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That is Navy Rating AD. 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
Qualified as CDI; performed final inspections on 200+ engine maintenance actions with zero quality escapes
How a hiring manager reads it
Served as certified quality inspector with independent approval authority, completing 200+ final inspections on high-value equipment with zero defects escaping to operations
Roles this background maps to
Median pay, BLS OEWS May 2024
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Brad TachiNavy Diver · BMR founder
After the Navy he was hired into six federal career fields and tech sales, and sat on federal hiring panels along the way. The last two years went into rebuilding all of it into BMR, tuned for how resumes get screened today. 75,916 resumes built so far.
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Aviation Machinist's Mates (AD) are the Navy's jet engine and propulsion systems specialists. ADs inspect, maintain, repair, and overhaul gas turbine engines, propeller systems, and auxiliary power units across the fleet's fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft. From the flight deck of an aircraft carrier to shore-based Fleet Readiness Centers, ADs keep naval aviation flying.
The AD rating covers a deep technical skillset: turbine engine theory, fuel and oil systems, engine test cells, compressor blade blending, borescope inspections, vibration analysis, and Foreign Object Damage (FOD) prevention programs. ADs work on platforms ranging from the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet to the MH-60 Seahawk, E-2D Hawkeye, and P-8A Poseidon. Each platform brings different engine systems — the GE F414, Rolls-Royce T56/AE 2100, and GE T700 among them.
What separates AD experience from civilian mechanics is the operational tempo. ADs perform maintenance in austere environments — carrier flight decks, deployed detachments, and forward operating locations — under time pressure that civilian maintenance operations rarely match. The ability to troubleshoot complex propulsion systems, document everything to NAVAIR standards, and maintain quality assurance under those conditions is what makes AD veterans valuable.
ADs map directly to the 8852 Aircraft Mechanic federal series and FAA Airframe & Powerplant roles. I've worked across federal hiring on the supply and engineering side — the demand for cleared aircraft maintainers at DoD depots, FAA, and major airframer companies is constant. Your engine maintenance and TM-driven work is the foundation. — 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?
Navy mid-career
$58K to $82K
E-5 to E-7 total comp: base plus BAH, BAS and the tax advantage.
Civilian Aviation Machinist's Mate
$62K to $75K
BLS median across the direct-match civilian roles on this page.
Federal, GS-9 to GS-13
$58K to $120K
10 matching GS series, plus locality pay and step increases.
Comparable on average
Civilian pay for Aviation Machinist's Mates 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.
Aviation maintenance is one of the most directly transferable military specialties. The commercial aviation industry, MRO (Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul) facilities, and defense aviation contractors actively recruit former Navy ADs because they arrive with documented experience on complex turbine engine systems and a maintenance culture built on zero-defect accountability.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), the median annual wage for aircraft mechanics and service technicians is $75,020 (O*NET 49-3011.00), with the top 10% earning over $109,000. Employment is projected to grow 6% — faster than average — driven by airline fleet expansion and an aging maintenance workforce. For powerplant-specific roles, ADs are particularly well-positioned because turbine engine experience is in high demand across both commercial and military contract aviation.
Related occupations include aircraft structure and systems assemblers (median $62,350, O*NET 51-2011.00) and industrial machinery mechanics (median $62,530, O*NET 49-9041.00), both of which AD experience translates to depending on the specific maintenance work performed in the fleet.
| Civilian job title | Industry | BLS median salary | Outlook | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanic / A&P TechnicianO*NET 49-3011.00 | Aviation / Airlines / MRO | $75,020 | Faster than average (6%) | strong |
| Gas Turbine Mechanic / Engine Overhaul TechnicianO*NET 49-3011.00 | Aviation MRO / Power Generation | $75,020 | Faster than average (6%) | strong |
| Industrial Machinery MechanicO*NET 49-9041.00 | Manufacturing / Power Generation | $62,530 | Much faster than average (15%) | strong |
| Aircraft Structure / Systems AssemblerO*NET 51-2011.00 | Aerospace Manufacturing | $62,350 | Declining (-9%) | moderate |
| Aviation Maintenance InspectorO*NET 49-3011.00 | Airlines / MRO / FAA | $75,020 | Faster than average (6%) | strong |
| Stationary Engineer / Boiler OperatorO*NET 51-8021.00 | Facilities / Power Plants | $67,320 | Little or no change (1%) | moderate |
| Wind Turbine TechnicianO*NET 49-9081.00 | Renewable Energy | $61,770 | Much faster than average (60%) | moderate |
| Mechanical Engineering TechnicianO*NET 17-3027.00 | Manufacturing / Aerospace | $62,710 | About as fast as average (2%) | moderate |
Largest aerospace company in the world. Hires former ADs for commercial and military aircraft maintenance, manufacturing, and engineering support roles.
Major defense contractor. Aviation maintenance, depot-level repair, and field service representative positions for former Navy maintainers.
Manufacturer of the F414 engine (Super Hornet) and T700 (Seahawk). Engine overhaul, test, and field support roles value AD turbine experience.
Defense and commercial aviation systems. Maintenance, modification, and integration roles across multiple platforms.
One of the largest independent MRO providers. Engine overhaul and component repair — direct match for AD powerplant experience.
Major MRO and aviation services company. Heavy maintenance, component repair, and fleet management positions.
Delta Air Lines' in-house MRO division — one of the largest airline maintenance operations in the world. Engine shop and airframe maintenance positions.
Manufacturer of the AE 2100 (E-2/C-2) and T56 engines. Overhaul, field service, and engineering support positions.
Major defense contractor with aviation maintenance and sustainment programs. E-2D Hawkeye and other platform support.
Civilian positions at FRC East (Cherry Point), FRC Southeast (Jacksonville), FRC Southwest (North Island). GS-8852 aircraft mechanic positions are the most direct federal path.
Major engine manufacturer. Overhaul, test, and field support roles for military and commercial engines.
Propeller systems, APUs, and mechanical systems. ADs with auxiliary power unit experience are strong fits.
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“I am wrapping up a 21 year Naval career, all of which was working on fighters. I had picked up a job as a contractor for a company on the same base I’ve been at for the last ten years. I submitted that resume while on deployment and it worked great. Thanks again Brad. Dave ”
David · Chief Petty Officer (E-7) · Navy · Aviation
Federal aviation maintenance positions exist across multiple agencies, and the hiring process rewards AD experience specifically. The FAA, Department of Defense civilian workforce, NASA, Coast Guard, and Customs and Border Protection all employ aircraft mechanics and aviation maintenance professionals.
For ADs targeting federal employment, the most direct GS series is Aircraft Mechanic (GS-8852) — these positions at NAVAIR, Fleet Readiness Centers, and other DoD depots often hire former military maintainers at GS-9 through GS-12 depending on experience and certifications. Engineering Technician (GS-0802) positions are another strong match, especially for ADs who performed test cell operations or vibration analysis.
Beyond the obvious maintenance roles, ADs with Quality Assurance Representative (QAR) experience can target Quality Assurance Specialist (GS-1910) positions. Those with CDI or work center supervisor experience translate well into General Equipment Specialist (GS-1670) and Production Control (GS-1152) roles. ADs who managed hazardous materials programs have a path to Safety Management (GS-0018) and Safety Technician (GS-0019) roles at facilities with aviation operations.
| Series | Federal job title | Typical grades | Match | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-1910 | Quality Assurance | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | 3 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0802 | Engineering Technician | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | 3 of 5 | View details |
| WG-8852 | Aircraft Mechanic | GS-9, GS-10, GS-11 | 3 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0856 | Electronics Technician | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | 2 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0018 | Safety and Occupational Health Management | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | 2 of 5 | View details |
| GS-1670 | Equipment Services | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | 2 of 5 | View details |
| WG-8602 | Aircraft Engine Mechanic | GS-9, GS-10, GS-11 | 2 of 5 | View details |
| GS-1101 | General Business and Industry | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | 2 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0019 | Safety Technician | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | 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.
Tearing down and verifying turbine engines means living inside precision measurement and instrumentation, which is the entire job of a calibration technician in a metrology lab.
Transfers: Engine performance testing and test-cell operation, Reading micrometers, dial indicators, and torque values to tight tolerances, Documenting measurements against spec, Diagnosing instrument drift and out-of-tolerance readings.
How to get there: Employers hire on measurement aptitude and train on standards; an associate degree in instrumentation or an ASQ-aligned metrology certificate accelerates entry.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 5% (Faster than average)
Building up engine modules to exact clearances is precision metalworking by another name, and that hands-and-eyes tolerance discipline transfers straight to a CNC or manual machine shop.
Transfers: Working metal parts to thousandths-of-an-inch tolerances, Reading blueprints and engineering drawings, Precision measuring tools and surface finishes, Rotating-assembly balancing and fit.
How to get there: Enter through a machinist apprenticeship or a community-college CNC/machining certificate; many shops also train candidates who already read drawings and use precision tools.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · -2% (Decline, steady replacement openings)
Turbine engines and refrigeration both run on thermodynamic cycles, pressures, and flow, so the diagnostic instincts that find an engine fault find an HVAC fault just as fast.
Transfers: Thermodynamic and pressure-cycle troubleshooting, Diagnosing mechanical systems by symptom, Refrigerant and fluid handling, Reading system schematics and gauges.
How to get there: Complete a 6-to-24-month HVAC trade program or apprenticeship and earn EPA Section 608 certification, which is required to handle refrigerants.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 8% (Much faster than average)
The heavy mechanical assembly, alignment, and pressure-system safety behind engine and accessory overhaul map directly to fabricating and maintaining industrial boilers and vessels.
Transfers: Assembling and aligning large pressure-bearing mechanical systems, Working with tight clearances on heavy rotating equipment, Confined-space and high-pressure safety, Mechanical fabrication and rigging.
How to get there: Enter a Boilermakers union apprenticeship (typically 4 years of paid work plus classroom training) leading to journeyman status.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · -2% (Decline, steady replacement openings)
Engine work demands clean, by-the-book precision and contamination control, and that exact discipline is what a fab needs on the cleanroom floor of a growing chip industry.
Transfers: Precision process work under strict procedures, Contamination control and clean handling, Operating and monitoring specialized equipment, Inspecting output against quality standards.
How to get there: Most employers hire with a high-school diploma plus a community-college semiconductor or process-technology certificate and train on the specific fab tools.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 11% (Much faster than average)
Diagnosing recurring engine failures and tightening turnaround on the maintenance line is applied industrial engineering, which transfers to optimizing any factory process.
Transfers: Analyzing maintenance and failure data to find root cause, Improving repair throughput and process flow, Time-and-motion and efficiency study, Documenting standardized procedures.
How to get there: An associate degree in industrial or manufacturing engineering technology is the standard entry; Six Sigma Green Belt strengthens a candidate.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 2% (Slower 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're applying to aviation maintenance positions at airlines, MROs, or defense contractors — your terminology transfers directly. A&P shops, engine overhaul facilities, and military contract maintenance organizations speak the same language you do.
But if you're targeting careers outside aviation — project management, manufacturing, quality assurance, or operations roles — the hiring manager has no frame of reference for "CDI qual" or "FOD walkdown." The translations below reframe AD experience for non-aviation industries, showing how to quantify and contextualize your technical background for a completely different audience.
Before, in service
Qualified as CDI; performed final inspections on 200+ engine maintenance actions with zero quality escapes
After, on the resume
Served as certified quality inspector with independent approval authority, completing 200+ final inspections on high-value equipment with zero defects escaping to operations
Before, in service
Led 12-person engine shop work center; managed maintenance schedule for 14 aircraft engines across 3 deployment cycles
After, on the resume
Supervised a 12-person technical production team, managing maintenance schedules for $140M+ in capital equipment across multiple operational cycles while maintaining 95% on-time completion rate
Before, in service
Operated jet engine test cell for F414 powerplants; performed post-overhaul acceptance testing and documented results per NAVAIR standards
After, on the resume
Conducted performance acceptance testing on complex turbine equipment valued at $6M+ per unit, analyzing data against established parameters and documenting results per regulatory standards
Before, in service
Managed FOD prevention program for a 40-person maintenance department; conducted daily inspections and monthly audits with zero FOD incidents
After, on the resume
Managed workplace contamination prevention program for a 40-person department, conducting daily inspections and monthly audits achieving zero incidents over 12-month period
Before, in service
Led 3 phase inspections as maintenance lead; coordinated 8-person teams through 14-day scheduled maintenance periods ahead of deployment
After, on the resume
Coordinated 3 major scheduled maintenance projects, leading 8-person cross-functional teams through 14-day planned overhauls, completing all projects on schedule with zero rework required
Before, in service
Performed borescope inspections on F414 engine hot sections; identified compressor blade damage preventing potential catastrophic engine failure
After, on the resume
Conducted internal component inspections on $6M equipment using fiber optic and electronic imaging tools, identifying material degradation that prevented potential equipment failure and $2M+ in damages
Before, in service
Served as HAZMAT coordinator for 40-person maintenance division; managed inventory of 60+ controlled substances per NAVOSH requirements
After, on the resume
Managed hazardous materials compliance program for a 40-person department, overseeing inventory of 60+ controlled substances, conducting training, and maintaining full regulatory compliance with zero citations
Before, in service
Documented 500+ maintenance actions per deployment using OIMA/NALCOMIS; maintained 100% documentation compliance during COMNAVAIRPAC audit
After, on the resume
Created and managed 500+ equipment maintenance records per operating cycle in enterprise asset management system, maintaining 100% compliance rate through independent regulatory audit
BMR turns your AD 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.
RequiredCost $150-$900 (exam fees)Time 2-4 months prep if qualifying on military experienceGI Bill eligibleRequired for civilian aviation maintenance. Many ADs qualify to test based on military experience — file FAA Form 8610-2 with your FSDO before paying for school.
RecommendedCost $150-$300 (exam fees)Time Requires A&P + 3 years experienceAllows you to approve return-to-service after major repairs and annual inspections. CDI/QAR experience is a stepping stone. Significant salary premium.
BeneficialCost $50-$100Time 1 dayKeep current through separation. Required or preferred for many industrial and safety positions. Some ADs may have earned this during service.
RecommendedCost $1,500-$2,500 (course + exam)Time 3-6 monthsGI Bill eligibleFor ADs targeting logistics and supply chain management. Parts management and supply requisition experience provides foundation.
BeneficialCost $20-$40 (exam fee)Time 1-2 days studyRequired for handling refrigerants. Relevant for ADs transitioning to HVAC, facilities maintenance, or environmental compliance roles.
RecommendedCost $405-$555 (exam fee)Time 3-6 months prepGI Bill eligibleMaintenance phase leads and work center supervisors often qualify with documented project hours. The gold standard for project management careers.
RecommendedCost $438-$618 (exam fee)Time 3-6 months studyGI Bill eligibleCDI/QAR qualified ADs have direct quality assurance experience. CQE translates military QA skills to ISO/AS9100 quality systems used in manufacturing.
BeneficialCost $200-$400Time 2-4 monthsGI Bill eligibleProcess improvement methodology used across manufacturing, operations, and management. Strengthens candidacy for production management and operations roles.
RecommendedCost $150-$300Time 4 daysStandard safety certification for industrial settings. Can be completed online. Applicable to both aviation and non-aviation safety roles.
RecommendedCost $300-$500 (exam fee)Time 3-6 months studyGI Bill eligibleGold standard safety credential. Military aviation safety experience counts toward experience requirements. Opens doors to EHS management roles.
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 your top priority. The FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) certificate is required for most civilian aviation maintenance positions. Military experience can qualify you to sit for the exam — submit FAA Form 8610-2 with your training records and work history to your local FSDO. Many ADs qualify based on military experience alone, without attending a Part 147 school. Don't pay for A&P school until you've checked whether your Navy experience qualifies you to test directly.
SkillBridge Programs: Several aviation MROs and airlines participate in DOD SkillBridge. Search the SkillBridge database for programs at companies like Boeing, Lockheed Martin, L3Harris, and regional airlines. Some programs fast-track your A&P during the SkillBridge period.
Industry Associations: The Aeronautical Repair Station Association (ARSA) and Aviation Technician Education Council (ATEC) are valuable networking resources. ARSA represents MROs and repair stations — many of their member companies hire veterans.
Project Management: The PMP certification (PMI) is the gold standard. ADs with work center supervisor or maintenance phase experience often qualify with documented project hours. Cost: ~$555 (PMI member) for the exam. GI Bill covers many prep courses.
Quality Management: If you had CDI/QAR qualifications, the ASQ Certified Quality Engineer (CQE) credential translates your quality assurance background to any manufacturing or production environment. Cost: ~$438-$618 depending on ASQ membership.
Safety & EHS Careers: Start with OSHA 30-Hour General Industry (can take online, ~$150-300). For the serious career move, target the CSP (Certified Safety Professional) — your aviation safety background counts toward the experience requirement.
Federal Employment (USAJobs): Create your USAJobs profile immediately. Use the "Veterans" filter. Key agencies for ADs: NAVAIR, Fleet Readiness Centers (FRCs), NASA, FAA, CBP Air and Marine Operations, and Coast Guard. Federal resumes are 2 pages max. Build yours here.
Veteran Networking: American Corporate Partners (ACP) provides free mentorship from corporate executives — 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 clearance, defense contractors will pay a premium. Sites like ClearanceJobs.com list positions requiring active clearances. Don't let yours lapse during transition.
Education Benefits: Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to verify program approval before enrolling anywhere. For ADs, A&P prep courses, avionics programs, and engineering degrees are all strong investments depending on your target career.
Navy Resume Guide: Rating Translation | Complete Military Resume Guide | Top Companies Hiring Veterans | Build Your Resume Free
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
For civilian aviation maintenance, yes — the A&P is effectively required. The good news: your Navy experience likely qualifies you to sit for the FAA exam without attending a Part 147 school. Submit FAA Form 8610-2 with your training records and maintenance logs to your local Flight Standards District Office (FSDO). Many ADs qualify for both the Airframe and Powerplant written, oral, and practical exams based on documented military experience alone. Start this process 6-12 months before separation.
According to BLS May 2024 data, the median annual wage for aircraft mechanics and service technicians is $75,020 (O*NET 49-3011.00). The top 10% earn over $109,000. Airlines and MROs in high cost-of-living areas (San Francisco, New York, Seattle) tend to pay above median. Powerplant-specific experience commands a premium at engine overhaul shops.
Many AD veterans successfully transition into non-aviation careers. The strongest paths include project management (BLS median $100,750), quality assurance management ($102,950 for industrial production managers), safety management ($83,910), and manufacturing operations. Your transferable skills — troubleshooting complex systems, quality documentation, team leadership under pressure, and equipment lifecycle management — are valued across industries. See the Career Change Paths and Skills Translation sections for specifics.
Focus on outcomes and transferable skills, not aircraft-specific jargon. Instead of 'I performed corrosion inspections on F/A-18 engine nacelles,' say 'I led systematic inspections of high-value equipment, identifying degradation that prevented $2M+ in potential failures.' Quantify everything: dollar values of equipment maintained, team sizes, operational availability rates you contributed to, and the impact of your quality assurance work.
Yes. An active Secret clearance saves employers $5,000-15,000+ and months of processing time. Defense contractors, federal agencies, and some aerospace companies require clearances. ClearanceJobs.com lists positions specifically. Your clearance stays active for up to 24 months after separation if not renewed — start your job search before it lapses.
It depends on your target career. For staying in aviation maintenance — get your A&P first (may not need GI Bill for this). Then consider avionics or an aviation maintenance management degree if targeting leadership roles. For career changes — certifications (PMP, ASQ CQE, OSHA) typically offer faster ROI than a 4-year degree. For engineering or highly technical roles, a degree may be required. Use the VA GI Bill Comparison Tool to verify program approval before enrolling.
Prioritize based on your target career. For aviation: FAA A&P (start the FSDO paperwork ASAP) and any Inspection Authorization qualifications. For quality: ASQ CQE prep using your CDI/QAR experience. For project management: start PMP prep — your maintenance management hours count. For safety: OSHA 30-Hour General Industry can be done online. Universal: keep First Aid/CPR current through separation.
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. For aircraft mechanic positions (GS-8852), Direct Hire Authority is sometimes available at NAVAIR and FRC facilities, which can bypass the normal competitive process. Apply to positions at or below GS-11 initially where VPref is strongest. Start your federal resume at bestmilitaryresume.com.
For aviation maintenance: anywhere with airline hubs or MRO facilities — Miami, Dallas/Fort Worth, Atlanta, Seattle, Tulsa, and Cincinnati are major MRO centers. For military contract work: Hampton Roads, San Diego, Jacksonville, and Pensacola. For non-aviation careers using AD skills: any major metro area works, but defense contractor hubs (DC Metro, San Diego, Hampton Roads) give the best leverage on clearance and military background. Remote work is increasingly available for quality and project management roles.
Yes — and you should. Start 12 months before your EAOS. At 180 days out, you may be eligible for DOD SkillBridge to work full-time at a civilian company while still receiving military pay. Begin the A&P certification process 12 months out. Have your resume ready 6 months out, start networking on LinkedIn, and apply to federal positions early (federal hiring takes 3-6 months). Use terminal leave strategically — it is 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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