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MT Career Guide

Navy

MT: Missile Technician

Career transition guide for Navy Missile Technician (MT)

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Civilian Career Pathways

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

Aerospace Engineering Technician

$78K
High matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

CAD software proficiencyFAA certifications related to aircraft maintenance (depending on specialization)

Avionics Technician

$75K
High matchHigh demand

Skills to develop:

FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license

Electronics Technician

$65K
Good matchGrowing demand

Skills to develop:

Specialized certifications (e.g., CompTIA)PLC programming (if applicable)Experience with specific electronic testing equipment

Nuclear Technician

$82K
Good matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) trainingSpecific certifications related to radiation safety

Quality Control Inspector

$55K
Moderate matchStable demand

Skills to develop:

ASQ Certified Quality Technician (CQT) certificationKnowledge of ISO 9000 standardsExperience with statistical process control (SPC)

Salary estimates from VWC career data

Hidden Strengths

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

System Modeling

MTs develop a deep understanding of how complex missile systems function, including the interactions between electronic, mechanical, and software components. They mentally model system behavior to predict outcomes and identify potential failures.

The ability to understand and predict the behavior of complex systems is crucial for designing, troubleshooting, and optimizing various processes and technologies in civilian industries.

Procedural Compliance

Adherence to strict protocols and safety regulations is paramount when handling nuclear-capable ballistic missiles. MTs are trained to meticulously follow procedures to ensure safety and mission success.

The discipline to consistently follow established procedures and safety protocols translates to high reliability and quality control in regulated industries.

Degraded-Mode Operations

MTs must be able to troubleshoot and repair missile systems under pressure, often with limited resources or incomplete information. They're skilled at adapting procedures and improvising solutions when systems malfunction.

The ability to maintain operational effectiveness under challenging circumstances is valuable for ensuring business continuity and minimizing downtime in critical infrastructure or emergency response roles.

Situational Awareness

MTs must maintain constant awareness of the status of missile systems, environmental conditions, and potential threats. They use this information to anticipate problems and make timely decisions.

Maintaining awareness of the surrounding environment and potential threats allows for proactive decision-making and risk mitigation in dynamic and unpredictable situations.

After-Action Analysis

MTs participate in post-maintenance reviews to identify areas for improvement in procedures, training, and equipment. This continuous learning approach helps enhance system reliability and operational effectiveness.

The ability to systematically analyze past events to identify lessons learned and implement corrective actions is vital for continuous improvement and organizational learning.

Non-Obvious Career Matches

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9086

You've been trained to work on complex electromechanical systems under pressure. Your ability to troubleshoot, maintain, and repair missile systems translates perfectly to the challenges of wind turbine maintenance, where you'll ensure the reliable operation of these renewable energy sources.

Robotics Technician

SOC 49-9092

Your experience with advanced electronics, computers, and electromechanical systems makes you an ideal candidate for robotics maintenance. You've been responsible for complex weapons systems. Now you can transfer those skills to robotics.

Industrial Control Systems Cybersecurity Specialist

SOC 15-1212

You've been trained to safeguard weapons systems. Your experience in maintaining complex systems and understanding potential vulnerabilities gives you a unique edge in protecting industrial control systems from cyber threats. You'll be responsible for protecting critical infrastructure from attack.

Technical Trainer/Instructor

SOC 25-9044

With your years of experience maintaining complex electromechanical systems, you've built up a deep understanding. Now you can train others to do the same. Your experience in preparing reports and briefings can be leveraged to train new technicians.

Training & Education Equivalencies

Missile Technician 'A' School, Naval Base Kitsap, WA

1,320 training hours33 weeksUp to 24 semester hours recommended

Topics Covered

  • Basic Electronics
  • Digital Logic
  • Microprocessors
  • Ballistic Missile Theory
  • Hydraulic Systems
  • Pneumatic Systems
  • Nuclear Weapons Safety
  • Preventative and Corrective Maintenance Procedures

Certification Pathways

Partial Coverage

Certified Electronics Technician (CET)70% covered

Study specific electronics troubleshooting techniques, industry standards, and safety regulations not explicitly covered in military training.

CompTIA A+60% covered

Focus on current PC hardware, operating systems, and networking concepts, as the military training might emphasize specialized systems.

ETA International, Electronics Modules (Semiconductors, Passive Components)80% covered

Some focus on specific electronics modules may be required to pass certification

Recommended Next Certifications

Certified Quality Engineer (CQE)Project Management Professional (PMP)Six Sigma Green Belt

Technical Systems Translation

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

Military SystemCivilian Equivalent
MK 98 Fire Control SystemIndustrial Control Systems (ICS) for process automation
Trident II D5 MissileLarge scale guidance and control systems
Navigation Subsystem (NAVSUB)High-precision Inertial Navigation Systems (INS)
Ship's Inertial Navigation System (SINS)Aerospace-grade inertial measurement units
Missile Test and Readiness Equipment (MTRE)Automated Test Equipment (ATE) for electronic systems
Strategic Weapon System Command and Control System (SWSCCS)SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems

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