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