Home / Military to civilian jobs / Navy / AE
That is Navy Rating AE. 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
Troubleshot F/A-18E electrical power generation system faults using NAVAIR tech manuals and wiring diagrams, restoring aircraft to mission-capable status
How a hiring manager reads it
Diagnosed and resolved complex power generation system faults in $70M equipment using detailed schematics and technical documentation, restoring operational capability within maintenance windows
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 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
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 Electrician's Mate
$49K to $85K
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 Electrician'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 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 | 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 |
| ElectricianO*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 TechnicianO*NET 49-2091.00 | Aviation / Defense | $75,020 | Faster than average (6%) | strong |
| Electrical Engineering TechnicianO*NET 17-3023.00 | Manufacturing / Aerospace / Utilities | $65,080 | About as fast as average (2%) | moderate |
| Wind Turbine TechnicianO*NET 49-9081.00 | Renewable Energy | $61,770 | Much faster than average (60%) | moderate |
| Solar Photovoltaic InstallerO*NET 47-2231.00 | Renewable Energy | $48,800 | Much faster than average (27%) | moderate |
| Electrical Power-Line Installer/RepairerO*NET 49-9051.00 | Utilities | $85,420 | About as fast as average (5%) | moderate |
Hires aviation electricians for commercial and military aircraft manufacturing, modification, and maintenance programs.
Aviation electrical maintenance, F-35 sustainment, and field service representative positions for former Navy AEs.
Avionics, electronic warfare systems, and communications equipment. Strong match for AEs with bench-level repair experience.
E-2D Hawkeye and other platform electrical systems. Sustainment, modification, and depot-level maintenance positions.
Independent MRO with electrical and avionics repair capabilities. Component repair and test positions.
Delta Air Lines' in-house MRO division. Electrical shop, wire harness fabrication, and component overhaul positions.
GS-8852 and GS-0856 positions at FRC East, Southeast, and Southwest. Same aircraft, civilian pay and benefits.
Electronic systems, radar, and weapons systems maintenance. AEs with electronic warfare or radar system experience are strong candidates.
Electrical power systems, generators, and lighting. AE power generation experience translates directly.
Electronics maintenance and technical support. Multiple divisions employ electrical maintenance professionals with clearances.
Largest wind and solar energy company in North America. Electrical technician positions for AEs targeting renewable energy.
Electrical engineering technician and aircraft maintenance positions at multiple centers. Unique aerospace electrical work.
BMR rewrites your AE experience for any of the roles above, in the language the people reading actually scan for.
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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 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.
| Series | Federal job title | Typical grades | Match | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-0802 | Engineering Technician | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | 3 of 5 | View details |
| GS-0856 | Electronics 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-0018 | Safety and Occupational Health Management | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | 2 of 5 | View details |
| GS-1910 | Quality Assurance | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | 2 of 5 | View details |
| WG-2805 | Electrician | WG-9, WG-10, WG-11 | 2 of 5 | View details |
| WG-8602 | Aircraft Engine Mechanic | GS-9, GS-10, GS-11 | 2 of 5 | View details |
| GS-1670 | Equipment Services | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | 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.
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.
Transfers: Systematic fault isolation on complex electronic systems, Soldering and fine-component repair, Multimeter and oscilloscope diagnostics, Following calibration and safety procedures on critical equipment.
How to get there: A community-college biomedical equipment technology (BMET) associate degree is the standard path; some enter with strong electronics troubleshooting and on-the-job training.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 13% (Much faster than average)
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.
Transfers: Monitoring instrumentation and interpreting system readings, Strict procedural discipline on safety-critical systems, Casualty and emergency response under pressure, Reading electrical and control schematics.
How to get there: Employers hire on electronics and systems aptitude, then put candidates through 1-to-2 years of paid plant training and NRC licensing exams; a Navy nuclear background is a direct accelerator.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · -10% (Decline, steady replacement openings)
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.
Transfers: Signal-path troubleshooting from source to output, Operating and patching specialized electronic equipment, Fine adjustment to a precise target, Diagnosing intermittent faults by ear and meter.
How to get there: Build a portfolio through a community-college or trade audio-engineering program plus hands-on studio or live-sound work; the field hires on demonstrated skill more than a degree.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 1% (Little or no change)
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.
Transfers: Using and trusting precision test instruments, Documenting readings against a standard, Detecting out-of-tolerance drift, Maintaining and verifying measurement equipment.
How to get there: Employers hire on test-equipment experience and train on standards; an associate degree in instrumentation or an ASQ-aligned metrology certificate speeds advancement.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 5% (Faster than average)
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.
Transfers: Diagnosing integrated electrical and control circuits, Reading wiring and control schematics, Working safely around high-voltage and moving systems, Component-level fault tracing and replacement.
How to get there: Enter through a NEIEP apprenticeship combining 4 years of paid on-the-job training with classroom instruction, leading to mechanic certification.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 5% (Faster than average)
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.
Transfers: Working on electromechanical and electronic access systems, Fine-precision manipulation of small components, Diagnosing and bypassing faults methodically, Wiring and programming electronic locks and keypads.
How to get there: Learn through a locksmith trade course or apprenticeship; many states require a license, and ALOA certification builds credibility for commercial and electronic security work.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 2% (Little or no change)
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 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.
Before, in service
Troubleshot F/A-18E electrical power generation system faults using NAVAIR tech manuals and wiring diagrams, restoring aircraft to mission-capable status
After, on the resume
Diagnosed and resolved complex power generation system faults in $70M equipment using detailed schematics and technical documentation, restoring operational capability within maintenance windows
Before, in service
Qualified as CDI for AE work center; independently inspected and approved 150+ electrical maintenance actions with zero quality escapes
After, on the resume
Served as certified quality inspector, independently verifying and approving 150+ electrical maintenance actions on high-value equipment with zero defects passed to operations
Before, in service
Fabricated replacement wire harnesses per NAVAIR specifications for F/A-18E lighting systems; performed continuity and insulation resistance testing
After, on the resume
Manufactured precision electrical cable assemblies to aerospace specifications, including continuity testing and insulation resistance verification, maintaining zero-defect production quality
Before, in service
Managed HAZMAT program for AE work center: tracked 30+ controlled substances, conducted monthly audits, maintained NAVOSH compliance
After, on the resume
Administered hazardous materials compliance program for a technical department, managing inventory of 30+ controlled substances with full regulatory compliance and zero audit findings
Before, in service
Performed electrical load analysis on E-2D power distribution system, identifying intermittent bus fault that had caused multiple system failures
After, on the resume
Conducted comprehensive power distribution analysis on complex integrated equipment, identifying root cause of recurring system failures and implementing corrective measures that eliminated future occurrences
Before, in service
Qualified as Plane Captain on MH-60S; performed 100+ pre-flight and post-flight inspections covering all aircraft systems with zero missed discrepancies
After, on the resume
Conducted 100+ comprehensive pre-operation and post-operation equipment inspections, covering all system functions and identifying discrepancies before they impacted operations, achieving zero escape rate
Before, in service
Served as AE work center LPO; supervised 8 electricians, managed qualification training program, and maintained 95% work center readiness
After, on the resume
Led an 8-person electrical maintenance team, managing personnel development, skills qualification programs, and maintaining 95% operational readiness across all team capabilities
Before, in service
Used Fluke multimeters, oscilloscopes, and NAVAIR-specific test sets to diagnose intermittent faults in aircraft lighting and instrument systems
After, on the resume
Utilized precision diagnostic instruments including digital multimeters, oscilloscopes, and specialized test equipment to isolate and diagnose intermittent faults in complex electrical systems
BMR turns your AE 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. AEs may qualify to test on military experience — file FAA Form 8610-2 with your FSDO.
RecommendedCost $50-$100 (exam fee)Time 2-4 weeks studyValuable for avionics and communications technician positions. AEs with radio or radar system experience have a head start.
RequiredCost Varies by state ($50-$300 exam fees)Time Varies — military experience may count toward hoursRequired for independent electrical work. Many states credit military experience toward apprenticeship requirements. Check your target state.
BeneficialCost $50-$100Time 1 dayKeep current through separation. Required or preferred for many industrial and safety positions.
BeneficialCost $350-$500 (per exam)Time 2-3 months studyGI Bill eligibleFor AEs interested in IT and networking. Electrical and electronic troubleshooting skills transfer to IT infrastructure.
RecommendedCost $405-$555 (exam fee)Time 3-6 months prepGI Bill eligibleMaintenance coordination and work center leadership experience counts toward PMP project hours.
RecommendedCost $438-$618 (exam fee)Time 3-6 months studyGI Bill eligibleCDI/QAR experience maps to quality system requirements. Strong for manufacturing and aerospace QA roles.
RecommendedCost $200-$500Time 2-3 daysArc flash safety and electrical workplace safety standard. Required or preferred for many industrial electrician and safety positions.
RecommendedCost $150-$300Time 4 daysStandard safety certification. Can be completed online. Applicable across industries.
RecommendedCost $300-$500 (exam fee)Time 3-6 months studyGI Bill eligibleGold standard safety credential. Electrical safety experience counts toward requirements.
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: 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.
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.
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
Yes — for hands-on maintenance at airlines, MROs, and Part 145 repair stations, the FAA A&P is required. Your Navy AE experience likely qualifies you to sit for the exam without attending a Part 147 school. File FAA Form 8610-2 with your local FSDO along with your training records and maintenance documentation. Some AEs need to document additional powerplant experience if their military work was exclusively electrical.
According to BLS May 2024 data, the median annual wage for aircraft mechanics and service technicians (which includes aviation electricians) is $75,020 (O*NET 49-3011.00). The top 10% earn over $109,000. For non-aviation electricians, the median is $65,280 with 11% growth — one of the stronger trades outlooks.
AE experience translates well outside aviation. Strong paths include industrial electrician ($65,280 median, 11% growth), electrical engineering technician ($65,080 median), facilities management, power generation, and industrial automation. Your systematic troubleshooting approach and experience with complex electrical systems is valued across manufacturing, energy, construction, and facilities management. See the Career Change Paths section for specifics.
Many states offer military experience credit toward journeyman electrician licensing requirements. The specifics vary significantly by state — some credit all military electrical experience, others require supplemental coursework. Contact your target state licensing board directly with your Navy training records. Organizations like the DOD SkillBridge program can also help bridge gaps.
Yes — significantly. An active Secret clearance saves employers $5,000-15,000+ in investigation costs and months of waiting. Defense electronics companies, intelligence agencies, and cleared facilities specifically seek electricians with active clearances. ClearanceJobs.com lists these positions. Your clearance stays active up to 24 months after separation.
Depends on your target career. For aviation — get your A&P first (may qualify on experience alone). For general electrical work — a state journeyman license may not require GI Bill. For engineering or automation — an electrical engineering technology degree opens doors that experience alone cannot. For management — PMP or relevant certifications may offer faster ROI. Use the VA GI Bill Comparison Tool to verify program approval.
Prioritize based on your target career. For aviation: start FAA A&P paperwork immediately. For industrial electrical: research your target state journeyman requirements. For safety: OSHA 30-Hour General Industry (can do online). For all paths: keep First Aid/CPR current. If you have 180+ days left, explore SkillBridge programs at aviation MROs or electrical contractors.
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. Direct Hire Authority is sometimes used at NAVAIR, FRC facilities, and FAA for aviation maintenance positions. Apply at GS-11 and below where VPref has the strongest impact. Start your federal resume at bestmilitaryresume.com.
For aviation: airline hub cities (Dallas/Fort Worth, Atlanta, Miami, Seattle, Cincinnati) and MRO centers. For military contract work: Hampton Roads, San Diego, Jacksonville, Pensacola. For industrial electrical: any area with manufacturing, power generation, or construction activity. For renewable energy: Texas, California, Iowa, Oklahoma (wind), and the Sun Belt (solar). Remote work is increasingly available for project management and technical documentation roles.
Yes — start 12 months before your EAOS. Begin A&P certification paperwork immediately. At 180 days out, explore DOD SkillBridge. Have your resume ready 6 months out. Start applying to federal positions 6 months out (federal hiring takes 3-6 months). Network on LinkedIn and attend aviation industry events. 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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