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7147 Career Guide

Navy

7147: Surface Repair Technician

Career transition guide for Navy Surface Repair Technician (7147)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 7147 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Maintenance Technician

$55K
High matchHigh demand

Industrial Machinery Mechanic

$60K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

PLC TroubleshootingAdvanced Welding

Facilities Manager

$78K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Project Management CertificationBudget Management

Wind Turbine Technician

$65K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

OSHA Safety CertificationWind Turbine Specific Training

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 7147 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As a Surface Repair Technician, you assessed and modeled the complex systems of naval vessels to diagnose malfunctions and plan effective repair strategies, considering the interconnectedness of various components.

This ability to understand and model complex systems translates directly to industries that rely on intricate networks and processes. You can quickly grasp how different elements interact and identify potential points of failure.

Rapid Prioritization

In your role, you routinely faced situations demanding immediate action, requiring you to quickly assess damage, prioritize repairs based on operational impact, and allocate resources efficiently to minimize downtime.

Your experience in rapidly prioritizing tasks under pressure equips you to excel in dynamic environments where quick decision-making is crucial. You can effectively manage competing demands and ensure critical issues are addressed promptly.

Degraded-Mode Operations

You're accustomed to performing repairs and maintaining functionality even when systems are partially damaged or operating below optimal capacity, devising creative solutions to keep vessels operational in challenging circumstances.

This skill is invaluable in any field where maintaining operations under adverse conditions is essential. You're adept at finding workarounds, adapting to limitations, and ensuring critical functions continue even when resources are scarce or systems are compromised.

Procedural Compliance

You consistently adhered to strict repair procedures, safety protocols, and quality control standards to ensure the integrity and reliability of naval vessel systems, understanding the critical importance of following established guidelines.

Your commitment to procedural compliance makes you a reliable and detail-oriented professional. You understand the importance of following established protocols to ensure safety, quality, and consistency, making you a valuable asset in regulated industries.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Quality Assurance Manager

SOC 11-3051.00

As a Surface Repair Technician, you've honed a meticulous approach to ensuring the integrity and reliability of complex systems. You've been trained to identify potential failures, adhere to strict protocols, and maintain the highest standards of quality. This background makes you an ideal candidate for a Quality Assurance Manager, where you can apply your expertise to oversee and improve processes, ensuring products or services meet or exceed expectations.

Facilities Manager

SOC 11-3012.00

Your experience maintaining and repairing naval vessels translates seamlessly to facilities management. You've been responsible for ensuring the smooth operation of complex mechanical and electrical systems, troubleshooting issues, and coordinating repairs. In facilities management, you'll leverage these skills to oversee the maintenance and upkeep of buildings and infrastructure, ensuring a safe and efficient environment for occupants.

Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041.00

Your unwavering adherence to procedures and regulations as a Surface Repair Technician makes you an excellent fit for a Compliance Officer role. You've been trained to understand and enforce complex rules, identify potential violations, and implement corrective actions. This experience equips you to effectively navigate regulatory landscapes, ensuring organizations operate within legal and ethical boundaries.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Surface Repair Technician Training, various Naval Stations

240 training hours6 weeksUp to 3 semester hours in basic engineering principles

Topics Covered

  • Basic Damage Control
  • Hull Repair Techniques
  • Welding and Brazing
  • Piping Systems Maintenance
  • Sheet Metal Repair
  • Corrosion Control

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

American Boat & Yacht Council (ABYC) Certified Technician60% covered

Requires studying ABYC standards, specific electrical and plumbing codes for marine vessels, and hands-on experience with boat-specific systems.

Certified Composites Technician (CCT)70% covered

Requires additional knowledge on advanced composite repair techniques, specific resin systems, and industry standards.

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Welding Inspector (CWI)Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) Level II certification in relevant methods (e.g., Ultrasonic Testing, Radiographic Testing)Project Management Professional (PMP)

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
NAVSEA Standard ItemsIndustry-standard repair and maintenance procedures/manuals (e.g., ANSI standards, manufacturer's repair guides)
Shipboard Electrical Systems (440V, 115V AC/DC)Industrial electrical systems (high-voltage power distribution, motor control systems)
Naval Shipboard Piping Systems (MIL-SPEC)Industrial piping systems (ASME B31.3), process piping, plumbing systems
Combat Systems Alignment and RepairPrecision alignment and calibration of industrial machinery/equipment
NSTM Chapter 670 - Welding and Allied ProcessesAWS D1.1 - Structural Welding Code - Steel, ASME Section IX - Welding and Brazing Qualifications
3-M System (Maintenance and Material Management)CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management Systems) like SAP PM, Maximo

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