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7388 Career Guide

Navy

7388: Aviation Maintenance Technician (Avionics)

Career transition guide for Navy Aviation Maintenance Technician (Avionics) (7388)

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Civilian Career Pathways

Top civilian roles for 7388 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.

Avionics Technician

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Aerospace Engineer

$120K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace EngineeringCAD software proficiencyFEA (Finite Element Analysis)

Electrical Engineer

$95K
Good matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

Bachelor's Degree in Electrical EngineeringCircuit design softwarePLC Programming

Quality Assurance Manager

$85K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Six Sigma certificationISO 9001 knowledgeProject Management Professional (PMP)

Technical Trainer

$70K
Moderate matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Curriculum DevelopmentInstructional DesignExcellent Communication skills

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

Cognitive skills your 7388 training built — and where they transfer.

System Modeling

As an avionics specialist, you developed a deep understanding of complex electrical and electronic systems, including how individual components interact to affect overall system performance. You used this understanding to diagnose and repair malfunctions, optimizing system efficiency.

Your ability to understand and model complex systems translates directly to roles requiring a holistic view of interconnected processes, allowing you to troubleshoot and optimize system performance in various fields.

Rapid Prioritization

You've had to quickly assess and prioritize maintenance tasks based on aircraft operational needs, safety concerns, and resource availability, often under pressure to get aircraft back in service swiftly.

Your skill in rapid prioritization means you can effectively manage multiple projects and tasks, allocating resources strategically and making critical decisions under pressure, valuable in fast-paced civilian environments.

Procedural Compliance

Adhering to strict maintenance manuals, safety regulations, and quality control procedures was paramount to your work. You ensured all tasks were completed according to established guidelines to guarantee safety and operational readiness.

Your ingrained commitment to procedural compliance showcases your ability to consistently follow protocols, maintain standards, and ensure quality, which is highly valued in regulated industries and organizations.

Situational Awareness

Maintaining awareness of the operational status of multiple aircraft and their avionics systems was crucial. You needed to understand how each system's performance contributed to the overall mission capability, anticipating potential issues and proactively addressing them.

Your developed situational awareness allows you to grasp the big picture, understand interdependencies, and anticipate potential problems, making you effective in roles that require strategic thinking and proactive decision-making.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Technical Writer

SOC 27-3042

You've been immersed in the technical documentation of avionics systems, interpreting schematics, and understanding complex operating procedures. You can translate that deep technical knowledge into clear, concise documentation for civilian applications, like user manuals or training materials.

Compliance Officer

SOC 13-1041

You've been rigorously adhering to regulations and ensuring maintenance standards are met. You can use this attention to detail to enforce compliance policies within various industries, such as healthcare or finance, protecting organizations from legal and financial risks.

Logistics Analyst

SOC 13-2081

You've been managing the flow of avionics equipment and parts. This translates directly into optimizing supply chains and ensuring efficient resource allocation in industries like manufacturing or transportation. Your ability to anticipate needs and prevent disruptions will be invaluable.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Aviation Electronics Technician (ATEC) School, Naval Air Station Pensacola

1,120 training hours28 weeksUp to 24 semester hours recommended in electronics technology

Topics Covered

  • Basic Electricity and Electronics
  • Digital Logic Circuits
  • Microprocessors
  • Electronic Troubleshooting
  • Avionics Systems Theory
  • Radar Systems
  • Navigation Systems
  • Communication Systems

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)60% covered

Focus on business management, aviation safety, and resource management as it applies to civilian aviation operations. This role in the Navy is focused on the technical aspects; CAM requires broader management knowledge.

NCATT Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET)75% covered

Need to study specific FAA regulations and documentation procedures common in civilian aviation maintenance. Also, review general electronics theory.

ETA International Certified Electronics Technician (CET)80% covered

While experienced in avionics, review broader electronics troubleshooting and repair techniques. Brush up on current industry standards for electronic components and systems.

Recommended Next Certifications

Project Management Professional (PMP)Six Sigma Green BeltFederal Aviation Administration (FAA) Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) License

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
Consolidated Automated Support System (CASS)Automated Test Equipment (ATE) for electronics manufacturing and repair
Integrated Family of Test Equipment (IFTE)Modular electronic testing platforms (e.g., National Instruments PXI systems)
Joint Precision Approach and Landing System (JPALS)Commercial Aircraft Instrument Landing Systems (ILS) and Ground-Based Augmentation Systems (GBAS)
AN/USM-638(V) Versatile Depot Automatic Test Station (VDATS)High-end automated test benches for component-level diagnostics and repair
Advanced Radar Periscope Detection (ARPD)Marine radar systems with advanced signal processing
AN/ALQ-227 Countermeasures systemElectronic warfare simulation and testing software
Navigation and Weapon Delivery System (NWDS)Integrated Flight Management Systems (FMS) with mission planning capabilities

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