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NavyRating: ET
Electronics Technician
The civilian and federal jobs that hire Navy Electronics Technicians — with real salaries and the resume that gets callbacks.
Every ET 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 · No credit card · Tailored resume in under 5 minutes
$52K–$97K
Salary Range
BLS-verified median salaries
14
Career Paths
12
Companies Hiring
10
Resume Examples
12
Federal GS Series
7
Certification Paths
10
FAQs Answered
BT
Brad Tachi
Navy Diver · BMR Founder
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.
17,500+ veterans helped·60,000+ resumes built·Success stories every week
Military Role Overview
Navy Electronics Technicians (ETs) maintain, troubleshoot, and repair the electronic systems that keep warships operational — radar, communications, navigation, and computer networks. From the SPS-73 surface search radar to SATCOM terminals, from Link-16/JTIDS tactical data links to the ship's ECDIS navigation suite, ETs are responsible for keeping multi-million dollar systems running at sea where there is no calling a vendor for support.
ET training begins at A School in Great Lakes, Illinois, where sailors learn fundamental electronics theory, circuit analysis, and digital systems. From there, ETs attend C Schools for specific equipment — SPY-1 radar at Dahlgren, GCCS-M (Global Command and Control System - Maritime) at various sites, or AN/SPS-49 air search radar at specialized schoolhouses. The Navy invests heavily in ET training because these are the people who keep the ship's eyes, ears, and voice working.
What separates Navy ETs from civilian electronics technicians is troubleshooting depth and operational pressure. ETs troubleshoot to the component level using oscilloscopes, spectrum analyzers, signal generators, and multimeters — isolating a failed capacitor on a circuit card in the middle of a deployment. They perform 2M (Miniature/Micro-Miniature) soldering repairs on circuit boards that would be thrown away in a civilian shop. When a radar goes down during operations, the ET doesn't submit a work order and wait — they fix it, document it, and report readiness status via CASREP (Casualty Report) if needed.
ETs also own the Planned Maintenance System (PMS) for their assigned equipment, executing scheduled maintenance checks on complex electronic systems while managing corrective maintenance and equipment upgrades simultaneously. Senior ETs supervise electronics workshops, manage technical libraries, mentor junior technicians, and coordinate with shore-based technical support activities (TYCOMs, SPAWAR/NAVWAR) for depot-level repairs they cannot complete shipboard.
Navy ETs sit at the most underrated tech crossover in the Navy — the depth of electronics troubleshooting plus shipboard systems experience translates to federal electronics technician, FAA technical roles, and DoD contractor positions consistently. From the federal hiring side, the cleared-electronics combination is in steady demand. — Brad Tachi, Navy Diver veteran & BMR founder
Security ClearanceSecret (minimum); Top Secret for certain systems/billets
ASVAB RequirementAR+MK+EI+GS=222 or VE+AR+MK+MC=222
TrainingET A School at Great Lakes, IL (~22 weeks of electronics theory, circuit analysis, digital systems, and test equipment). Followed by C School for specific systems: SPY-1 radar, SPS-49, GCCS-M, AN/WSC-3 SATCOM, CANES, or other platform-specific equipment. Advanced NECs include 2M (Miniature/Micro-Miniature repair).
Certs Earned in Service2M (Miniature/Micro-Miniature Electronic Repair) - some ETs depending on billet, ESWS (Enlisted Surface Warfare Specialist), PQS qualifications for specific systems, First Aid/CPR, Possibly CompTIA Security+ for IA billets
Pay Reality Check
The number that matters when you're deciding what's next: how does civilian pay compare to what you make now?
Navy mid-career
$58K–$82K
E-5 to E-7 total comp (base + BAH + BAS + tax advantage)
Civilian Electronics Technician
$61K–$97K
BLS median across direct-match civilian roles
Federal (GS-9 to GS-13)
$58K–$120K
12 matching GS series + locality pay + step increases
Comparable on average
Civilian pay for Electronics Technicians lands within the same range as mid-career enlisted total comp.
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
Navy ETs carry one of the most directly marketable technical skill sets in the military. The ability to troubleshoot complex electronic systems to component level, read schematics, use test equipment professionally, and maintain systems under pressure translates across the entire electronics and telecommunications industry.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (May 2024), the median annual wage for Electrical and Electronics Repairers in commercial and industrial equipment is $66,820 (O*NET 49-2094.00). Related fields offer a wide salary range depending on specialization: Telecommunications Equipment Installers earn a median of $61,070, Avionics Technicians earn $81,390, and ETs who pursue engineering roles can reach Electrical Engineer median salaries of $111,910 or Electronics Engineer medians of $117,750.
The private sector values ET experience because these sailors have maintained systems in conditions that civilian technicians never face — salt air corrosion, ship vibration, space constraints, and operational tempo that demands rapid fault isolation. Companies in defense contracting, telecommunications, avionics, and industrial automation actively recruit former Navy ETs.
Civilian Job Title Translations
| Civilian Job Title | Industry | BLS Median Salary | Outlook | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Electronics Technician (Commercial/Industrial) O*NET: 49-2094.00 | Manufacturing / Industrial / Utilities | $66,820 | About as fast as average | strong |
Field Service Engineer O*NET: 49-2094.00 | Technology / Medical Devices / Defense | $66,820 | About as fast as average | strong |
Telecommunications Equipment Installer/Repairer O*NET: 49-2022.00 | Telecommunications | $61,070 | Little or no change | strong |
Radar Systems Technician O*NET: 49-2094.00 | Defense / Aviation / Weather Services | $66,820 | About as fast as average | strong |
Network Engineer / Administrator O*NET: 15-1244.00 | Information Technology | $96,800 | About as fast as average | moderate |
Avionics Technician O*NET: 49-2091.00 | Aviation / Aerospace | $81,390 | About as fast as average | moderate |
Control Systems Technician O*NET: 49-2094.00 | Manufacturing / Energy / Utilities | $66,820 | About as fast as average | moderate |
Calibration Technician O*NET: 49-2094.00 | Manufacturing / Aerospace / Defense | $66,820 | About as fast as average | moderate |
Electronics Technician (Commercial/Industrial)
Manufacturing / Industrial / Utilities
$66,820median
About as fast as average
O*NET: 49-2094.00
Field Service Engineer
Technology / Medical Devices / Defense
$66,820median
About as fast as average
O*NET: 49-2094.00
Telecommunications Equipment Installer/Repairer
Telecommunications
$61,070median
Little or no change
O*NET: 49-2022.00
Radar Systems Technician
Defense / Aviation / Weather Services
$66,820median
About as fast as average
O*NET: 49-2094.00
Network Engineer / Administrator
Information Technology
$96,800median
About as fast as average
O*NET: 15-1244.00
Avionics Technician
Aviation / Aerospace
$81,390median
About as fast as average
O*NET: 49-2091.00
Control Systems Technician
Manufacturing / Energy / Utilities
$66,820median
About as fast as average
O*NET: 49-2094.00
Calibration Technician
Manufacturing / Aerospace / Defense
$66,820median
About as fast as average
O*NET: 49-2094.00
Companies That Hire This Background
Major employer of former Navy ETs. Radar systems (SPY-6, SPS-49 upgrades), electronic warfare, and communication systems. Your Navy radar and electronics experience is directly relevant to their product lines.
Communication systems, electronic warfare, and sensor solutions. L3Harris builds many of the systems Navy ETs maintain — SATCOM terminals, tactical radios, and shipboard electronics.
Aegis Combat System, SPY-1 radar, and integrated combat systems. ETs who maintained Aegis-equipped ships have direct product knowledge that Lockheed values.
Shipboard electronics integration, sensor systems, and communication networks. Significant Navy surface combatant programs.
Electronic warfare systems, ship modernization, and combat systems integration. Major player in Navy electronics modernization programs.
GDIT division handles Navy IT and communications infrastructure. General Dynamics Mission Systems builds submarine and surface ship electronics.
Navy C4ISR programs. Technical support and systems engineering for shipboard electronics.
Systems integration, training systems, and technical services for Navy programs. Hires ETs for field engineering and technical representative roles.
Newport News Shipbuilding and Ingalls Shipbuilding. ETs are hired for electronics installation, testing, and integration during new construction and overhaul.
Network infrastructure and telecommunications. Values Navy ET RF and communication systems experience for network technician and engineer roles.
Telecommunications infrastructure and network operations. Navy ET communication systems experience transfers to network technician and field service roles.
Naval Information Warfare Systems Command. The same organization that provides technical support to the fleet hires former ETs as federal civilians in GS-0856 and GS-2210 positions.
See a salary you want? Build a resume targeting it.
BMR rewrites your ET experience for any of the civilian roles above — keywords, achievements, and language hiring managers actually scan for.
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Real Navy 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
→ AviationFederal Career Paths
Federal agencies employ electronics technicians, engineers, and IT specialists across dozens of installations. For Navy ETs, the GS-0856 (Electronics Technician) series is the most direct match — this covers maintaining, installing, and repairing electronic equipment in federal facilities, including radar systems, communication networks, and navigation aids.
ETs with strong digital systems and networking experience should also explore the GS-2210 (IT Management) series, which covers network administration, cybersecurity, and systems management across every federal agency. The GS-0855 (Electronics Engineering) series is available to ETs who complete a degree or can demonstrate equivalent experience through a combination of military training and professional certifications.
Beyond the technical series, senior ETs with supervisory experience translate well into GS-0301 (Miscellaneous Administration) and GS-0343 (Management and Program Analyst) positions — particularly at NAVSEA, NAVWAR (formerly SPAWAR), and the various Systems Commands where understanding the equipment being managed is a significant advantage. The GS-0391 (Telecommunications) series covers communication systems management, a core ET competency.
Key agencies for former ETs include NAVSEA, NAVWAR/SPAWAR, NAVFAC, FAA (radar and navigation systems), DHS/Coast Guard (vessel electronics), NOAA (research vessel systems), and the Department of Energy (instrumentation and controls). Veterans' Preference gives former ETs a competitive edge, and an active security clearance is particularly valuable at defense-focused agencies.
GS Series & Position Matches
| GS Series | Federal Job Title | Typical Grades | Match | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-0856 | Electronics Technician | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | View Details → | |
| GS-2210 | Information Technology Management | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | View Details → | |
| GS-0854 | Computer Engineering | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12, GS-13 | View Details → | |
| GS-0855 | Electronics Engineering | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12, GS-13 | View Details → | |
| GS-0391 | Telecommunications | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | View Details → | |
| GS-0850 | Electrical Engineering | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12, GS-13 | View Details → | |
| GS-0340 | Program Management | GS-11, GS-12, GS-13 | View Details → | |
| GS-0343 | Management and Program Analyst | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12, GS-13 | View Details → | |
| GS-0802 | Engineering Technician | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-1670 | Equipment Services | GS-7, GS-9, GS-11 | View Details → | |
| GS-0346 | Logistics Management | 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 · No credit card · 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 Repairer
$62,630
Healthcare(O*NET: 49-9062.00)BLS OEWS May 202417% (Much faster than average)
Component-level fault isolation on complex electronic systemsReading schematics and using oscilloscopes, multimeters, and signal generatorsCalibrating precision instruments to specDocumenting test results and corrective maintenance
Hospitals need technicians who can troubleshoot infusion pumps, imaging gear, and patient monitors down to the board level. The diagnostic discipline an ET builds on SPY-1 and shipboard test equipment is exactly the skill biomedical departments hire for, in an industry with nothing to do with the Navy.
How to get there: A 1-2 year biomedical equipment technology (BMET) associate degree or a manufacturer training program. Many employers hire electronics technicians directly and train on specific device lines; AAMI CBET certification raises pay.
Diagnostic Medical Sonographer
$89,340
Healthcare(O*NET: 29-2032.00)BLS OEWS May 202413% (Much faster than average)
Operating signal-based diagnostic equipmentInterpreting waveform and signal-quality dataFine motor precision and steady-hand controlMethodical, repeatable test procedures
Sonography is signal acquisition and interpretation on the body instead of a hull. ETs already think in terms of transmit/receive, signal quality, and gain. That comfort with ultrasound physics and precise probe control is a real head start into a high-paying healthcare field.
How to get there: A CAAHEP-accredited 18-24 month sonography program (associate degree or post-secondary certificate), then ARDMS registry credentials. The applied-physics coursework leans on the electronics theory ETs learned in A School.
Electrical Power-Line Installer and Repairer
$92,560
Energy and Utilities(O*NET: 49-9051.00)BLS OEWS May 20248% (Faster than average)
High-voltage electrical safety and lockout/tagout disciplineTroubleshooting power distribution faultsWorking at height in hazardous conditionsReading single-line electrical diagrams
Shipboard ETs live around high-voltage power systems and the safety culture that keeps people alive around them. Utilities pay well for people who already respect energized systems and can diagnose distribution faults under pressure, with no prior lineman background assumed.
How to get there: A utility-sponsored apprenticeship or a community-college lineworker program (3-6 months) followed by on-the-job training. Climbing and CDL requirements apply; the electrical theory is a non-issue for an ET.
Wind Turbine Service Technician
$62,580
Renewable Energy(O*NET: 49-9081.00)BLS OEWS May 202460% (Much faster than average)
Diagnosing electrical and control-system faultsWorking safely at height and in confined spacesUsing diagnostic software and test instrumentsPreventive maintenance on complex powered systems
A turbine nacelle is a high-up, weather-exposed box of generators, power electronics, and control systems. The fault-isolation mindset and comfort in physically demanding, safety-critical environments that ETs build at sea transfers cleanly to one of the fastest-growing trades in the country.
How to get there: A 6-12 month wind energy technician certificate at a community or technical college, plus GWO safety training. Employers value electronics troubleshooting experience and often fast-track candidates who already have it.
Solar Photovoltaic Installer
$51,860
Renewable Energy(O*NET: 47-2231.00)BLS OEWS May 202442% (Much faster than average)
DC and AC electrical systems knowledgeWiring, inverters, and electrical safetyReading electrical layouts and commissioning systemsTroubleshooting underperforming circuits
Solar arrays are DC generation, inverters, and grid-tie electrical work. An ET already understands the electrical fundamentals most new installers spend months learning, which makes the jump into a booming renewable trade fast and the path to crew lead faster.
How to get there: A short NABCEP-aligned solar installer course (weeks to a few months) plus on-the-job training. The OSHA-10 and electrical basics are review for an ET; NABCEP PV certification lifts earning potential.
Forensic Science Technician
$67,440
Forensic Science(O*NET: 19-4092.00)BLS OEWS May 202414% (Much faster than average)
Operating and calibrating laboratory instrumentsMethodical evidence handling and documentationPattern recognition in signal and data outputFollowing strict, repeatable test procedures
Crime labs run on instrument operation, chain-of-custody documentation, and disciplined repeatable procedures. The precision, instrument literacy, and attention to documentation an ET develops on diagnostic test benches maps onto lab-based forensic work in an entirely different field.
How to get there: A bachelor degree in forensic science, chemistry, or biology for most lab roles; some crime-scene technician positions accept an associate plus academy training. Electronics and instrumentation backgrounds are an asset for the digital and trace-instrument tracks.
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.
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Skills Translation Guide
If you're applying to electronics companies, defense contractors, or telecom firms, your terminology largely translates directly — those employers know what an oscilloscope is, and they understand troubleshooting to component level. You probably don't need this section.
But if you're targeting careers outside of electronics — project management, sales, operations, consulting, or management roles — the hiring manager has never heard of PMS checks, CASREPs, or 2M repair. Below are translations that reframe your ET experience into language that resonates in non-electronics industries. These aren't just word swaps — they show how to quantify and contextualize your technical background for a completely different audience.
Resume Bullet Examples
Before (Military)
Served as LPO for Combat Systems Division 2: 14 technicians, $8.5M equipment suite, 98% operational readiness during 7-month deployment
After (Civilian)
Supervised a 14-person technical team responsible for $8.5M in specialized electronic systems, maintaining 98% operational availability through strategic maintenance scheduling, skills development programs, and cross-training initiatives
Before (Military)
Managed PMS for 47 electronic systems across 3 workcenters, scheduling and tracking 200+ maintenance checks per quarter with zero overdue actions
After (Civilian)
Administered a comprehensive preventive maintenance program covering 47 complex systems, scheduling 200+ periodic maintenance actions per quarter and maintaining 100% compliance with organizational maintenance standards
Before (Military)
Resolved 12 CASREP-level equipment failures during deployment, coordinating with TYCOM and NAVSEA engineering support to restore mission-critical systems within 48 hours average
After (Civilian)
Managed 12 critical equipment failures affecting operational capability, coordinating with manufacturer engineering support, sourcing emergency repair parts, and restoring systems to full operation within an average of 48 hours per incident
Before (Military)
Performed 2M repair on 35+ circuit card assemblies during deployment, saving an estimated $175K in replacement costs through component-level fault isolation and precision soldering
After (Civilian)
Executed precision circuit board repair on 35+ assemblies, performing component-level fault isolation and microsolder rework, saving $175K in replacement costs versus full unit replacement
Before (Military)
Developed and administered Personnel Qualification Standards (PQS) program for 8 junior ETs, conducting oral boards and practical assessments across radar, communications, and navigation systems
After (Civilian)
Designed and implemented a technical competency assessment program for 8 junior engineers, developing training curricula, conducting practical and oral evaluations, and tracking individual development progress to ensure workforce readiness
Before (Military)
Troubleshot AN/SPS-73 radar receiver failure to faulty IF amplifier stage, isolating defective component using oscilloscope waveform analysis and restoring system within 4 hours
After (Civilian)
Performed root cause analysis on critical surveillance system failure using advanced diagnostic instrumentation, isolating the defective component through systematic signal chain analysis and restoring full operational capability within 4 hours
Before (Military)
Maintained technical library of 150+ system manuals and managed COSAL/APL accuracy for $12M electronics suite, ensuring all documentation reflected current equipment configuration
After (Civilian)
Managed a technical documentation repository of 150+ system references, maintaining version control, tracking engineering change orders, and ensuring all documentation reflected current system configuration for compliance and audit readiness
Before (Military)
Coordinated 8 depot-level repair actions with NAVSEA and contractor field engineers, managing shipping logistics, technical data packages, and repair tracking through completion
After (Civilian)
Managed 8 technical support escalations requiring manufacturer-level repair, coordinating logistics, technical documentation, and vendor communication to track each case through resolution
Before (Military)
Stood Combat Systems Coordinator watch in CIC during 3 operational deployments, monitoring radar, EW, and communication system performance while providing tactical recommendations to the TAO
After (Civilian)
Monitored multiple integrated electronic systems in a real-time operations center during 3 operational periods, providing system status analysis and performance recommendations to senior decision-makers for time-critical actions
Before (Military)
Led installation of CANES network modernization on DDG-class destroyer: coordinated with 3 contractor teams, managed cable routing, system integration testing, and operational verification over 6-week timeline
After (Civilian)
Led a $2M+ network infrastructure modernization project, coordinating 3 contractor teams, managing physical installation, system integration testing, and operational acceptance verification within a 6-week project timeline
Get bullets like these auto-generated for your resume.
BMR turns your ET 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.
Communications & Marketing
BICSI Registered Communications Distribution Designer (RCDD)
RecommendedBICSI
Cost: $400 - $600 examTime: 3-6 months studyGI Bill Eligible
Industry standard for telecommunications infrastructure design. ETs who worked on shipboard comms systems, radar arrays, or shore-side networks have hands-on experience that maps directly. RCDD opens doors to telecom engineering and data center roles.
ETA Certified Electronics Technician (CET)
RecommendedElectronics Technicians Association
Cost: $100 - $200 examTime: 2-4 weeks study
Validates electronics fundamentals for civilian employers who may not understand Navy ET training depth. Quick and affordable — good baseline cert to pair with your military experience. Multiple specialty tracks available.
Cybersecurity
CompTIA Security+
RecommendedCompTIA
Cost: $390 - $420 examTime: 2-3 months studyGI Bill Eligible
Baseline cybersecurity cert required for most DoD contractor and federal IT positions under DoD 8140. ETs with EKMS, COMSEC, or information assurance experience have a head start. Opens both federal and private sector cybersecurity paths.
CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional)
BeneficialISC2
Cost: $750 examTime: 4-6 months studyGI Bill Eligible
Senior cybersecurity credential for ETs targeting security engineering or management roles. Requires 5 years experience (military time counts). Pairs with a clearance to command $100K+ salaries in the defense sector.
Engineering
Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam
BeneficialNCEES
Cost: $175 examTime: 2-4 months studyGI Bill Eligible
First step toward Professional Engineer (PE) licensure. ETs with a bachelor's in electrical or electronics engineering should take this before or shortly after separation. Required pathway for engineering roles that require PE stamp.
Federal Employment
Federal Resume + USAJobs Profile
RequiredN/A
Cost: Free (build at bestmilitaryresume.com)Time: 1-2 hours
Federal resumes follow different rules than private sector — 2 pages max, specific formatting. Start 6 months before separation. ET experience maps to GS-0856 (Electronics Technician), GS-2101 (Transportation Specialist), and GS-0391 (Telecommunications) series among others.
IT & Networking
CompTIA Network+
RecommendedCompTIA
Cost: $350 - $400 examTime: 2-3 months studyGI Bill Eligible
ETs troubleshoot complex networked systems daily — ISNS, CANES, and shipboard data networks. Network+ translates that experience into civilian IT language. Many DoD contractor positions require it under DoD 8570/8140 compliance.
CompTIA A+
BeneficialCompTIA
Cost: $250 - $350 examTime: 1-2 months studyGI Bill Eligible
Foundation-level IT cert that some ETs may want if targeting helpdesk or desktop support as an entry point. May feel basic given ET training, but civilian employers outside the DoD world don't always recognize Navy technical schools. Checks a common HR filter box.
Project Management
Project Management Professional (PMP)
RecommendedPMI
Cost: $400 - $600 examTime: 3-6 months studyGI Bill Eligible
ETs manage maintenance schedules, system installations, and equipment overhauls across complex shipboard environments. PMP validates that project leadership for civilian employers. Especially valuable for ETs targeting defense contractor program management roles.
Safety & EHS
OSHA 30-Hour General Industry
RecommendedOSHA
Cost: $150 - $300Time: 4 days (available online)
Baseline safety certification for manufacturing, utilities, and industrial environments where ETs commonly find work. Quick and affordable — knock this out before separation to check a box most employers require.
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 · No credit card · Built around your real certs and clearance
Transition Resources
For Staying in Electronics/Technical Fields
SkillBridge Programs: Defense contractors and technology companies participate in DOD SkillBridge, allowing ETs to work civilian technical roles during their last 180 days of service. Raytheon, Lockheed Martin, and L3Harris have historically offered electronics-focused SkillBridge positions. Search the SkillBridge database for current openings in electronics, telecommunications, and field service engineering.
CompTIA Certifications: CompTIA offers industry-standard certifications that validate your technical skills for civilian employers. A+, Network+, and Security+ are the most relevant starting points. Many military training centers offer these exams, and the GI Bill covers prep courses.
Industry Associations: The Electronics Technicians Association (ETA International) offers certifications and networking. The IEEE is the premier professional organization for electrical and electronics engineers — student and associate memberships are available without a degree.
FCC Licensing: The FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) is valuable for telecommunications and broadcast work. Your Navy RF and communications training provides a strong foundation for the exam.
For Careers Outside of Electronics
Project Management: The PMP certification (PMI) is the gold standard. Senior ETs who managed equipment installation projects, system upgrades, or modernization efforts may already have enough documented project hours to qualify. Cost: ~$555 (PMI member) for the exam. GI Bill covers prep courses.
Cybersecurity: Your electronics and networking background is a foundation for cybersecurity. Start with CompTIA Security+ (often required for DoD 8570 compliance), then target CISSP or CySA+ depending on your focus area.
Federal Employment (USAJobs): Create your USAJobs profile immediately — don't wait until separation. Key agencies for ETs: NAVSEA, NAVWAR/SPAWAR, NAVFAC, FAA, DHS, NOAA, and DOE. Federal resumes are 2 pages max — not the 4-6 page myth you'll see online. Build yours here.
Veteran Networking: American Corporate Partners (ACP) provides free mentorship from corporate executives — you'll get paired with someone in your target industry. ACP is legitimate and completely free for veterans.
Education Benefits: Don't underestimate your GI Bill for professional certifications. Many certification exam fees and prep courses are covered. Use the GI Bill Comparison Tool to verify program approval. For ETs considering engineering degrees, your military electronics training may count toward course credit at some institutions — check with the school's veterans affairs office.
Clearance Leverage: Many ETs hold Secret or Top Secret clearances. That has real market value — especially with defense contractors and intelligence agencies. ClearanceJobs.com lists positions requiring active clearances. Don't let yours lapse during transition.
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 veterans do this backwards — they wait until terminal leave to start, then panic. Here's the actual sequence that works.
1Days 0–30
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 ET resume — BMR does it free
- Write 1 strong LinkedIn headline (not "veteran seeking opportunities")
- Pull together your evals/performance reports for accomplishments
2Days 30–60
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
3Days 60–90
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 transition like a 90-day op get hired faster than the ones who treat it like an emergency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the median salary for former Navy ETs in the private sector?
It depends on which career path you pursue. According to BLS May 2024 data, Electrical/Electronics Repairers in commercial and industrial settings earn a median of $66,820 (O*NET 49-2094.00). Telecommunications Equipment Installers earn $61,070. Avionics Technicians earn $81,390. If you pursue engineering with additional education, Electrical Engineers earn a median of $111,910 and Electronics Engineers earn $117,750. Network-focused roles pay well too — Computer Network Architects earn a median of $129,840 and Network Administrators earn $96,800.
Do I need a degree to work as a civilian electronics technician?
For most electronics technician and field service engineer positions, no. Your Navy training (A School, C Schools, and on-the-job experience) combined with industry certifications is typically sufficient. Many defense contractors and telecom companies specifically value military electronics training over associate degrees. However, if you want to move into electronics engineering (not technician) roles, a bachelor's degree in electrical or electronics engineering is usually required. Some employers accept extensive military experience plus certifications as equivalent — but this varies by company.
What certifications should I get before separating?
Prioritize based on your target career. For electronics/IT: CompTIA A+ and Network+ validate your skills for civilian employers. For telecommunications: FCC GROL (General Radiotelephone Operator License). For cybersecurity: CompTIA Security+ (also satisfies DoD 8570 requirements). For project management: start PMP prep if you have supervisory or project experience. For any federal job: set up your USAJobs profile 6 months before separation. Universal: keep your First Aid/CPR current and get OSHA 10 or 30-Hour if targeting industrial environments.
What if I want to leave electronics entirely?
Many ETs do. The Career Change Paths section above covers specific options including project management (BLS median $100,750), IT management ($102,950 for operations managers), technical sales, cybersecurity, consulting, and construction management. Your transferable skills — systematic troubleshooting, team leadership, technical documentation, training development, and working under operational pressure — are valued across industries. The key is translating your experience into business language. See the Skills Translation section for specific resume examples.
How do I explain Navy ET experience in a non-technical job interview?
Focus on outcomes, not equipment names. Instead of 'I repaired the SPS-73 radar,' say 'I maintained critical surveillance systems valued at $2M+, achieving 99% operational availability during a 7-month deployment.' Instead of 'I performed 2M repair,' say 'I performed precision component-level repairs on circuit boards, saving $50K+ in replacement costs per deployment.' Quantify everything — dollar values of systems maintained, team sizes supervised, uptime percentages achieved, training programs developed. The specific technology is interesting context, but the results are what get you hired.
Is my security clearance valuable outside the military?
Yes — significantly. Many ETs hold Secret or Top Secret clearances, and an active clearance saves employers $5,000-15,000+ and months of processing time. Defense contractors, federal agencies, intelligence community organizations, and some telecommunications companies require or prefer cleared candidates. ClearanceJobs.com lists positions specifically requiring active clearances. Important: your clearance stays active for up to 24 months after separation if not renewed, so begin your job search before it lapses.
How does Veterans' Preference work for federal electronics jobs?
Veterans' Preference gives you 5 or 10 extra points on federal hiring assessments (10 points for disabled veterans). For GS-0856 (Electronics Technician) and GS-2210 (IT Management) positions, your Navy ET experience directly satisfies specialized experience requirements at multiple grade levels. Some agencies use Direct Hire Authority, which can bypass normal competitive processes — NAVSEA, NAVWAR, and FAA frequently use this for technical positions. Start your federal resume at bestmilitaryresume.com — federal resumes follow different rules than private sector.
Should I use my GI Bill for a degree or certifications?
Depends on your goal. For staying in electronics/field service: certifications (CompTIA, FCC GROL, vendor-specific) give faster ROI than a 4-year degree. For moving into engineering: a BSEE or BSET is usually required, and your GI Bill is the ideal way to fund it. For project management or management roles: PMP certification plus a business degree is a strong combination. For cybersecurity: certifications (Security+, CISSP) are more valued than degrees in many organizations. Many employers in defense contracting will accept your military training plus certs in lieu of a degree. Use the VA GI Bill Comparison Tool to verify program approval before enrolling.
Where are the best job markets for former Navy ETs?
Defense contractor hubs dominate: San Diego, Hampton Roads/Norfolk, DC Metro area, Huntsville (AL), Melbourne (FL), and Dallas-Fort Worth all have heavy concentrations of electronics and defense jobs. For telecommunications: any major metro area, with Austin, Denver, Seattle, and Raleigh-Durham being particularly strong tech markets. For avionics: anywhere with major airlines or MRO facilities — Dallas, Atlanta, Miami, Phoenix. For federal positions: DC Metro, San Diego, Norfolk, and Dahlgren (VA) are the primary NAVSEA/NAVWAR locations. Remote work is increasingly available for network engineering and cybersecurity roles.
Can I start job searching while still on active duty?
Yes — and you should. Start 12 months before your EAOS. At 180 days out, you may be eligible for DOD SkillBridge to work full-time at a civilian company while still receiving military pay — Raytheon, L3Harris, and Lockheed Martin have offered electronics-focused SkillBridge positions. At minimum: have your resume ready 6 months out, start networking on LinkedIn and through American Corporate Partners (ACP) 6 months out, apply to federal positions 6 months out (federal hiring is slow), and research certification requirements for your target career. Use terminal leave strategically — it is your transition runway.
Salary data from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. Career data from O*NET OnLine.
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