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7141 Career Guide

Navy

7141: Surface Repair Technician

Career transition guide for Navy Surface Repair Technician (7141)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 7141 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Marine Mechanic

$65K
High matchHigh demand

Industrial Machinery Mechanic

$60K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Specific industrial equipment certifications (e.g., Siemens, Allen-Bradley)

Shipfitter

$58K
High matchStable demand

Millwright

$62K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Formal apprenticeship or vocational trainingBlueprint reading

Maintenance Supervisor

$75K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Project management certification (e.g., PMP)OSHA safety certifications

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 7141 training built — and where they transfer.

Pattern Recognition

As a Surface Repair Technician, you quickly identify wear patterns, potential failure points, and subtle anomalies in shipboard surfaces and structures to proactively address maintenance needs.

This ability to quickly identify and interpret patterns translates into a keen eye for detail in civilian settings, allowing you to spot trends, inconsistencies, and opportunities that others might miss.

Rapid Prioritization

You routinely assess damage reports, maintenance schedules, and operational requirements to prioritize repairs based on urgency and impact on mission readiness, often under pressure.

Your experience in rapidly prioritizing tasks in high-stakes situations equips you to effectively manage competing demands and make critical decisions in fast-paced civilian environments.

Procedural Compliance

You adhere strictly to detailed repair manuals, safety regulations, and quality control standards to ensure that all work meets Navy specifications and maintains the structural integrity of the vessel.

Your commitment to following established procedures and maintaining high standards of quality makes you a reliable and valuable asset in any organization that values precision and consistency.

Resource Optimization

You are skilled at managing limited repair materials, tools, and manpower to complete projects efficiently and effectively, minimizing downtime and maximizing the lifespan of shipboard assets.

Your experience in resource management allows you to creatively solve problems and find efficient solutions, making you adept at maximizing productivity and minimizing waste in civilian roles.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Building Inspector

SOC 13-1041

You've been meticulously trained to assess structural integrity, identify potential hazards, and ensure compliance with regulations. Your keen eye for detail and understanding of construction principles make you an ideal candidate to evaluate buildings for safety and code adherence.

Quality Control Specialist

SOC 51-9061

You've consistently maintained high standards of quality in your repair work, ensuring that all tasks are completed to exacting specifications. Your dedication to precision and procedural compliance translates directly into a quality control role, where you can ensure that products and services meet the required standards.

Insurance Claims Adjuster

SOC 13-1031

You've assessed damage, understood the scope of repairs, and estimated costs. As an insurance claims adjuster, you'll investigate claims, evaluate damages, and negotiate settlements, utilizing your analytical skills and attention to detail to ensure fair outcomes.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Surface Warfare Engineering School Command (SWESC), Great Lakes, IL

1,040 training hours26 weeksUp to 9 semester hours in basic industrial technology and welding.

Topics Covered

  • Basic hand tools and power tools
  • Blueprint reading and technical diagrams
  • Welding and metal fabrication techniques (SMAW, GTAW, GMAW)
  • Piping systems and repair
  • Valve maintenance and repair
  • Hydraulic and pneumatic systems
  • Basic electricity and electrical safety
  • Damage control and firefighting procedures

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Composites Technician (CCT)60% covered

Requires additional study on advanced composite repair techniques, specific material properties, and industry standards not explicitly covered in general surface repair.

American Welding Society (AWS) Certified Welder40% covered

Requires specific training and testing on welding processes, metallurgy, and code compliance, especially if the military training was limited to certain welding types.

Recommended Next Certifications

NDT Level II Certification (specific method, e.g., Ultrasonic Testing)Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP)Project Management Professional (PMP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Advanced Damage Control System (ADCS)SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems for industrial automation and emergency response
Naval Shipboard 3-M Maintenance System (PMS)CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System) such as IBM Maximo or SAP Plant Maintenance
AN/WSN-7 Ring Laser Gyro NavigatorHigh-precision GPS and inertial navigation systems (INS) used in commercial aviation and maritime industries
Fiber Optic Gyroscope (FOG)Fiber optic sensors for structural health monitoring in civil engineering and aerospace
Shipboard Electrical Distribution System (SEDS)Industrial power management systems and electrical grid monitoring software (e.g., Schneider Electric, Siemens)
Various welding and metal fabrication equipment (e.g., SMAW, GTAW, GMAW)Commercial welding equipment and robotic welding systems used in manufacturing and construction

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