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That is Marines MOS 6116. Civilian jobs, federal paths, and how the work reads on a resume.
What is in this guide
What the translation looks like
How it reads in service
Served as CDI for MV-22B phase inspections, inspecting and certifying over 200 maintenance actions per aircraft turnaround
How a hiring manager reads it
Performed quality assurance inspections on 200+ maintenance actions per scheduled overhaul cycle, certifying multi-million-dollar assets as operationally compliant per regulatory standards
Roles this background maps to
Median pay, BLS OEWS May 2024
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Marine Corps MOS 6116 (Tiltrotor Mechanic, MV-22) Marines maintain, troubleshoot, and repair the MV-22B Osprey — the military's only operational tiltrotor aircraft. The Osprey combines helicopter vertical takeoff with turboprop cruise flight, which means 6116s work on propulsion systems, drive train assemblies, flight control actuators, hydraulic systems, and airframe structures that have no direct equivalent in conventional fixed-wing or rotary-wing maintenance.
Training starts at the Center for Naval Aviation Technical Training (CNATT) in Pensacola, FL, followed by fleet assignments to Marine Medium Tiltrotor squadrons (VMMs) at MCAS New River (NC), MCAS Miramar (CA), MCAS Kaneohe Bay (HI), or Marine Corps Air Station Futenma (Okinawa, Japan). Some 6116s also support VMMT-204, the Fleet Replacement Squadron at New River, or MV-22 deployments aboard amphibious assault ships (LHDs/LHAs).
What makes a 6116 uniquely marketable is tiltrotor-specific experience. Bell is building the V-280 Valor as the Army's Future Long-Range Assault Aircraft (FLRAA), and civilian aviation companies developing next-generation tiltrotor platforms are actively looking for people who have actually turned wrenches on a production tiltrotor. That pool of experienced mechanics exists almost entirely in the Marine Corps.
V-22 Tiltrotor Mechanics carry one of the most specialized civilian-translatable backgrounds in Marine aviation — Bell-Boeing, the FAA A&P track, and DoD depots all actively recruit 6116s. From the federal hiring side, tiltrotor experience is rare in the civilian workforce and the resume just has to capture the systems-level work. — Brad Tachi, Navy Diver veteran & BMR founder
The number that decides most of this: how does civilian pay compare to what the paycheck looks like now?
Marines mid-career
$58K to $82K
E-5 to E-7 total comp: base plus BAH, BAS and the tax advantage.
Civilian Tiltrotor Mechanic, MV-22
$47K to $77K
BLS median across the direct-match civilian roles on this page.
Federal, GS-9 to GS-13
$58K to $120K
14 matching GS series, plus locality pay and step increases.
Comparable on average
Civilian pay for Tiltrotor Mechanic, MV-22s lands in the same range as mid-career enlisted total comp.
Military comp is approximate and moves with location and dependents. Civilian is the BLS median. Federal includes locality pay. The real number depends on duty station, family status, GS step and overtime.
The FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) license is the single most important credential for 6116s entering civilian aviation maintenance. Without it, you cannot legally sign off maintenance on civilian aircraft in the United States. The good news: your MV-22 experience covers much of the knowledge tested on the A&P exams, and many A&P prep programs accept military training records to satisfy the experience requirement.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), the median annual wage for aircraft mechanics and service technicians (O*NET 49-3011.00) is $75,020, with employment projected to grow 6% through 2033 — faster than average. Top earners in the field exceed $108,000, particularly in aerospace manufacturing and scheduled air transportation.
Your tiltrotor experience opens a specific niche that most aviation mechanics cannot fill. Bell Textron is building the V-280 Valor for the Army FLRAA program, and companies like Leonardo (which manufactures the AW609 civilian tiltrotor) need people who understand tiltrotor-specific systems — proprotor assemblies, swashplate mechanisms, conversion actuators, and interconnect drive shafts. That expertise lives almost exclusively with former MV-22 maintainers.
Beyond tiltrotor-specific roles, 6116 experience translates well to general aviation maintenance, helicopter maintenance (the rotary-wing overlap is real), aerospace manufacturing, and MRO (maintenance, repair, and overhaul) facilities. Defense contractors supporting V-22 fleet readiness — particularly at depots like Fleet Readiness Center East (FRCE) in Cherry Point, NC — hire former 6116s as civilian contractors.
| Civilian job title | Industry | BLS median salary | Outlook | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanic / A&P MechanicO*NET 49-3011.00 | Aviation / Aerospace | $75,020 | Faster than average (6%) | strong |
| Aerospace Engineering & Operations TechnicianO*NET 17-3021.00 | Aerospace Manufacturing / Defense | $76,040 | About as fast as average (3%) | strong |
| Industrial Machinery MechanicO*NET 49-9041.00 | Manufacturing / Energy / Utilities | $62,020 | Faster than average (16%) | moderate |
| Avionics TechnicianO*NET 49-2091.00 | Aviation / Defense | $77,420 | Faster than average (8%) | moderate |
| Maintenance & Repair Worker, GeneralO*NET 49-9071.00 | Multiple Industries | $46,700 | About as fast as average (5%) | moderate |
| Wind Turbine TechnicianO*NET 49-9081.00 | Renewable Energy | $61,770 | Much faster than average (60%) | moderate |
Manufacturer of the V-280 Valor (Army FLRAA) and legacy V-22 components. Your tiltrotor experience is directly relevant to production, flight test, and sustainment roles. Facilities in Amarillo, TX and Fort Worth, TX.
V-22 manufacturing partner (builds the fuselage at Ridley Park, PA). Also hires for commercial aviation maintenance, engineering support, and defense programs across multiple sites.
Manufacturer of the AW609 civilian tiltrotor. Tiltrotor maintenance experience is extremely rare in the civilian market — Leonardo values former V-22 mechanics for their understanding of tiltrotor-specific systems.
Manufactures the AE 1107C Liberty turboshaft engines that power the V-22. Engine maintenance experience on the MV-22 translates directly. Indianapolis, IN is the primary US facility.
Provides avionics, mission systems, and sustainment support for multiple military aircraft including the V-22. Defense electronics and field service engineer roles for former maintainers.
Major defense contractor with aircraft maintenance, sustainment, and engineering support programs. Hires former military maintainers for field service and depot-level roles.
One of the largest independent MRO providers. Engine overhaul, component repair, and aircraft maintenance. Multiple US locations. SkillBridge partner in some locations.
Aviation services including MRO, parts supply, and government programs. Hires A&P mechanics and maintenance supervisors. Facilities across the US.
Primary federal employer for V-22 maintenance and engineering roles. GS-8852 Aircraft Mechanic and GS-1910 QA positions at Patuxent River, MD and Cherry Point, NC.
V-22 depot maintenance facility at MCAS Cherry Point, NC. Natural transition for MCAS New River-based 6116s. GS-8852 and GS-8602 positions.
Developing electric vertical takeoff and landing aircraft. Your experience with tiltrotor conversion systems and VTOL operations is relevant to this emerging industry. Santa Cruz, CA and Marina, CA.
Largest defense contractor. Aircraft sustainment programs, field service engineering, and maintenance management roles. Fort Worth, TX and multiple other locations.
Largest airline MRO operation in North America. Hires A&P mechanics into TechOps division. Atlanta hub is primary, with line maintenance stations at all major airports.
Major airline with large maintenance operation. Hires A&P mechanics at hub airports (Houston, San Francisco, Chicago, Denver, Newark). Competitive pay and benefits for experienced maintainers.
Aviation Safety Inspector (Airworthiness) positions — GS-1825 series. Former maintainers who understand aircraft systems from the inside make strong inspectors. Requires A&P license.
Aircraft and spacecraft maintenance, test operations, and engineering technician roles at research centers (Langley, Dryden/Armstrong, Ames). Tiltrotor research programs have historically used V-22 data.
BMR rewrites your 6116 experience for any of the roles above, in the language the people reading actually scan for.
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Federal aviation maintenance positions fall primarily under the GS-8852 Aircraft Mechanic series, where your MV-22 experience qualifies you directly. NAVAIR (Naval Air Systems Command), Fleet Readiness Centers, and Marine Corps logistics depots hire former 6116s into GS-8852 positions at grades ranging from GS-9 to GS-12 depending on experience level and CDI/Safe-for-Flight qualifications.
Beyond direct maintenance roles, 6116s with quality assurance experience fit the GS-1910 Quality Assurance Specialist series — overseeing aircraft maintenance programs rather than turning wrenches. This is a natural progression for senior NCOs who spent their last years in the fleet as quality assurance representatives or maintenance controllers.
Veterans' Preference gives you 5 or 10 extra points on federal hiring assessments, and many aviation maintenance positions at NAVAIR, NAWCAD (Patuxent River, MD), and FRCE (Cherry Point, NC) use Direct Hire Authority — which can bypass normal competitive procedures for veteran hires. Start building your federal resume at least 6 months before separation.
| Series | Federal job title | Typical grades | Match | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-1910 | Quality Assurance | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | 5 of 5 | View details |
| WG-8852 | Aircraft Mechanic | GS-9, GS-10, GS-11, GS-12 | 5 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0802 | Engineering Technician | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | 4 of 5 | View details |
| GS-1670 | Equipment Services | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | 4 of 5 | View details |
| WG-8602 | Aircraft Engine Mechanic | GS-9, GS-10, GS-11 | 4 of 5 | View details |
| GS-1701 | General Education and Training | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | 3 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0019 | Safety Technician | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | 3 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0346 | Logistics Management | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | 3 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0018 | Safety and Occupational Health Management | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | 3 of 5 | View details |
| GS-1825 | Aviation Safety | GS-11, GS-12, GS-13 | 3 of 5 | View details |
| GS-1801 | General Inspection, Investigation, Enforcement | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | 2 of 5 | View details |
| GS-2210 | Information Technology Management | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | 2 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0343 | Management and Program Analyst | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | 2 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0301 | Miscellaneous Administration and Program | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | 2 of 5 | View details |
Federal raters match your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement. BMR writes the federal format for any GS series above, with the hours per week and supervisor detail a rater looks for.
Free to start. Federal and private sector formats included.
Not everyone stays in a related field. These paths run on the transferable half of the job: leadership, risk, logistics, planning.
Tiltrotor mechanics already diagnose hydraulic, electrical, and high-load mechanical systems where a single failure is catastrophic. Elevator work is the same safety-critical mechanical discipline in a building instead of an aircraft.
Transfers: Hydraulic and drive-system troubleshooting, Precision alignment and torque-to-spec work, Safety-critical mechanical inspection, Reading complex electromechanical schematics.
How to get there: Enter through a NEIEP (National Elevator Industry Educational Program) apprenticeship, typically 4 years earning while you train. No degree required and many programs give credit for documented aviation maintenance experience.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 5% to 6% (Faster than average)
Osprey maintenance runs on verified torque values, vibration limits, and calibrated test sets. Metrology labs need exactly that instinct for measuring against a standard and trusting the data over the gut.
Transfers: Precision measurement to tight tolerances, Test-equipment operation and verification, Documentation against technical standards, Fault isolation on instrumentation.
How to get there: Many roles accept an associate degree in electronics or instrumentation, but documented military test-equipment experience plus an ASQ Certified Calibration Technician (CCT) credential opens entry-level lab work directly.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 5% to 6% (Faster than average)
Freight and transit rail need techs who can inspect running gear, brakes, and structures on heavy mobile equipment and sign off that it is safe to move. That is the same accountability a tiltrotor mechanic carries on a flight line.
Transfers: Drivetrain and brake-system repair, Structural and corrosion inspection, Heavy mechanical diagnostics, Mobile-asset maintenance under schedule pressure.
How to get there: Most railroads hire and train on the job through their own mechanical programs. A CDL is not required, and prior heavy-equipment or aviation maintenance experience moves you up the hiring list.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 3% to 4% (Average)
Tiltrotor drive systems are rotating machinery balanced to fine tolerances. Millwrights install and align turbines, pumps, and conveyors with the same balancing and precision-alignment skills the aircraft demanded.
Transfers: Rotating-machinery installation and alignment, Gearbox and drivetrain assembly, Vibration analysis and balancing, Precision laser and dial-indicator alignment.
How to get there: Enter through a UBC (United Brotherhood of Carpenters) millwright apprenticeship, typically 4 years paid. GI Bill can supplement apprenticeship pay, and aviation rotating-machinery experience is directly relevant.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · Little or no change
Underwater construction and inspection reward the same calm, checklist-driven hazard management that flight-line maintenance builds. The corrosion control and inspection mindset transfers straight to hull and structure work.
Transfers: Hazardous-environment risk management, Corrosion control and underwater inspection, Mechanical repair in confined conditions, Disciplined pre-task safety checks.
How to get there: Complete a commercial dive school accredited by ACDE (roughly 5 to 7 months). GI Bill covers many programs, and prior hazardous-duty discipline is a strong fit for the work.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 7% or higher (Much faster than average)
PV installation blends mechanical mounting with electrical connection and field troubleshooting. A tiltrotor mechanic who wired, torqued, and tested aircraft systems picks up array work fast.
Transfers: Electromechanical assembly and wiring, Reading installation schematics, Torque-to-spec mounting hardware, Field troubleshooting of power systems.
How to get there: Short technical programs or a NABCEP PV Associate credential plus on-the-job training get you started. GI Bill covers many solar training programs and this is one of the fastest-growing trades.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 7% or higher (Much faster than average)
The skills behind the specialty carry further than the specialty. BMR rewrites your bullets for any of the paths above without making it sound like you have never done the work.
Free to start. Try as many angles as you want.
If you are applying to aviation maintenance jobs — airlines, MRO shops, defense contractors supporting V-22 — you probably do not need this section. Those employers know what a CDI is. They know what a phase inspection means.
But if you are targeting careers outside of aircraft maintenance — project management, manufacturing, safety, quality assurance in non-aviation industries — the hiring manager has no idea what "VIDS/MAF documentation" means. The translations below reframe your 6116 experience into language that resonates in non-aviation industries. These are not just word swaps — they show how to quantify and contextualize your maintenance experience for a completely different audience.
Before, in service
Served as CDI for MV-22B phase inspections, inspecting and certifying over 200 maintenance actions per aircraft turnaround
After, on the resume
Performed quality assurance inspections on 200+ maintenance actions per scheduled overhaul cycle, certifying multi-million-dollar assets as operationally compliant per regulatory standards
Before, in service
Led MV-22B 200-hour phase inspection team of 8 Marines across airframe, powerplant, and flight control work packages over 14-day timeline
After, on the resume
Managed scheduled overhaul project for complex mechanical system valued at $70M+, coordinating 8-person cross-functional team across multiple work packages within 14-day deadline, achieving on-time delivery
Before, in service
Documented 150+ maintenance actions per month in NALCOMIS/OOMA, maintaining 100% accuracy rate across all VIDS/MAF entries
After, on the resume
Processed 150+ maintenance work orders monthly in enterprise asset management system, maintaining 100% documentation accuracy for regulatory compliance audits
Before, in service
Managed FOD prevention program for VMM flight line: daily walkdowns, tool accountability, 12 Marines assigned to FOD duty rotation
After, on the resume
Administered workplace hazard prevention program for high-value industrial area, conducting daily safety inspections, managing tool inventory accountability systems, and coordinating 12-person safety rotation schedule
Before, in service
Held safe-for-flight certification authority for 12 assigned MV-22B aircraft, signing off completed maintenance prior to flight operations
After, on the resume
Served as final release authority for 12 complex systems valued at $70M+ each, certifying all maintenance met regulatory specifications before returning to operational service
Before, in service
Troubleshot intermittent hydraulic pressure loss in MV-22B conversion actuator system, isolating fault to servo valve assembly using NATOPS fault isolation procedures
After, on the resume
Diagnosed intermittent pressure loss in complex hydraulic actuation system through systematic fault isolation methodology, identifying root cause in servo control assembly and executing corrective repair, restoring full system functionality
Before, in service
Coordinated turnaround of 4 MV-22B aircraft for MEU deployment: completed 60+ outstanding maintenance actions, requisitioned critical parts, and achieved full mission capable status within 21-day window
After, on the resume
Directed rapid readiness program for 4 complex mechanical systems ($280M+ total value), resolving 60+ outstanding maintenance items, expediting critical parts procurement, and achieving 100% operational status within 21-day deadline
Before, in service
Maintained NALCOMIS database for 12-aircraft detachment, generating weekly maintenance status reports and tracking supply requisition status for 300+ open items
After, on the resume
Administered enterprise asset management database for fleet of 12 high-value assets, producing weekly status reports for leadership and tracking 300+ active procurement orders through completion
Before, in service
Supervised 6-Marine maintenance crew on active flight line during night operations, managing task assignments, safety compliance, and quality control for concurrent maintenance on 3 aircraft
After, on the resume
Supervised 6-person technical maintenance team in active industrial environment during extended shift operations, managing concurrent work on 3 complex systems while maintaining full safety and quality compliance
Before, in service
Processed 50+ ILO/DTO requisitions monthly for MV-22B components, managing priority coding and expediting critical parts to maintain aircraft readiness above 75% MC rate
After, on the resume
Managed 50+ procurement requisitions monthly for critical components, prioritizing orders by operational impact and expediting high-priority items, contributing to 75%+ asset availability rate
Before, in service
Trained 8 junior Marines on MV-22B powerplant removal/installation procedures, developing task-specific OJT packages and tracking individual qualification progress
After, on the resume
Designed and delivered hands-on technical training program for 8 new team members, creating task-specific instructional materials and maintaining individual competency tracking records through qualification completion
Before, in service
Executed corrosion prevention program for 12 MV-22B aircraft, performing scheduled inspections, applying protective treatments, and documenting findings per NAVAIR corrosion control technical directives
After, on the resume
Managed preventive maintenance and asset preservation program for 12 high-value systems ($840M+ fleet value), conducting scheduled inspections, applying protective treatments, and maintaining compliance documentation per industry standards
BMR turns your 6116 duties and accomplishments into civilian bullets aimed at the job you are applying for. No manual translation.
Free to start. Tailored to each posting.
Which ones you need depends on where you are headed.
RecommendedCost $500 - $1,500Time 1-2 weeksElectronics assembly and soldering standard used in aerospace manufacturing. Valuable for transition into production or manufacturing quality roles at Bell, Boeing, or other aerospace manufacturers.
RequiredCost $5,000 - $30,000 (school) or $150 exam fees (direct testing)Time 12-18 months (school) or 2-4 weeks (exam prep if qualifying via experience)GI Bill eligibleNon-negotiable for civilian aircraft maintenance. Military experience counts toward the 30-month requirement. Contact your local FSDO with VMET and training records. Some veterans qualify to test directly without attending school.
RecommendedCost $200 - $500 (exam + application)Time 3 years A&P experience requiredAdvanced credential allowing you to perform annual inspections and approve major repairs/alterations. Requires 3 years active A&P experience. Significantly increases earning potential and authority.
RecommendedCost $1,000 - $2,500Time 3-5 daysGI Bill eligibleAerospace quality management system standard. Understanding AS9100 is valuable for QA roles at any aerospace manufacturer. Your military QA experience provides strong context.
BeneficialCost $50 - $100 exam feeTime 2-4 weeks studySome employers prefer or require FCC license for working on aircraft communication and navigation systems. Straightforward exam if you have avionics exposure from MV-22 maintenance.
RequiredCost Free (build at bestmilitaryresume.com)Time 1-2 hoursFederal resumes follow different rules than private sector — 2 pages max, specific formatting, hours per week, supervisor info. Start 6 months before separation. Veterans' Preference gives you 5-10 extra points.
RecommendedCost $400 - $600 (PMI member)Time 3-6 months studyGI Bill eligibleGold standard for PM roles. Phase inspection management, aircraft turnaround coordination, and deployment maintenance planning hours count toward the 36-month experience requirement.
BeneficialCost $300 - $500Time 2-4 monthsGI Bill eligibleProcess improvement methodology valued across industries. Military maintainers already think in terms of procedures, checklists, and continuous improvement — this credential gives it a name employers recognize.
RequiredCost $1,500 - $3,000Time 1 weekGI Bill eligibleRequired by most wind energy employers. Covers working at heights, first aid, fire awareness, and manual handling. Your experience working on aircraft at elevation and in confined spaces is directly transferable.
BeneficialCost $200 - $500Time 2-3 daysElectrical safety standard relevant to wind turbine, solar, and industrial maintenance work. Complements your mechanical skills with electrical safety credentials.
RecommendedCost $150 - $300Time 4 days (available online)Standard safety certification for manufacturing and general industry employers. Your flight line safety experience makes this content straightforward.
RecommendedCost $300 - $500 exam feeTime 3-6 months studyGI Bill eligibleGold standard in safety. Aviation safety experience (FOD, HAZMAT, tool control, confined space) counts toward the experience requirement. Opens doors to $80K+ safety management roles.
BeneficialCost $150 - $500Time 5 daysRequired for hazardous waste operations and environmental response. Relevant if targeting environmental compliance or industrial safety roles. Some 6116s may have equivalent HAZMAT training.
Placement decides whether a screener ever sees it. BMR knows where each one ranks, what to call it, and how to frame it.
Free to start. Built around your real certs and clearance.
FAA A&P License: This is non-negotiable for civilian aircraft maintenance in the US. Your military experience counts toward the 30-month experience requirement. Contact your local FSDO (Flight Standards District Office) with your training records and VMET (Verification of Military Experience and Training) to start the process. Many A&P prep schools accept GI Bill — verify current approval at the GI Bill Comparison Tool.
SkillBridge Programs: Several aviation companies participate in DOD SkillBridge, allowing you to work civilian jobs during your last 180 days of service while still receiving military pay. Bell Textron, L3Harris, StandardAero, and some MRO facilities have historically participated. Search the SkillBridge database for current openings.
FRCE Cherry Point: Fleet Readiness Center East in Cherry Point, NC is the primary V-22 depot. Many former 6116s transition directly to civilian positions there. Proximity to MCAS New River makes it a natural geographic transition.
Industry Associations: The Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA) and Aviation Maintenance Technology magazine community are good networking resources for the MRO industry.
Project Management: The PMP certification (PMI) is the gold standard. Senior 6116s who managed phase inspections, aircraft turnarounds, and deployment maintenance packages have documented project management hours. Cost: ~$555 (PMI member). GI Bill covers some prep courses.
Safety & EHS Careers: Start with OSHA 30-Hour General Industry (can do online, ~$150-300). For the serious career move, target the CSP (Certified Safety Professional) — your flight line safety experience counts toward the experience requirement.
Manufacturing & Aerospace: If you want to stay in aerospace but leave maintenance, look into manufacturing engineering or quality engineering roles. Aerospace manufacturing is growing, and companies value people who understand aircraft systems from the maintenance side.
Federal Employment (USAJobs): Create your USAJobs profile immediately — do not wait until you separate. Use the "Veterans" filter. Key agencies: NAVAIR, NAWCAD (Pax River), FRCE (Cherry Point), AFRL, FAA, NASA. Federal resumes are 2 pages max. Build yours here.
Veteran Networking: American Corporate Partners (ACP) provides free mentorship from corporate executives. You get paired with someone in your target industry. ACP is legitimate and completely free for veterans.
Clearance Leverage: If you have an active Secret or higher, that has real market value — especially with defense contractors. Sites like ClearanceJobs.com list positions that require active clearances. Do not let yours lapse during transition.
Build Your Military Resume Free | Explore All Military Career Transitions | Best Careers for Veterans 2026 | Military-to-Civilian Glossary
Most people do this backwards: wait for terminal leave, then panic. This is the sequence that works. Already out? Same plan, day one is today.
Days 0 to 30
Days 30 to 60
Days 60 to 90
Yes. In the United States, you cannot legally sign off maintenance on civilian aircraft without an FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate. Your MV-22 experience covers much of the tested material, and military training records count toward the 30-month experience requirement. Contact your local FSDO with your VMET and training jacket to get the process started before you separate.
According to BLS May 2024 data, the median annual wage for aircraft mechanics and service technicians is $75,020 (O*NET 49-3011.00). Top earners exceed $108,000, particularly in aerospace manufacturing and scheduled air transportation. Employment is projected to grow 6% through 2033, faster than average.
The V-280 Valor is a tiltrotor, and the fundamental systems — proprotor assemblies, conversion mechanisms, interconnect drive trains, tiltrotor-specific flight controls — share design philosophy with the V-22. Bell Textron actively recruits people with tiltrotor maintenance experience because that talent pool is extremely small. Your hands-on V-22 background is directly relevant to V-280 production, testing, and sustainment roles.
Many 6116s transition into project management (BLS median $100,750), quality assurance (BLS median $76,040), safety management (BLS median $83,910), or manufacturing supervision. Your transferable skills — complex system troubleshooting, team leadership, strict compliance management, and working under time pressure — are valued across industries. See the Career Change Paths and Skills Translation sections for specific paths and resume language.
Focus on the transferable skills, not the aircraft. Instead of saying you performed phase inspections on an MV-22, say you managed scheduled overhaul projects on multi-million-dollar complex systems, coordinating teams, tracking hundreds of tasks to completion, and maintaining regulatory compliance. Quantify everything — dollar values of equipment maintained, team sizes managed, inspection pass rates, operational readiness percentages.
Yes. An active Secret clearance saves employers thousands of dollars and months of processing time. Defense contractors (Bell, Boeing, L3Harris, Northrop Grumman) and federal agencies require clearances for many positions. ClearanceJobs.com lists positions specifically requiring active clearances. Your clearance stays active for up to 24 months after separation if not renewed — start your job search before it lapses.
Depends on your goal. If you want to stay in aviation maintenance, an A&P program is faster and has immediate ROI — many programs are 12-18 months, and you can start earning $75K+ immediately after. If you want to move into engineering, management, or a completely different field, a degree may be worth the longer timeline. Many employers in maintenance and manufacturing accept military experience plus certifications in lieu of a degree. Use the VA GI Bill Comparison Tool to verify program approval before enrolling.
Veterans Preference gives you 5 or 10 extra points on federal hiring assessments (10 for disabled veterans). You need your DD-214 (Member 4 copy) and SF-15 form. Many NAVAIR and FRCE positions use Direct Hire Authority, which can bypass normal competitive procedures. Start your federal resume at bestmilitaryresume.com — federal resumes follow different rules than private sector, including hours per week, supervisor information, and detailed duty descriptions.
For direct V-22 work: Cherry Point, NC (FRCE depot), Amarillo, TX (Bell facilities), Patuxent River, MD (NAWCAD test). For general aviation: major airline hubs (Dallas, Atlanta, Miami, Chicago, Phoenix) and MRO clusters. For defense contractors: the DC Metro corridor, Dallas-Fort Worth, San Diego, and Huntsville, AL. Remote work is not common in hands-on maintenance, but engineering support, tech writing, and quality management roles are increasingly remote-eligible.
Yes — and you should. Start 12 months before your EAS. At 180 days out, you may be eligible for DOD SkillBridge to work at a civilian company (including A&P schools or aviation employers) while still receiving military pay. Get your VMET from the Joint Services Transcript system. Have your resume ready 6 months out. Apply to federal positions 6 months out because federal hiring is slow. Use terminal leave as your transition runway.
Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. Career data from O*NET OnLine.
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