Aviation Electrician's Mate
The civilian and federal jobs that hire Navy Aviation Electrician's Mates — with real salaries and the resume that gets callbacks.
Every AE has more options than a Google search will tell you. Below: career paths, BLS salary data, federal GS series, certifications by target career, and how to translate your experience without losing what made you valuable to the Navy in the first place.
Free to start · Tailored resume in under 5 minutes
After the Navy I got hired into 6 federal career fields and tech sales, and sat on federal hiring panels along the way. I spent the last 2 years rebuilding everything I learned into BMR, tuned for how AI actually screens resumes today. This is the system I wish I'd had on day one.
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Military Role Overview
Aviation Electrician's Mates (AE) maintain and repair the electrical power generation, distribution, and lighting systems on Navy aircraft. AEs troubleshoot and service everything from generators and inverters to instrument panels, control surfaces wiring, and anti-icing systems. When an aircraft's electrical system has a fault, the AE finds it and fixes it.
The AE rating demands a strong grasp of electrical theory applied to real-world aircraft systems. AEs work with both AC and DC power generation, voltage regulation, wire harness fabrication, connector repair, and electrical load analysis. Platforms range from the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet to the MH-60R/S Seahawk, E-2D Hawkeye, and P-8A Poseidon — each with unique electrical architectures and power distribution systems.
What makes AE experience valuable beyond aviation is the disciplined troubleshooting methodology. AEs don't just swap components — they trace circuits, read schematics, use multimeters and oscilloscopes, and isolate faults in complex integrated systems. That systematic approach to electrical problem-solving transfers to any industry that relies on electrical systems and power distribution.
AEs sit at the intersection of aviation maintenance and electrical systems — a combination that maps to both 8852 Aircraft Mechanic and federal electronics/electrical series. I worked across federal hiring on the engineering side and AEs land at DoD depots, FAA, and major airframer roles when the resume captures both the troubleshooting depth and the systems-level work. — Brad Tachi, Navy Diver veteran & BMR founder
Pay Reality Check
The number that matters when you're deciding what's next: how does civilian pay compare to what you make now?
Military comp is approximate (varies by location/dependents). Civilian is BLS median. Federal includes locality pay. Your real number depends on duty station, family status, GS step, and overtime.
Private Sector Career Paths
Aviation electrical experience opens doors across multiple industries, not just aviation. While the most direct path is into civilian aviation maintenance (which requires an FAA A&P license), AEs also transition successfully into industrial electrical work, power generation, and building automation systems.
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). For electricians in general, the median is $65,280 (O*NET 47-2111.00) with 11% projected growth — much faster than average. Electrical and electronics repairers in commercial and industrial equipment earn a median of $68,600 (O*NET 49-2094.00).
AEs who target the growing renewable energy sector can find opportunities as wind turbine technicians ($61,770 median, 60% growth) or solar photovoltaic installers ($48,800 median, 27% growth) — both leveraging electrical systems knowledge in high-demand fields.
Civilian Job Title Translations
| Civilian Job Title | Industry | BLS Median Salary | Outlook | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Aircraft Mechanic / A&P Technician O*NET: 49-3011.00 | Aviation / Airlines / MRO | $75,020 | Faster than average (6%) | strong |
Electrician O*NET: 47-2111.00 | Construction / Industrial / Facilities | $65,280 | Much faster than average (11%) | strong |
Electrical & Electronics Repairer (Commercial/Industrial) O*NET: 49-2094.00 | Manufacturing / Utilities / Facilities | $68,600 | Little or no change (0%) | strong |
Avionics Technician O*NET: 49-2091.00 | Aviation / Defense | $75,020 | Faster than average (6%) | strong |
Electrical Engineering Technician O*NET: 17-3023.00 | Manufacturing / Aerospace / Utilities | $65,080 | About as fast as average (2%) | moderate |
Wind Turbine Technician O*NET: 49-9081.00 | Renewable Energy | $61,770 | Much faster than average (60%) | moderate |
Solar Photovoltaic Installer O*NET: 47-2231.00 | Renewable Energy | $48,800 | Much faster than average (27%) | moderate |
Electrical Power-Line Installer/Repairer O*NET: 49-9051.00 | Utilities | $85,420 | About as fast as average (5%) | moderate |
Companies That Hire This Background
See a salary you want? Build a resume targeting it.
BMR rewrites your AE experience for any of the civilian roles above — keywords, achievements, and language hiring managers actually scan for.
Free to start · 2 tailored resumes included
“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 ”
Federal Career Paths
Federal agencies employ electrical maintenance professionals across defense, transportation, energy, and facilities management. AEs have multiple pathways depending on whether they want to stay in aviation or leverage their electrical skills more broadly.
The most direct federal path is Aircraft Mechanic (GS-8852) at Fleet Readiness Centers and NAVAIR depots, where AEs work on the same aircraft systems in a civilian capacity. Electronics Technician (GS-0856) positions are available at nearly every federal agency with electronic equipment — from the FAA to the Department of Energy.
AEs with power generation and distribution experience can target Electrical Engineering Technician (GS-0802) positions, particularly at facilities with complex power systems. Those with quality assurance experience (CDI/QAR) fit Quality Assurance Specialist (GS-1910) roles. AEs who managed electrical safety programs have a path into Safety Management (GS-0018) at agencies with industrial electrical operations.
GS Series & Position Matches
| GS Series | Federal Job Title | Typical Grades | Match | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-0802 | Engineering Technician | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-0856 | Electronics Technician | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-8852 | Aircraft Mechanic | GS-9, GS-10, GS-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-0018 | Safety and Occupational Health Management | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | View Details → | |
| GS-1910 | Quality Assurance | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | View Details → | |
| GS-2805 | Electrician | WG-9, WG-10, WG-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-8602 | Aircraft Engine Mechanic | GS-9, GS-10, GS-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-1670 | Equipment Services | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-0019 | Safety Technician | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-0301 | Miscellaneous Administration and Program | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → |
Federal resumes follow different rules. We know them.
Federal hiring uses keyword-matching and structured experience. BMR builds federal-format resumes (USAJobs-ready) with the right keywords, hours/week, and supervisor info — for any GS series above.
Free to start · Federal + civilian resume formats included
Want to Change Careers Entirely?
Not everyone wants to stay in a related field. These career paths leverage your transferable skills — leadership, risk management, logistics, project planning — in completely different industries.
Medical Equipment Repairers
Tracing a fault through an aircraft electrical system using schematics and test gear is exactly how a BMET keeps imaging and monitoring equipment running, just in a hospital instead of a hangar.
Nuclear Power Reactor Operators
Watching gauges, following exacting procedures, and reacting to system faults on safety-critical aircraft electrical gear is the same control-room discipline a reactor operator lives by.
Sound Engineering Technicians
Finding a break in a signal path and tuning a system to spec is the same reasoning whether it carries flight data or studio audio, which is why electronics troubleshooters move into audio engineering.
Calibration Technologists and Technicians
AE work lives on multimeters, signal generators, and known-good standards, so stepping into a metrology lab to calibrate those same instruments is a natural lateral move.
Elevator and Escalator Installers and Repairers
Modern elevators are controls-and-electronics systems with mechanical parts, so the electrical fault-finding behind aircraft systems transfers directly to keeping lifts safe and running.
Locksmiths and Safe Repairers
Electronic access control, keypads, and alarm-integrated locks are electromechanical systems, and the patient, methodical fault-finding from aircraft electrical work fits the locksmith trade well.
Pivoting industries? You don't need to start from scratch.
The skills that made you a good Marine, Sailor, Airman, or Soldier transfer further than you think. BMR rewrites your bullets for any of the pivot careers above — without making you sound like you've never done the work.
Free to start · Try as many career angles as you want
Skills Translation Guide
If you're applying to aviation maintenance positions or electrical contractor roles that serve the aerospace industry, your terminology is understood. Avionics shops, MRO facilities, and defense contractors speak the same language.
But if you're targeting non-aviation careers — facilities management, industrial automation, project management, or general electrical contracting — the hiring manager won't know what a "28VDC bus" or "AC wild frequency generator" means. The translations below reframe AE experience for non-aviation industries, converting your technical aircraft electrical background into language that resonates with hiring managers in different sectors.
Resume Bullet Examples
Get bullets like these auto-generated for your resume.
BMR turns your AE duties and accomplishments into civilian bullets that match the job you're applying for — no manual translation, no rewriting.
Free to start · Tailored to each job posting
Certifications by Career Path
Which certifications you need depends on where you're headed. Find your target career path below.
Aviation Maintenance
Construction & Trades
General Career Transition
IT & Networking
Project Management
Quality Assurance
Safety & EHS
Got a cert? Don't bury it. List it the right way.
The wrong placement can sink an otherwise strong application. BMR knows where each cert ranks, what to call it, and how to frame it for ATS keyword matching and hiring manager attention.
Free to start · Built around your real certs and clearance
Transition Resources
For Staying in Aviation Electrical Work
FAA A&P License: Required for most civilian aviation maintenance positions. AEs can qualify to sit for the exam based on military experience — submit FAA Form 8610-2 with training records and maintenance logs to your local FSDO. Focus on documenting both airframe and powerplant experience (some AEs need additional powerplant documentation). Don't pay for A&P school until you've checked direct qualification.
SkillBridge Programs: Aviation MROs and defense contractors participate in DOD SkillBridge. Search the SkillBridge database for electrical-focused programs. Some programs can help complete A&P requirements during your SkillBridge period.
Avionics Specialization: AEs with avionics bench experience may benefit from the FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL). This is particularly valuable for avionics technician and communications equipment positions.
For Careers Outside Aviation
Journeyman Electrician License: Requirements vary by state but military electrical experience often counts toward apprenticeship hours. Check your state's licensing board — many have military experience credit programs. The state-by-state requirements differ significantly, so verify before planning.
Project Management: The PMP certification (PMI) is valuable for AEs targeting management roles. Maintenance evolution planning and troubleshooting coordination count toward experience requirements. Cost: ~$555 (PMI member) for the exam.
Safety & EHS Careers: Start with OSHA 30-Hour General Industry (~$150-300, can complete online). For a dedicated safety career, target the CSP (Certified Safety Professional).
Federal Employment (USAJobs): Create your USAJobs profile immediately. Key agencies for AEs: NAVAIR, Fleet Readiness Centers, FAA, NASA, Department of Energy, and Army Corps of Engineers. Federal resumes are 2 pages max. Build yours here.
Veteran Networking: American Corporate Partners (ACP) provides free mentorship from corporate executives. Completely free for veterans.
Clearance Leverage: Sites like ClearanceJobs.com list positions requiring active clearances. Defense electronics companies specifically seek cleared electricians and technicians.
Education Benefits: Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to verify program approval. For AEs, electrical engineering technology degrees, industrial automation programs, and renewable energy certifications are strong investments.
BMR Career Resources
Navy Resume Guide: Rating Translation | Complete Military Resume Guide | Top Companies Hiring Veterans | Build Your Resume Free
Your 30 / 60 / 90-Day Transition Plan
Most people do this backwards. They wait until terminal leave to start, then panic. Here's the sequence that works. Already out? Same plan, start at day one today.
Set the foundation
- Pull your DD-214 (request from Milconnect if separated)
- List your top 3 civilian roles AND top 3 GS series
- Build your tailored AE resume — BMR does it free
- Write 1 strong LinkedIn headline (not "veteran seeking opportunities")
- Pull together your evals/performance reports for accomplishments
Apply with intent
- Apply to 5–10 jobs/week — quality over quantity
- Tailor every resume to the job description (BMR auto-tailors)
- Connect with 5 people/week on LinkedIn (not a spray)
- Set up a USAJobs profile and a saved-search alert for your GS series
- Practice translating your military bullets out loud — explain to a civilian friend
Close the offer
- Track every application — date, status, contact, notes
- Follow up 7–10 days after each application
- Prep for behavioral interviews using the STAR method
- Negotiate salary — don't take the first offer (BLS median is your floor)
- Stay applying even after one offer — leverage = options
Print this. Tape it to your monitor. Veterans who treat the job search like a 90-day op get hired faster than the ones who treat it like an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need an FAA A&P license to work on civilian aircraft?
What is the salary for civilian aviation electricians?
What if I want to leave aviation entirely?
Can my military experience count toward a state electrician license?
Is my security clearance valuable outside the military?
Should I use my GI Bill for a degree or certifications?
What certifications should I get before separating?
How does Veterans' Preference work for federal jobs?
Where are the best job markets for former AEs?
Can I start job searching while still on active duty?
Translate your AE Aviation Electrician's Mate experience into a resume that gets callbacks
Stop rewriting from scratch every time you apply. BMR turns your military experience into civilian and federal resumes — tailored to each job.