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NavyRating AT

Aviation Electronics Technician

That is Navy Rating AT. Civilian jobs, federal paths, and how the work reads on a resume.

What is in this guide

Salary range
$62K to $120K
Career paths
14
Federal GS series
2
Companies hiring
14
Resume examples
10
Certification paths
8
Questions answered
10

What the translation looks like

How it reads in service

Designated as CDI for AT work center, inspecting completed avionics repairs on F/A-18E/F aircraft and signing off maintenance actions

How a hiring manager reads it

Served as independent quality assurance inspector, reviewing and approving completed electronic system repairs on high-value equipment with full sign-off authority


Roles this background maps to

  • Avionics Technician$75,020
  • Electrical and Electronics Engineering Technician$70,540
  • Electronics Repairer, Commercial and Industrial Equipment$68,600

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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What the job actually is

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

Security clearance
Secret (minimum); TS/SCI for some NECs
ASVAB requirement
AR+MK+EI+GS=210 or VE+AR+MK+MC=210
Training
A School at NATTC Pensacola, FL (~22-30 weeks). Follow-on C Schools for platform-specific avionics systems (radar, communications, EW, navigation, weapons systems). Advanced NECs include calibration, automatic test equipment (ATE), and specific weapons systems.
Certs earned in service
Collateral Duty Inspector (CDI), Quality Assurance Representative (QAR), NAVAIR avionics maintenance qualifications, Calibration technician (NEC-specific), HAZMAT handling

Pay reality check

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 Electronics Technician

$62K to $78K

BLS median across the direct-match civilian roles on this page.

Federal, GS-9 to GS-13

$58K to $120K

2 matching GS series, plus locality pay and step increases.

Comparable on average

Civilian pay for Aviation Electronics Technicians 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.

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 titleIndustryBLS median salaryOutlookMatch
Avionics TechnicianO*NET 49-3011.00Aviation / Aerospace$75,020Faster than average (6%)strong
Electrical and Electronics Engineering TechnicianO*NET 17-3023.00Manufacturing / Telecommunications / Government$70,540Little or no changestrong
Electronics Repairer, Commercial and Industrial EquipmentO*NET 49-2094.00Manufacturing / Utilities / Services$68,600Little or no change (-3%)strong
Telecommunications Equipment Installer and RepairerO*NET 49-2022.00Telecommunications$61,740Decline (-7%)moderate
Aerospace Engineering and Operations TechnicianO*NET 17-3021.00Aerospace / Defense$77,720About as fast as average (3%)moderate
Calibration Technologist and TechnicianO*NET 17-3028.00Manufacturing / Government / Defense$62,610About as fast as averagemoderate
Wind Turbine Service TechnicianO*NET 49-9081.00Renewable Energy$61,770Much faster than average (45%)emerging

Companies that hire this background

BoeingMilitary Skills Translator

Hires avionics technicians for commercial and defense aircraft programs. Major employer of former Navy ATs across multiple sites.

Lockheed MartinMilitary Careers

F-35, P-3/P-8, and helicopter avionics maintenance and integration. ATs who worked on Lockheed platforms have a direct path.

Raytheon Technologies (RTX)Military & Veteran Careers

Radar, electronic warfare, and missile systems maintenance. ATs with weapons systems or radar experience align well.

L3Harris TechnologiesVeterans Careers

Communications, electronic warfare, and avionics systems. ATs with FLIR, EW, or COMMS experience are a strong fit.

Collins Aerospace

Avionics, cabin electronics, and flight control systems. OEM for many systems ATs maintain in the fleet.

Northrop GrummanMilitary Veteran Hiring

E-2 Hawkeye, MQ-4C Triton, and other advanced electronics platforms. ATs with E-2 or unmanned systems experience have a direct connection.

Delta TechOps

One of the largest airline MRO operations in the world. Avionics shop hires technicians with military avionics backgrounds.

FedEx / FedEx Express

Maintains one of the largest cargo aircraft fleets globally. Avionics technicians needed at major hub maintenance facilities.

United Airlines Technical Operations

Avionics and line maintenance positions at hub airports. Military avionics experience with FAA A&P license is a strong combination.

NAVAIR (Naval Air Systems Command)

Civilian GS positions in avionics engineering, maintenance management, and quality assurance. ATs already know NAVAIR processes and terminology.

FAA (Federal Aviation Administration)

Airway Transportation Systems Specialist (FV-2101) positions maintaining NAS equipment. Aviation electronics background transfers directly to FAA technical roles.

General Atomics Aeronautical Systems

MQ-9 Reaper and other unmanned systems. Growing demand for avionics technicians in the UAS sector.

StandardAero

Independent MRO for engines and avionics. Multiple locations across the U.S. with avionics shop positions.

BAE SystemsVeterans Program

Electronic warfare and avionics integration. ATs with EW or countermeasures experience are well matched.

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See a finished resume for this background

Avionics technician resume example (military to civilian): the whole page, the lines that changed, and the words the posts use. Built from AT work.

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A Navy story from the same road

David, success story
“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

Read the full story

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.

Federal series and position matches

SeriesFederal job titleTypical gradesMatchExplore
GS-0856Electronics TechnicianGS-7, GS-9, GS-115 of 5View details
GS-0802Engineering TechnicianGS-7, GS-93 of 5View details

Federal resumes follow different rules. We know them.

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.

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Want to change careers entirely?

Not everyone stays in a related field. These paths run on the transferable half of the job: leadership, risk, logistics, planning.

Information Security Analyst$120,360 median · Cybersecurity / IT · O*NET 15-1212.00

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.

Transfers: Systems troubleshooting, Technical documentation, Security clearance, Attention to detail, Risk assessment.

How to get there: CompTIA Security+ is the entry point (meets DoD 8570). Pair with an active clearance for DoD contractor roles. Many GI Bill programs cover cybersecurity degrees and bootcamps.

BLS OEWS May 2024 · Much faster than average (33%)

Project Management Specialist$100,750 median · Multiple Industries · O*NET 13-1082.00

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.

Transfers: Mission planning, Resource coordination, Schedule management, Risk mitigation, Cross-functional team leadership.

How to get there: PMP certification recommended. Supervisory ATs often have the required 36 months of documented project leadership experience. Defense contractors and federal agencies value this combination.

BLS OEWS May 2024 · Faster than average (6%)

Occupational Health and Safety Specialist$83,910 median · Government / Manufacturing / Construction · O*NET 19-5011.00

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.

Transfers: Safety program management, Hazard analysis, Regulatory compliance, Incident investigation, Training delivery.

How to get there: OSHA 30-Hour certification is the starting point. CSP (Certified Safety Professional) is the gold standard. Some roles require a bachelor's degree, but documented military safety experience can substitute in many cases.

BLS OEWS May 2024 · Faster than average (12%)

Technical Writer$80,050 median · Technology / Manufacturing / Defense · O*NET 27-3042.00

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.

Transfers: Technical documentation, Procedure writing, Systems knowledge, Attention to detail, Complex-to-simple communication.

How to get there: Build a portfolio of technical writing samples. Some employers accept military documentation experience in place of a degree. STC (Society for Technical Communication) certification adds credibility.

BLS OEWS May 2024 · Faster than average (4%)

Logistician$80,880 median · Government / Manufacturing / Transportation · O*NET 13-1081.00

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.

Transfers: Supply chain coordination, Parts inventory management, Equipment tracking, Procurement support, Data-driven decision making.

How to get there: APICS CSCP or CLTD certification strengthens candidacy. Federal agencies and defense contractors value aviation supply chain experience. 17% projected growth means a strong job market.

BLS OEWS May 2024 · Much faster than average (17%)

Sales Engineer$116,950 median · Technology / Manufacturing / Aerospace · O*NET 41-9031.00

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.

Transfers: Technical expertise, Client communication, Problem solving, Product demonstrations, Relationship building.

How to get there: No specific certification required. Many companies have sales training programs. Start in technical support or field service to build client-facing experience, then transition to sales engineering.

BLS OEWS May 2024 · About as fast as average (5%)

Industrial Engineering Technician$62,630 median · Manufacturing / Logistics / Government · O*NET 17-3026.00

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.

Transfers: Process improvement, Time and motion analysis, Quality control, Data collection, Production optimization.

How to get there: Some roles require an associate degree in industrial engineering technology. GI Bill covers these programs. Six Sigma Green Belt certification adds value. Defense manufacturing and logistics companies are strong entry points.

BLS OEWS May 2024 · Little or no change (-1%)

Pivoting industries does not mean starting from scratch.

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.

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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

Before, in service

Designated as CDI for AT work center, inspecting completed avionics repairs on F/A-18E/F aircraft and signing off maintenance actions

After, on the resume

Served as independent quality assurance inspector, reviewing and approving completed electronic system repairs on high-value equipment with full sign-off authority

Before, in service

Troubleshot AN/APG-79 radar system faults to the WRA/SRA level using MIMs and built-in test equipment, restoring aircraft to mission-capable status

After, on the resume

Diagnosed complex electronic system failures to the component level using OEM technical documentation and integrated diagnostic tools, reducing equipment downtime by 30%

Before, in service

Maintained 12 F/A-18E aircraft at 78% FMC rate during deployment, exceeding squadron readiness goals by 6%

After, on the resume

Sustained 78% operational readiness rate across a fleet of 12 complex electronic systems, exceeding organizational targets by 6% through preventive maintenance optimization

Before, in service

Managed IMRL of 85 pieces of calibrated test equipment worth $2.1M, maintaining 100% accountability and on-time calibration compliance

After, on the resume

Administered calibration and metrology program for 85 precision instruments valued at $2.1M, maintaining 100% compliance with calibration schedules and traceability standards

Before, in service

Led 14-person avionics work center through 6-month deployment, managing daily maintenance schedules, training plans, and personnel evaluations

After, on the resume

Supervised a team of 14 technicians in a high-tempo production environment, coordinating daily task assignments, skills development programs, and performance evaluations

Before, in service

Performed O-level avionics maintenance on flight line and I-level component repair in the AIMD avionics shop

After, on the resume

Performed both field service repairs on installed systems and bench-level component diagnostics and repair in a controlled shop environment

Before, in service

Served as work center FOD prevention petty officer, conducting daily FOD walkdowns and maintaining zero FOD incidents for 8 months

After, on the resume

Managed contamination control program for a production area, conducting daily inspections and maintaining zero-incident record for 8 consecutive months

Before, in service

Documented all maintenance actions, parts usage, and man-hours in NALCOMIS for squadron avionics work center

After, on the resume

Recorded all maintenance activities, parts consumption, and labor hours in computerized maintenance management system (CMMS), maintaining complete audit trail for regulatory compliance

Before, in service

Supported 15-minute turnaround cycles during flight operations, conducting pre-flight and post-flight avionics checks on 6 aircraft per cycle

After, on the resume

Executed rapid equipment inspection and servicing cycles within 15-minute windows, coordinating across multiple technical teams to meet production deadlines

Before, in service

Completed 6 PQS qualifications including plane captain, CDI, and ALSS inspector within first 18 months at squadron

After, on the resume

Completed 6 structured competency-based certification programs within 18 months, demonstrating proficiency through written assessments and hands-on performance evaluations

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Certifications by career path

Which ones you need depends on where you are headed.

Aviation Maintenance

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) LicenseFederal Aviation Administration

RequiredCost $5,000 - $15,000 (school) or experience-basedTime 18-24 months (school) or military experience pathwayGI Bill eligibleThe single most important certification for ATs going into civilian aviation. FAR 147 schools accept military training hours. Some ATs qualify to test based on documented experience alone.

FAA FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL)Federal Communications Commission

BeneficialCost $50 - $100 (exam fee)Time 2-4 weeks studyRequired by some avionics employers. Validates knowledge of radio electronics and FCC regulations. ATs with communications system experience can often pass with minimal additional study.

Federal Employment

Security+ or CASP+ (for federal IT)CompTIA

RecommendedCost $400 - $600Time 2-6 months studyGI Bill eligibleRequired for many federal IT and cybersecurity positions. ATs with active clearances who add Security+ can target federal contractor IT roles immediately.

IT & Networking

CompTIA A+CompTIA

RecommendedCost $350 - $500Time 2-3 months studyGI Bill eligibleEntry-level IT certification. ATs with computer systems troubleshooting experience have a head start. Foundation cert for IT career pivot.

CompTIA Network+CompTIA

RecommendedCost $350 - $500Time 2-3 months studyGI Bill eligibleNetworking fundamentals. ATs who maintained data link and networking systems in aircraft have relevant experience. Meets DoD 8570 IAT Level I.

CompTIA Security+CompTIA

RecommendedCost $400 - $500Time 2-4 months studyGI Bill eligibleCybersecurity baseline certification. Meets DoD 8570 IAT Level II. ATs with an active security clearance plus Security+ are highly competitive for DoD IT contractor roles.

Operations Management

Six Sigma Green BeltASQ or IASSC

BeneficialCost $200 - $500Time 2-4 monthsGI Bill eligibleProcess improvement methodology. ATs involved in maintenance process improvements, QA programs, or production line work can apply that experience.

Lean Six Sigma Black BeltASQ or IASSC

BeneficialCost $1,500 - $4,000Time 6-12 monthsGI Bill eligibleAdvanced process improvement for senior roles. Combines well with aviation maintenance management or manufacturing operations leadership positions.

Project Management

Project Management Professional (PMP)PMI

BeneficialCost $400 - $600Time 3-6 months studyGI Bill eligibleFor ATs targeting technical project management roles. Supervisory ATs often have the required 36 months of project experience from managing maintenance evolutions.

Safety & EHS

OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour General IndustryOSHA

RecommendedCost $25 - $300Time 1-4 daysStandard safety certification for manufacturing, construction, and industrial environments. Many employers require OSHA 10 or 30 as a condition of hire.

Certified Safety Professional (CSP)BCSP

BeneficialCost $300 - $500Time 3-6 months studyGI Bill eligibleGold standard safety certification. Requires bachelor's degree or equivalent experience plus safety work hours. ATs with collateral duty safety experience can build a case.

Telecommunications & RF

IPC-A-610 Certified SpecialistIPC (Association Connecting Electronics Industries)

BeneficialCost $200 - $500Time 3-5 daysIndustry standard for electronic assembly acceptance. Valuable for ATs moving into electronics manufacturing, circuit board repair, or quality inspection roles.

IPC/WHMA-A-620 Wire Harness SpecialistIPC

BeneficialCost $200 - $500Time 3-5 daysStandard for cable and wire harness assembly acceptance. ATs who worked with aircraft wiring harnesses have hands-on experience that directly applies.

Certified Electronics Technician (CET)ETA International

BeneficialCost $100 - $300Time 2-4 weeks study + examValidates broad electronics knowledge. Four specialty options. ATs can typically pass the associate and journeyman levels based on fleet experience.

UAS & Drone Operations

FAA Remote Pilot Certificate (Part 107)Federal Aviation Administration

BeneficialCost $175 (exam fee)Time 2-4 weeks studyEntry point for the growing UAS industry. ATs with unmanned systems experience or interest in drone operations. Commercial drone operations is a fast-growing field.

Got a cert? Do not bury it.

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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: wait for terminal leave, then panic. This is the sequence that works. Already out? Same plan, day one is today.

Days 0 to 30

Set the foundation

  • Pull your DD-214 (request it from milConnect if you are already separated)
  • List your top three civilian roles and your top three GS series
  • Build your tailored AT resume, free
  • Write one strong LinkedIn headline, not "veteran seeking opportunities"
  • Gather your evals and performance reports for the accomplishments
Build my resume free

Days 30 to 60

Apply with intent

  • Apply to five to ten jobs a week, quality over volume
  • Tailor every resume to the announcement (BMR does this part for you)
  • Connect with five people a week on LinkedIn, not a spray
  • Set up a USAJOBS profile and a saved search for your GS series
  • Say your bullets out loud to a civilian friend and fix what they do not follow
Tailor my next resume

Days 60 to 90

Close the offer

  • Track every application: date, status, contact, notes
  • Follow up seven to ten days after each one
  • Prep behavioral interviews with the STAR method
  • Negotiate. The BLS median is your floor, not the offer
  • Keep applying after the first offer. Options are the leverage
Track my applications

Questions about AT

Do I need an FAA A&P license for civilian avionics work?

It depends on the employer. Some avionics positions at airlines and MROs require A&P. Defense contractors working on military aircraft typically do not require FAA licensing. If targeting airline or Part 145 repair station work, start the A&P process — file FAA Form 8610-2 with your FSDO. Some ATs may need to document additional non-avionics experience.

What is the salary for civilian avionics technicians?

According to BLS May 2024 data, the median annual wage for aircraft mechanics and service technicians (which includes avionics) is $75,020 (O*NET 49-3011.00). Defense contractor positions for cleared avionics technicians often pay above median. For ATs targeting IT, information security analysts earn a median of $120,360 — significantly higher than traditional avionics roles.

What if I want to leave aviation and electronics entirely?

AT experience transfers well to IT, cybersecurity, project management, and technical sales. The systematic troubleshooting methodology you developed — isolating faults, testing hypotheses, documenting results — is the same analytical approach used across technology careers. ATs with clearances have a particular advantage in government IT and cybersecurity. See Career Change Paths for specifics.

Is my TS/SCI clearance valuable outside the military?

Extremely. A TS/SCI clearance can add $15,000-30,000+ to your annual salary with defense contractors and intelligence community employers. Investigation costs exceed $50,000 and take 12+ months. Defense electronics, cybersecurity, and intelligence analysis positions specifically require it. Your clearance stays active for a limited period after separation — start your job search before it lapses.

Should I transition into IT or stay in electronics?

Both paths have strong prospects. Traditional electronics (avionics, industrial electronics) offers stable employment and leverages your hands-on skills directly. IT and cybersecurity offer higher salary ceilings — information security analysts earn $120,360 median (BLS) with 32% growth. The choice depends on whether you prefer hardware or software, hands-on or desk-based work, and your willingness to invest in IT certifications.

What certifications should I get before separating?

For avionics: start A&P paperwork and get FCC GROL. For IT: CompTIA Security+ (required for many DoD IT jobs) and CompTIA Network+. For cybersecurity: Security+ as foundation, then CEH or CISSP. For project management: start PMP prep. For all paths: keep First Aid/CPR current. If you have 180+ days left, explore SkillBridge at defense electronics companies.

How does Veterans' Preference work for federal electronics jobs?

Veterans' Preference gives you 5 or 10 extra points on federal assessments. For GS-0856 Electronics Technician positions, your AT experience is a direct qualification. Direct Hire Authority is used at some agencies for hard-to-fill electronics and IT positions. Apply at GS-11 and below where VPref is strongest. Start your federal resume at bestmilitaryresume.com.

Where are the best job markets for former ATs?

For defense electronics: DC Metro (the intelligence community hub), San Diego, Hampton Roads, Orlando, and Huntsville. For IT and cybersecurity: any major metro, but DC Metro dominates cleared IT. For aviation: airline hubs and MRO centers (Dallas, Miami, Atlanta, Cincinnati). For general electronics: anywhere with manufacturing or technology companies. Remote work is increasingly available for IT, cybersecurity, and technical support roles.

Should I use my GI Bill for a degree or certifications?

For IT/cybersecurity: certifications offer faster ROI than a degree. CompTIA Security+, CISSP, and CEH are high-value and achievable in months. For engineering: a degree is usually required and worth the investment. For avionics: A&P is the priority — may not need GI Bill. For management or highly competitive positions: a bachelor's degree plus certifications is the strongest combination. Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to verify program approval.

Can I start job searching while still on active duty?

Yes — start 12 months before your EAOS. Start CompTIA Security+ or other certification prep immediately — you can earn it while on active duty. At 180 days out, explore SkillBridge at defense electronics companies. Have your resume ready 6 months out. Apply to federal positions early. Network on LinkedIn and attend defense industry events like AUSA or Sea-Air-Space. Use terminal leave strategically.

Turn your AT Aviation Electronics Technician experience into a resume that gets callbacks

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