience into ATS-optimized civilian resume language.

Translate My Resume — Free