Aviation Electronics Technician
The civilian and federal jobs that hire Navy Aviation Electronics Technicians — with real salaries and the resume that gets callbacks.
Every AT 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.
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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 Electronics Technicians (AT) maintain, troubleshoot, and repair the electronic systems that make naval aircraft operational — radar, communications, navigation, electronic warfare, weapons delivery, and mission computers. ATs work at both the organizational level (flight line and squadron shops) and intermediate/depot level (component repair, calibration, and automatic test equipment).
The AT rating is one of the most technically demanding in naval aviation. ATs work with digital and analog circuits, microprocessors, RF systems, fiber optics, and software-loaded mission systems. Platforms include the F/A-18E/F Super Hornet (APG-79 AESA radar), E-2D Hawkeye (AN/APY-9 radar), P-8A Poseidon (mission systems), and MH-60R Seahawk (multi-mode radar, sonobuoy systems). Each platform's avionics suite represents billions of dollars in technology.
What makes AT experience particularly valuable is the combination of hardware troubleshooting, software diagnostics, and systems integration. ATs don't just replace black boxes — they isolate faults to the component level using automatic test equipment, oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, and built-in test (BIT) systems. That blend of hands-on electronics and data-driven diagnostics is exactly what the electronics, IT, and defense technology industries need.
ATs sit at one of the most underrated civilian crossover points in Navy aviation — the depth of avionics troubleshooting plus structured maintenance experience translates directly to federal electronics technician roles, FAA avionics positions, and major airframer test and integration work. From the federal hiring side, the demand is steady and the competition is light. — 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
AT experience is among the most versatile military technical backgrounds for civilian careers. The direct path is avionics maintenance at airlines or defense contractors, but AT skills also translate into telecommunications, IT infrastructure, cybersecurity, and test engineering.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), the median annual wage for aircraft mechanics and service technicians (which includes avionics technicians) is $75,020 (O*NET 49-3011.00). For electrical and electronics repairers in commercial and industrial equipment, the median is $68,600 (O*NET 49-2094.00). Telecommunications equipment installers and repairers earn a median of $61,240 (O*NET 49-2022.00) with 0% growth — stable but not expanding.
ATs targeting the IT sector can leverage their troubleshooting methodology and systems knowledge. Computer network support specialists earn a median of $62,760 (O*NET 15-1231.00) with 5% growth, while information security analysts earn $120,360 (O*NET 15-1212.00) with 32% projected growth — one of the fastest-growing occupations in the economy.
Civilian Job Title Translations
| Civilian Job Title | Industry | BLS Median Salary | Outlook | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Avionics Technician O*NET: 49-3011.00 | Aviation / Aerospace | $75,020 | Faster than average (6%) | strong |
Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technician O*NET: 17-3023.00 | Manufacturing / Telecommunications / Government | $70,540 | Little or no change | strong |
Electronics Repairer, Commercial and Industrial Equipment O*NET: 49-2094.00 | Manufacturing / Utilities / Services | $68,600 | Little or no change (-3%) | strong |
Telecommunications Equipment Installer and Repairer O*NET: 49-2022.00 | Telecommunications | $61,740 | Decline (-7%) | moderate |
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technician O*NET: 17-3021.00 | Aerospace / Defense | $77,720 | About as fast as average (3%) | moderate |
Calibration Technologist and Technician O*NET: 17-3028.00 | Manufacturing / Government / Defense | $62,610 | About as fast as average | moderate |
Wind Turbine Service Technician O*NET: 49-9081.00 | Renewable Energy | $61,770 | Much faster than average (45%) | emerging |
Companies That Hire This Background
See a salary you want? Build a resume targeting it.
BMR rewrites your AT experience for any of the civilian roles above — keywords, achievements, and language hiring managers 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 ”
Federal Career Paths
Federal agencies hire electronics technicians across defense, intelligence, transportation, and science. ATs with TS/SCI clearances are especially valuable to intelligence community agencies and defense research organizations.
Electronics Technician (GS-0856) is the broadest federal match — positions exist at every agency with electronic equipment, from the FAA to the Department of Energy. Aircraft Mechanic (GS-8852) at Fleet Readiness Centers covers avionics-specific depot work. For ATs with calibration experience, Equipment Specialist (GS-1670) and Engineering Technician (GS-0802) positions are strong matches.
ATs interested in IT careers can target IT Specialist (GS-2210) positions — the troubleshooting methodology transfers, and many agencies value the combination of electronics hardware knowledge with IT skills. Quality Assurance Specialist (GS-1910) fits ATs with CDI/QAR experience. ATs who managed avionics test equipment or calibration labs can target General Equipment Specialist roles at measurement standards labs.
GS Series & Position Matches
| GS Series | Federal Job Title | Typical Grades | Match | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-0856 | Electronics Technician | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-0802 | Engineering Technician | GS-7, GS-9 | 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.
Information Security Analyst
ATs already understand electronic systems at a deep level and many hold active security clearances. Cybersecurity roles value people who think systematically about how systems can fail. The 33% projected growth means strong demand.
Project Management Specialist
Senior ATs manage maintenance evolutions with tight deadlines, coordinate across multiple shops, and track completion of complex task lists. This is project management. The skills transfer to IT, construction, manufacturing, or any industry.
Occupational Health and Safety Specialist
Aviation maintenance is one of the most safety-regulated environments in the military. ATs follow strict safety protocols daily: lockout/tagout, hazmat handling, FOD prevention, and electrical safety. This background translates directly to OSHA compliance and EHS roles.
Technical Writer
ATs write detailed maintenance action descriptions, troubleshooting procedures, and equipment casualty reports. They already translate complex technical concepts into structured documentation. Defense contractors and tech companies need people who can write clearly about technical systems.
Logistician
ATs track parts, manage requisitions, coordinate supply chains for aircraft components, and maintain detailed equipment records. Aviation supply is complex with long lead times and strict traceability requirements. This is logistics management.
Sales Engineer
ATs have deep technical knowledge of avionics systems and can explain complex concepts to non-technical audiences. Sales engineer roles need people who understand the product technically AND can build relationships. Defense and aerospace companies especially value this background.
Industrial Engineering Technician
ATs who worked in AIMD (Aircraft Intermediate Maintenance Department) shops understand production flow, workload scheduling, and quality metrics. Industrial engineering technicians optimize these same processes in manufacturing and logistics environments.
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 avionics shops, defense contractors, or electronics repair facilities — your terminology translates directly. FLIR, radar, EW, and ATE are standard vocabulary in those environments.
But if you're targeting IT, telecommunications, cybersecurity, project management, or non-defense engineering — the hiring manager doesn't know what "I-level bench repair" or "APG-79 radar system troubleshooting" means. The translations below reframe AT experience for non-defense, non-aviation industries, converting your avionics background into language that resonates with hiring managers in technology, telecommunications, and business.
Resume Bullet Examples
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BMR turns your AT duties and accomplishments into civilian bullets that match the job you're applying for — no manual translation, no rewriting.
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Certifications by Career Path
Which certifications you need depends on where you're headed. Find your target career path below.
Aviation Maintenance
Federal Employment
IT & Networking
Operations Management
Project Management
Safety & EHS
Telecommunications & RF
UAS & Drone Operations
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 Electronics
FAA A&P License: Required for many civilian aviation maintenance roles. ATs can qualify to test based on military experience — submit FAA Form 8610-2 to your local FSDO. Some ATs may need to document additional airframe and powerplant experience depending on their specific duties.
FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL): Valuable for communications and radar technician positions. ATs with radio system experience should consider this relatively straightforward credential. Exam fee: ~$50-100.
SkillBridge Programs: Defense electronics companies and avionics MROs participate in SkillBridge. Search the SkillBridge database for electronics-focused programs at companies like L3Harris, Raytheon, and Northrop Grumman.
For Careers Outside Aviation
CompTIA Certifications: CompTIA A+, Network+, and Security+ are the entry certifications for IT careers. Security+ specifically is required for many DoD IT positions. ATs' troubleshooting methodology and technical aptitude make these certifications achievable with focused study. GI Bill covers many prep programs.
Cybersecurity Path: ATs with TS/SCI clearances and electronic warfare experience are strong candidates for cybersecurity roles. Start with CompTIA Security+, then target CISSP or CEH for advancement. The combination of active clearance + cybersecurity certification is extremely valuable.
Project Management: The PMP certification (PMI) is valuable for ATs targeting management. Avionics system integration and maintenance planning experience counts toward PMP project hours.
Federal Employment (USAJobs): Create your USAJobs profile immediately. Key agencies: NAVAIR, Fleet Readiness Centers, FAA, NASA, DIA, NSA, and NRL. 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 defense tech or IT.
Clearance Leverage: If you have TS/SCI, that is among the most valuable credentials you carry. ClearanceJobs.com lists positions specifically requiring high-level clearances. Defense and intelligence contractors pay significant premiums for cleared electronics technicians.
Education Benefits: Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to verify program approval. For ATs, electrical engineering, computer science, cybersecurity, and information technology degrees are all strong investments depending on target career.
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 AT 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 for civilian avionics work?
What is the salary for civilian avionics technicians?
What if I want to leave aviation and electronics entirely?
Is my TS/SCI clearance valuable outside the military?
Should I transition into IT or stay in electronics?
What certifications should I get before separating?
How does Veterans' Preference work for federal electronics jobs?
Where are the best job markets for former ATs?
Should I use my GI Bill for a degree or certifications?
Can I start job searching while still on active duty?
Translate your AT Aviation Electronics Technician 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.