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7243 Career Guide

Navy

7243: Submarine Repair Technician

Career transition guide for Navy Submarine Repair Technician (7243)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 7243 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Mechanical Engineer

$95K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

CAD software proficiencyProject management methodologies

HVAC Technician

$60K
Good matchVery high demand

Skills to develop:

EPA Section 608 CertificationLocal HVAC codes knowledge

Power Plant Operator

$75K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Fossil fuel or nuclear power plant experienceCommercial power systems knowledge

Marine Engineer

$98K
High matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Naval Architecture KnowledgeMaritime Law Regulations

Facilities Manager

$80K
Moderate matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Budget ManagementVendor NegotiationOSHA Safety Standards

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 7243 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As a Repair Technician on a submarine, you constantly analyze complex interconnected systems to diagnose malfunctions in propulsion, heat exchange, and auxiliary equipment. You create mental models to predict how adjustments in one component will affect the entire system's performance.

Your ability to understand and model complex systems translates directly into analyzing and optimizing workflows, predicting outcomes, and identifying potential bottlenecks in various civilian industries.

Degraded-Mode Operations

In a submarine environment, equipment failure is not an option, and you become highly skilled in maintaining essential functions under challenging conditions using alternative solutions or workarounds. This means you can keep systems running and prevent further damage even when standard procedures fail.

This expertise is invaluable in civilian settings where maintaining operational continuity during crises is paramount. It showcases your ability to troubleshoot, adapt, and find creative solutions under pressure.

Procedural Compliance

Working with nuclear propulsion and critical submarine systems requires strict adherence to detailed procedures and safety regulations. Your meticulous approach ensures the integrity and safety of the vessel and its crew.

Your commitment to precision and compliance makes you an ideal candidate for roles demanding careful adherence to industry standards and regulatory requirements.

Situational Awareness

As a Repair Technician, you maintain a high level of situational awareness, constantly monitoring equipment performance and anticipating potential problems before they escalate, ensuring the submarine's operational readiness.

This heightened awareness allows you to quickly assess situations, identify risks, and implement preventive measures in a variety of civilian environments.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Energy Auditor

SOC 13-1199

You've been trained to analyze complex systems and identify inefficiencies, just like diagnosing issues in submarine equipment. Your understanding of thermodynamics and heat exchange makes you exceptionally well-suited to assess energy usage in buildings and recommend improvements.

Reliability Engineer

SOC 17-2112

You've honed your skills in maintaining critical systems under pressure, anticipating failures, and quickly implementing solutions. This is precisely what reliability engineers do: they ensure equipment functions optimally, reducing downtime and maximizing lifespan. Plus, your knowledge of safety protocols is a huge advantage!

Facilities Manager

SOC 11-3010

You've developed deep expertise in operating and maintaining complex mechanical systems within a confined and demanding environment. This experience makes you exceptionally qualified to manage the infrastructure and equipment of large facilities, ensuring smooth operations and efficient resource utilization.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Nuclear Power Training Pipeline, Naval Nuclear Power Training Command, Goose Creek, SC

2,640 training hours66 weeksUp to 60 semester hours recommended in lower-division engineering and engineering technology courses

Topics Covered

  • Mathematics and Reactor Principles
  • Electrical Theory and Reactor Instrumentation
  • Thermodynamics and Fluid Systems
  • Reactor Plant Systems
  • Operational Procedures and Casualty Control
  • Radiological Controls
  • Chemistry and Materials Science

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Plant Maintenance Manager (CPMM)70% covered

Requires knowledge of facility-specific maintenance management principles, financial management, and leadership skills, as the military role is heavily focused on the technical aspects of repair.

NACE Coating Inspector Program (CIP) Level 140% covered

Requires specific knowledge of coating application, inspection techniques, and industry standards related to corrosion control, which may not be fully covered in submarine repair.

ASME Certified Plant Engineer (CPE)60% covered

Requires a broader understanding of plant-wide systems, including electrical, instrumentation, and control systems. The military role is more focused on mechanical systems related to propulsion.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP)Six Sigma Green Belt

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Naval Sea Systems Command (NAVSEA) Technical ManualsOEM Equipment Manuals and Technical Specifications
Submarine Propulsion Systems (SPS) Diagnostic SoftwareIndustrial Control Systems (ICS) Diagnostic Platforms
AN/SQQ-89 Sonar Suite Maintenance ToolsAdvanced Acoustic Measurement and Analysis Software
Integrated Condition Assessment System (ICAS)Predictive Maintenance Software Platforms
Non-Destructive Testing (NDT) equipment (e.g., ultrasonic testers, eddy current testers)Industrial NDT Equipment
Radiographic Testing Equipment (X-ray)Industrial Radiography Equipment

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