7142 Career Guide
7142: Surface Repair Technician
Career transition guide for Navy Surface Repair Technician (7142)
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Top civilian roles for 7142 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Industrial Maintenance Technician
Skills to develop:
Marine Mechanic
Skills to develop:
Facilities Maintenance Technician
Skills to develop:
Wind Turbine Technician
Skills to develop:
Millwright
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 7142 training built — and where they transfer.
System Modeling
Surface Repair Technicians develop a strong mental model of how shipboard systems work, understanding the interconnectedness of components and how failures in one area can impact others. This allows them to efficiently diagnose and repair complex issues.
This ability to visualize and understand complex systems translates to an aptitude for understanding and troubleshooting complex processes and machinery in civilian settings.
Procedural Compliance
Adherence to detailed repair procedures and safety regulations is paramount. Technicians follow established protocols to ensure repairs are completed correctly and safely, minimizing risk and preventing further damage.
Your meticulous adherence to procedures makes you well-suited for roles requiring strict compliance and attention to detail.
Degraded-Mode Operations
Surface Repair Technicians are skilled at finding solutions with limited resources in difficult situations during ship operations, often finding themselves facing unexpected challenges and needing to develop creative workarounds to keep equipment running.
This adaptability and resourcefulness are invaluable in civilian roles where you'll need to solve problems under pressure and with limited resources.
Resource Optimization
On a ship, resources are often limited. Technicians must be adept at using available materials and tools efficiently to complete repairs, minimizing waste and maximizing the lifespan of equipment.
This skill translates directly into the ability to manage resources effectively in any civilian setting, making you a valuable asset in cost-conscious environments.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Industrial Machinery Mechanic
SOC 49-9041.00You've been maintaining and repairing complex shipboard machinery, so you have a solid foundation for diagnosing and fixing problems in industrial equipment. Your ability to troubleshoot under pressure and adhere to safety protocols will make you a valuable asset to any manufacturing or industrial facility.
Wind Turbine Technician
SOC 49-9081.00You've been working with complex mechanical and electrical systems in a challenging environment; wind turbines present similar challenges! Your experience with diagnostics, repair procedures, and working at heights will be directly applicable to this growing field. Plus, you're used to working in remote locations.
Building Automation Systems Technician
SOC 49-9021.00You've been maintaining complex systems in a ship environment, which requires a thorough understanding of mechanical and electrical components. This experience makes you well-prepared to troubleshoot and maintain the complex building automation systems found in modern commercial buildings, including HVAC, lighting, and security systems.
Training & Education Equivalencies
A School, Naval Station Great Lakes
Topics Covered
- •Basic Hand Tools
- •Blueprint Reading
- •Sheet Metal Repair
- •Welding (SMAW, GTAW)
- •Piping Systems
- •Valve Maintenance
- •Pump Repair
- •Basic Electricity
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
Requires additional knowledge of advanced composite materials, repair techniques specific to civilian applications, and industry standards from organizations like ASTM.
Requires hands-on welding experience and passing AWS qualification tests for specific welding processes and materials.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Naval Ships' Technical Manual (NSTM) | Manufacturer's Equipment Repair Manuals & Technical Specifications |
| Advanced Damage Control System (ADCS) | Building Automation Systems (BAS) with integrated damage control features |
| Navy Firefighting Technical Manual | NFPA Standards and Fire Safety Training Programs |
| 3M System (Maintenance Material Management) | Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) |
| Portable Exothermic Cutting Unit (PECU) | Oxy-acetylene cutting torches, plasma cutters |
| Various welding equipment (SMAW, GTAW, GMAW) | SMAW, GTAW, GMAW Welding Machines |
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