AMS Career Guide
AMS: Aviation Structural Mechanic
Career transition guide for Navy Aviation Structural Mechanic (AMS)
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Top civilian roles for AMS veterans, with average salary and market demand data.
Aircraft Mechanic/Technician
Aerospace Engineer
Skills to develop:
Sheet Metal Worker
Skills to develop:
Quality Control Inspector
Skills to develop:
Wind Turbine Technician
Skills to develop:
Salary estimates from VWC career data
Hidden Strengths
Cognitive skills your AMS training built — and where they transfer.
Procedural Compliance
Adhering strictly to maintenance manuals, inspection checklists, and safety protocols is paramount to prevent catastrophic failures. You follow detailed step-by-step procedures, ensuring every task is completed to exact specifications.
Your commitment to following established procedures and maintaining rigorous standards translates directly to roles requiring strict adherence to protocols, like quality control, regulatory compliance, or safety inspection.
System Modeling
Understanding how individual aircraft components interact within the larger system is crucial for effective troubleshooting and repair. You can visualize the entire aircraft system and how changes to one part impact others.
Your ability to see the 'big picture' and understand how different components of a system interact makes you valuable in fields like process engineering, logistics, or project management, where optimizing complex workflows is essential.
Situational Awareness
Maintaining awareness of the aircraft's overall condition, potential environmental factors, and the impact of your work on flight safety is crucial. You're constantly assessing risks and anticipating potential problems.
Your heightened situational awareness and ability to anticipate problems make you well-suited for roles requiring vigilance and proactive problem-solving, such as risk management, security analysis, or even event planning.
Resource Optimization
Effectively managing tools, equipment, and materials to complete maintenance tasks efficiently and minimize waste is a daily requirement. You ensure resources are used effectively to meet deadlines and maintain operational readiness.
Your skill in optimizing resource allocation and minimizing waste translates well to roles in supply chain management, inventory control, or operations management, where efficient use of resources is critical for success.
Non-Obvious Career Matches
Wind Turbine Technician
SOC 49-9086You've been trained to maintain complex mechanical systems under pressure, and that is directly transferable to wind turbine maintenance. The troubleshooting skills you've honed, combined with your understanding of safety protocols, make you a valuable asset in the renewable energy sector. You already know how to climb towers safely!
Amusement Park Ride Mechanic
SOC 49-9041You've been inspecting and maintaining critical mechanical systems where lives are on the line. Amusement park rides require that same level of attention to detail and commitment to safety. Your experience ensures you can handle the challenges of keeping rides running smoothly and safely.
Elevator Repairer
SOC 49-9031You've been working with complex mechanical and electrical systems, and elevators are just that! Your ability to diagnose problems, follow technical manuals, and ensure safety protocols are followed translates perfectly to this in-demand field.
Training & Education Equivalencies
Aviation Structural Mechanic (AMS) 'A' School, Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL
Topics Covered
- •Aircraft Structures Fundamentals
- •Basic Hand Tools and Measuring Instruments
- •Aircraft Hardware and Materials
- •Corrosion Control and Prevention
- •Sheet Metal Repair Techniques
- •Composite Material Repair
- •Aircraft Hydraulic Systems
- •Nondestructive Inspection Methods
Certification Pathways
Partial Coverage
Requires specific training on powerplant (engine) maintenance, federal aviation regulations, and passing FAA written, oral, and practical exams.
Requires additional training and certification in specific Non-Destructive Testing methods such as ultrasonic testing, radiographic testing, or magnetic particle testing, along with documented practical experience hours.
Recommended Next Certifications
Technical Systems Translation
Military systems you've used and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Maintenance Logbooks & Records (NALCOMIS/OOMA) | Aviation Maintenance Software (e.g., Corridor, CAMP, Quantum Control) |
| Non-Destructive Inspection (NDI) Equipment (e.g., Eddy Current Testers, Ultrasonic Testers) | NDI Equipment (e.g., Sonatest, Olympus, GE Inspection Technologies) |
| NAVSEA Standard Items | FAA Advisory Circulars & Industry Best Practices |
| Corrosion Control Procedures (MIL-STD-3004) | Aerospace Coatings & Corrosion Prevention (e.g., PPG Aerospace, AkzoNobel) |
| Aircraft Jacks and Ground Support Equipment (GSE) | Aircraft Jacks and Ground Support Equipment (e.g., Tronair, Columbus Jack) |
| Automated Foreign Object Damage (FOD) Detection Systems | Automated FOD Detection Systems (e.g., Xtirpa, FODS) |
| Advanced Composite Repair Equipment (Hot Bonder) | Composite Repair Systems (e.g., Heatcon, BriskHeat) |
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