8E000 Career Guide
8E000: Research and Development Engineer
Career transition guide for Air Force Research and Development Engineer (8E000)
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Top civilian roles for 8E000 veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Research and Development Engineer
Aerospace Engineer
Skills to develop:
Quality Control Analyst
Skills to develop:
Project Manager
Skills to develop:
Technical Writer
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your 8E000 training built — and where they transfer.
System Modeling
As an 8E000, you modeled complex systems to understand how different components interact, whether it was a scientific experiment, an engineering project, or an acquisition program. You visualized the entire system, identified key variables, and predicted outcomes based on different inputs.
This ability to create and manipulate models of complex systems translates directly into roles where you need to understand intricate processes and predict their behavior. You can quickly grasp the big picture and identify critical areas for improvement.
After-Action Analysis
You regularly participated in after-action analyses, evaluating the outcomes of research projects, engineering tests, and program phases. You identified lessons learned, pinpointed areas for improvement, and developed strategies to optimize future performance.
Your experience in conducting thorough after-action analyses equips you with a valuable skill for continuous improvement. You can systematically evaluate performance, identify root causes of problems, and implement effective solutions to drive efficiency and effectiveness.
Resource Optimization
You optimized the use of resources—time, personnel, budget—to achieve research, engineering, or acquisition objectives. You developed plans, allocated resources efficiently, and monitored progress to ensure projects stayed on track and within budget.
Your ability to optimize resources makes you an ideal candidate for roles that require careful planning and efficient execution. You can effectively manage budgets, allocate personnel, and track progress to ensure projects are completed successfully and within allocated resources.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Business Process Analyst
SOC 13-1111You've been modeling systems and optimizing processes, so you already have the core skills to excel as a Business Process Analyst. You can analyze and improve business workflows, identify inefficiencies, and implement solutions to enhance productivity and reduce costs.
Management Consultant
SOC 13-1111You've honed your analytical and problem-solving skills through your work in research and engineering. As a management consultant, you'll apply these skills to help organizations improve their performance by identifying problems, developing solutions, and implementing changes.
Financial Analyst
SOC 13-2051You've worked with budgets and resource allocation, so you understand the financial implications of decisions. As a Financial Analyst, you can analyze financial data, develop forecasts, and provide recommendations to help organizations make sound financial decisions.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Human Systems Research and Engineering Training, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
Topics Covered
- •Research Methodology
- •Experimental Design
- •Data Analysis and Interpretation
- •Technical Report Writing
- •Acquisition Program Management
- •Systems Engineering Principles
- •Configuration Management
- •Integrated Logistics Support
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
Formal project management methodologies (PMBOK), specific tools, and techniques in areas like risk management, stakeholder management, and communications planning.
Specific test equipment operation, advanced troubleshooting methodologies, and industry-specific testing standards.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| MATLAB/Simulink | MATLAB/Simulink (same) |
| Windchill Product Lifecycle Management (PLM) | Siemens Teamcenter, Dassault Systèmes ENOVIA |
| Air Force Integrated Logistics System-Supply (ILS-S) | SAP Supply Chain Management, Oracle SCM Cloud |
| Electronic Warfare Integrated Reprogramming Database (EWIRDB) | RF signal analysis software suites (e.g., Keysight SystemVue) |
| Joint Technical Architecture (JTA) | Enterprise Architecture Frameworks (e.g., TOGAF) |
| Automated Cost Estimating Integrated Tools (ACEIT) | Cost estimating software (e.g., SEER by Galorath, PRICE TruePlanning) |
| System Engineering Management Chart (SEMC) | Gantt charts, Microsoft Project, Primavera P6 |
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