Home / Military to civilian jobs / Navy / STG
That is Navy Rating STG. Civilian jobs, federal paths, and how the work reads on a resume.
What is in this guide
What the translation looks like
How it reads in service
Classified and identified over 200 sonar contacts during ASW exercises with 98% accuracy
How a hiring manager reads it
Analyzed complex data streams to identify patterns and anomalies, achieving 98% classification accuracy across 200+ data sets
Roles this background maps to
Median pay, BLS OEWS May 2024
Build a resume for a real jobYou pick the job. We write it from your STG experience. Free to start.
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. 71,892 resumes built so far.
One page, built in our template, with the military experience translated into the civilian terms hiring managers and screening software read. Use it as a reference for your own. Leave an email and the download link comes to you.
Free. Occasional job-search tips come with it. Unsubscribe anytime.
Navy Sonar Technicians (Surface), or STGs, operate and maintain some of the most advanced sensor systems in the fleet. Your day-to-day centers on surface ship sonar operations, running the AN/SQQ-89 integrated anti-submarine combat system, managing towed array sonar (AN/SQR-19), and operating hull-mounted sonar suites. You make high-stakes anti-submarine warfare (ASW) decisions based on acoustic data that most people will never understand.
Training starts at the Center for Surface Combat Systems Training Command (CSTSC) in Great Lakes, Illinois, then moves to fleet assignment. Duty stations include DDG destroyers, CG cruisers, FFG frigates, LCS littoral combat ships, NUWC Newport RI, and NUWC Keyport WA. Many STGs hold a Secret security clearance.
The civilian job market values what you bring: complex electronics maintenance, signal processing expertise, data analysis under pressure, and the ability to make time-critical decisions in ASW environments. These skills translate across defense, tech, and data-driven industries.
If your background overlaps with electronics or fire control systems, check out the Navy Electronics Technician (ET) and Navy Fire Controlman (FC) career pages for additional civilian paths. You can also explore the best tech careers for veterans without a degree or browse all military-to-civilian career paths.
STGs work at the intersection of acoustics, electronics, and tactical systems — the major defense contractors (Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, General Dynamics) and federal engineering technician series actively recruit STGs out of uniform. The systems-level and analytical work plus active clearance is the package. — Brad Tachi, Navy Diver veteran & BMR founder
The number that decides most of this: how does civilian pay compare to what the paycheck looks like now?
Navy mid-career
$58K to $82K
E-5 to E-7 total comp: base plus BAH, BAS and the tax advantage.
Civilian Sonar Technician (Surface)
$65K to $125K
BLS median across the direct-match civilian roles on this page.
Federal, GS-9 to GS-13
$58K to $120K
3 matching GS series, plus locality pay and step increases.
About 45% higher on average
Civilian roles for Sonar Technician (Surface)s pay about $32K more than 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.
STGs have a niche but well-paying path into the private sector. Defense contractors are the primary landing zone, but your electronics and data skills open doors beyond sonar-specific roles.
Design and test acoustic systems for defense, marine research, or industrial applications. Your sonar background gives you a head start that most civilian candidates lack.
Maintain and repair sonar equipment for companies like Raytheon (RTX), L3Harris, Lockheed Martin, and General Dynamics. Directly leverages your fleet experience.
Median salary of $72,780 (BLS OEWS May 2024). Troubleshoot, test, and repair electronic systems across industries from telecom to manufacturing.
Apply your sonar signal analysis experience to radar, communications, or audio processing. Strong demand in defense and telecom sectors.
Verify that electronic systems meet specifications. Your experience running diagnostics on AN/SQQ-89 systems maps directly to this role.
Translate your acoustic data interpretation skills to business intelligence, operations analytics, or technical data analysis roles.
Service and calibrate underwater sensors and ocean monitoring systems. NOAA, universities, and marine research firms hire for these roles.
All salary data from BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. The sonar field is specialized, so your biggest advantage is experience that civilian candidates simply do not have. Explore more high-demand careers in our 2026 veteran career and salary guide, or start building your civilian resume with our military resume builder.
| Civilian job title | Industry | BLS median salary | Outlook | Match |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Electronics Engineering TechnicianO*NET 17-3023.00 | Defense / Electronics | $77,180 | Stable demand in defense and manufacturing | Strong |
| Electrical EngineerO*NET 17-2071.00 | Engineering / Defense | $111,910 | Strong growth in defense and renewable energy | Moderate |
| Calibration TechnicianO*NET 17-3029.00 | Manufacturing / Defense | $65,040 | Steady demand across manufacturing and defense | Strong |
| Information Security AnalystO*NET 15-1212.00 | Cybersecurity / IT | $124,910 | Much faster than average growth | Moderate |
| Operations Research AnalystO*NET 15-2031.00 | Consulting / Defense | $91,290 | Faster than average growth | Moderate |
| Signal Processing EngineerO*NET 17-2199.00 | Defense / Telecom | $117,750 | Growing demand in defense, 5G, and autonomous systems | Strong |
| Test Engineer / Quality AssuranceO*NET 17-2199.00 | Defense / Manufacturing | $117,750 | Stable demand across defense and tech | Strong |
| Data AnalystO*NET 15-2051.00 | Technology / Business | $108,020 | Much faster than average growth | Moderate |
Major sonar and ASW systems manufacturer. Builds components of the AN/SQQ-89 system. Actively recruits veterans with sonar maintenance and electronics experience.
Produces undersea warfare systems, sonar equipment, and signal processing solutions. STG experience directly relevant to their product lines.
Builds surface ship combat systems and undersea sensors. Hires veterans for systems engineering, test, and field service roles.
Shipbuilding and combat systems integration. STGs can move into shipboard systems installation, testing, and quality assurance roles.
Develops undersea warfare and sensor systems. Hires for electronics technician, signal processing, and systems engineering positions.
Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Newport RI division. Primary employer for former STGs in federal service. GS positions in acoustics, electronics, and program management.
Naval Undersea Warfare Center, Keyport WA division. Focuses on torpedo and undersea systems testing. Hires STGs for technician and analyst roles.
Global sonar and underwater acoustics manufacturer. Builds sonar systems for allied navies. STG experience is directly applicable.
Specializes in underwater warfare systems including sonobuoys and hull-mounted sonar. A natural fit for STGs with hands-on sonar maintenance experience.
Norwegian defense company with major US operations in underwater acoustics, sonar, and maritime surveillance systems.
Provides technical services to Navy programs including ASW and undersea warfare. Hires for systems analysis, data analytics, and engineering support.
Defense consulting firm with Navy contracts. Hires veterans for technical consulting, data analysis, and program support roles. Clearance required for most positions.
University-affiliated research lab focused on underwater acoustics and signal processing. Hires technicians and engineers with sonar backgrounds for research support.
BMR rewrites your STG experience for any of the roles above, in the language the people reading actually scan for.
Free to start. 2 tailored resumes included.
Upload it and get a number in about a minute, plus the STG lines a civilian hiring manager will not follow and what to write instead. No account.
Free. Your file is never stored.
“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
STGs have strong alignment with federal positions across electronics, physical science, and oceanography. NUWC Newport (Rhode Island) and NUWC Keyport (Washington) are major employers that actively recruit veterans with sonar and ASW backgrounds. NAVSEA positions are another natural fit.
Your technical background gives you a leg up for 0856 and 1340 series positions, while your clearance, watch leadership, and program experience open 0340, 0343, and 2210 roles. Many STGs land at NUWC doing the same type of acoustic analysis work they did in the fleet, just as a civilian.
Make sure your federal resume format is current. Read our 2026 federal resume format guide and use the federal resume builder to get it right the first time.
| Series | Federal job title | Typical grades | Match | Explore |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| GS-0856 | Electronics Technician | GS-9, GS-11, GS-12 | 4 of 5 | View details |
| GS-1313 | Geophysics | GS-9, GS-11 | 4 of 5 | View details |
| WG-2604 | Electronics Mechanic | WG-10, WG-11, WG-12 | 4 of 5 | View details |
Federal raters match your record against the announcement's specialized experience statement. BMR writes the federal format for any GS series above, with the hours per week and supervisor detail a rater looks for.
Free to start. Federal and private sector formats included.
Not everyone stays in a related field. These paths run on the transferable half of the job: leadership, risk, logistics, planning.
Sonar work is reading sound waves bounced off objects to identify what is there. Medical sonography is the same skill, using ultrasound to image the body instead of the ocean.
Transfers: Interpreting reflected sound-wave returns, Distinguishing real signals from artifacts, Operating sensitive transducer systems, Translating sensor data into a clear picture.
How to get there: Complete an accredited diagnostic medical sonography program (associate degree or certificate) and earn ARDMS credentials. The GI Bill covers most programs.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 11% (Much faster than average)
Echocardiography and Doppler studies are pure acoustic interpretation, reading sound reflected off moving structures. An STG who classified contacts by their acoustic signature already thinks this way.
Transfers: Reading Doppler and echo returns, Detecting subtle signal anomalies, Precise sensor operation, Real-time interpretation of waveforms.
How to get there: Complete an accredited cardiovascular technology program and earn certification such as RCS or RCIS. Many programs accept the GI Bill.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 5% (Average)
Identifying targets by frequency and acoustic pattern is the heart of sonar work. Audiology applies that trained-ear, frequency-analysis skill to human hearing and balance.
Transfers: Analyzing sound across frequencies, Interpreting audiometric patterns, Diagnostic listening and discrimination, Sensor-based testing and calibration.
How to get there: Audiology requires a Doctor of Audiology (AuD), typically four years post-bachelor's. The GI Bill can offset graduate costs.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 11% (Much faster than average)
Tuning sonar gain and reading frequency response is close cousin to fitting and tuning hearing devices. Both rely on a calibrated ear and patient signal interpretation.
Transfers: Administering audiometric tests, Interpreting frequency-response data, Fine-tuning acoustic equipment, Distinguishing meaningful sound from noise.
How to get there: Requirements vary by state; most need a high school diploma plus a training period and a state licensing exam. No degree required in many states.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 18% (Much faster than average)
An STG spends years training the ear to pull a faint signal out of ocean noise. Audio engineering is that same critical-listening and noise-isolation skill in the recording and live-sound world.
Transfers: Critical listening and audio discrimination, Isolating signal from background noise, Operating audio sensor and recording systems, Frequency and waveform analysis.
How to get there: Many enter through an audio-engineering certificate or associate program, then build a portfolio. Hands-on electronics experience transfers directly.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · -3% (Declining)
Seismic surveying sends sound into the earth and reads the returns to find structures, the same active-acoustic logic as surface sonar. STGs read this kind of signal data for a living.
Transfers: Interpreting seismic and acoustic returns, Detecting patterns in noisy sensor data, Operating geophysical sensing equipment, Mapping signals to physical features.
How to get there: An associate degree in geoscience or a related field, or transfer of military sensor experience plus on-the-job training with an exploration firm.
BLS OEWS May 2024 · 3% (Average)
The skills behind the specialty carry further than the specialty. BMR rewrites your bullets for any of the paths above without making it sound like you have never done the work.
Free to start. Try as many angles as you want.
If you are staying in sonar, acoustics, or defense electronics, your terminology is understood by the people hiring you. This section is for careers outside acoustics and defense, where you need to translate your experience into language that civilian hiring managers recognize.
| Military Term | Civilian Equivalent | Where It Applies |
|---|---|---|
| Sonar classification and identification | Data pattern recognition and analysis | Data analytics, cybersecurity, quality assurance |
| ASW track management and plotting | Geospatial analysis and tracking | GIS, logistics, operations research |
| System calibration and alignment | Precision measurement and calibration | Manufacturing, test engineering, lab work |
| Watch standing (24/7 sonar coverage) | 24/7 operations monitoring | Network operations, security operations, plant monitoring |
| Combat system troubleshooting | Complex systems diagnostics | IT support, field service engineering, systems administration |
For a full glossary of military-to-civilian term translations, see our guide on 50 military terms and their civilian equivalents.
Before, in service
Classified and identified over 200 sonar contacts during ASW exercises with 98% accuracy
After, on the resume
Analyzed complex data streams to identify patterns and anomalies, achieving 98% classification accuracy across 200+ data sets
Before, in service
Managed real-time ASW tactical plot tracking 15+ contacts simultaneously across 3 sensor systems
After, on the resume
Conducted real-time geospatial analysis tracking 15+ data points across 3 integrated monitoring systems
Before, in service
Performed quarterly calibration and alignment of AN/SQQ-89 sonar suite maintaining system accuracy within 0.5dB tolerance
After, on the resume
Executed precision calibration of integrated sensor systems maintaining accuracy within manufacturer specifications
Before, in service
Stood 6-hour sonar watches maintaining continuous acoustic surveillance and immediate threat reporting
After, on the resume
Monitored operational systems on 24/7 schedule with immediate escalation protocols for critical events
Before, in service
Troubleshot and repaired AN/SQQ-89 combat system faults to component level reducing system downtime by 40%
After, on the resume
Diagnosed and resolved complex integrated system failures at the component level, reducing downtime by 40%
Before, in service
Delivered real-time ASW briefs to commanding officer and tactical action officer during combat exercises
After, on the resume
Presented technical analysis and recommendations to senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders during time-critical operations
Before, in service
Executed and documented 150+ planned maintenance actions per quarter on sonar systems with zero discrepancies
After, on the resume
Completed and documented 150+ quality control procedures per quarter maintaining 100% compliance with established standards
Before, in service
Analyzed oceanographic conditions including bathythermograph data to optimize sonar search parameters
After, on the resume
Analyzed environmental data sets to optimize sensor performance parameters and improve detection capabilities
Before, in service
Integrated data from hull-mounted sonar, towed array, and fire control systems to maintain composite tactical picture
After, on the resume
Integrated data from multiple sensor platforms to create unified operational picture for decision-making
Before, in service
Drafted ASW contact reports and tactical messages per Navy reporting standards for fleet-level distribution
After, on the resume
Prepared technical intelligence reports following organizational standards for distribution to senior leadership
BMR turns your STG duties and accomplishments into civilian bullets aimed at the job you are applying for. No manual translation.
Free to start. Tailored to each posting.
Which ones you need depends on where you are headed.
DoD 8570 baseline certification for IT security roles. Opens doors to cybersecurity positions across defense and federal agencies.Cost $390-$400Time 2-3 months studyGI Bill eligibleRequired for many DoD IT positions
Intermediate cybersecurity analyst certification. Builds on Security+ for threat detection and analysis roles.Cost $390-$400Time 3-4 months studyGI Bill eligibleGood next step after Security+ for cyber career path
Gold standard for information security professionals. Requires 5 years experience (military experience counts). High-salary certification.Cost $750-$800Time 4-6 months studyGI Bill eligibleTarget after gaining civilian cybersecurity experience
Entry-level data analytics credential. Covers SQL, spreadsheets, Tableau, and R. Good for STGs pivoting to data analyst roles.Cost $300-$400Time 3-6 monthsGI Bill eligibleNo prerequisites; self-paced online
Validates data analytics fundamentals including data concepts, environments, and visualization. Pairs well with military data analysis experience.Cost $350-$400Time 2-3 months studyGI Bill eligibleVendor-neutral data analytics credential
IT service management framework certification. Useful for STGs moving into IT management or federal IT positions (GS-2210 series).Cost $350-$500Time 2-3 months studyGI Bill eligibleValued in federal IT and consulting
Foundational networking certification. Good for STGs transitioning to IT infrastructure or network operations roles.Cost $350-$400Time 2-3 months studyGI Bill eligiblePrerequisite knowledge for many IT roles
Entry-level project management certification. Good for STGs moving into program management or defense consulting roles.Cost $300-$400Time 2-3 months studyGI Bill eligibleStepping stone to PMP
Industry-standard project management certification. Military watch leadership and maintenance management count toward experience requirements.Cost $550-$600Time 3-6 months studyGI Bill eligibleRequires 36 months project experience (military counts)
Validates electronics troubleshooting skills gained in the fleet. Recognized across defense and manufacturing industries.Cost $100-$200Time 1-2 months studyGood entry credential for electronics technician roles
Industry standard for electronics assembly and soldering quality. Relevant for manufacturing and defense electronics roles.Cost $200-$500Time 1 week courseValued in defense electronics manufacturing
Professional membership for acoustics professionals. Provides access to journals, conferences, and networking. Relevant for staying in the acoustics field.Cost $50-$100/yearTime ImmediateNetworking and professional development in acoustics
Professional membership for signal processing professionals. Access to publications and conferences in signal processing.Cost $50-$200/yearTime ImmediateIndustry networking for signal processing careers
Placement decides whether a screener ever sees it. BMR knows where each one ranks, what to call it, and how to frame it.
Free to start. Built around your real certs and clearance.
Turn your STG experience into a resume that civilian hiring managers and federal HR specialists understand.
Most people do this backwards: wait for terminal leave, then panic. This is the sequence that works. Already out? Same plan, day one is today.
Days 0 to 30
Days 30 to 60
Days 60 to 90
Electronics technicians earn a median of $72,780 according to BLS OEWS May 2024 data. Sonar-specific roles at Raytheon, L3Harris, or Lockheed Martin can pay higher, especially with a Secret clearance and direct ASW system experience. Senior signal processing engineers can earn well over $100,000.
It is specialized, but that works in your favor. Defense contractors and NUWC facilities have consistent demand for people with real sonar system experience. The pool of qualified candidates is small because this training only comes from military service. That said, if you want more options, your electronics and data analysis skills transfer to broader tech and IT roles.
Very valuable. Defense contractors and federal agencies require clearances for most sonar and ASW-related positions. An active Secret clearance saves employers the time and cost of sponsoring a new investigation, which makes you a more attractive hire right out of the Navy.
Technician-level acoustics roles are available without a degree, especially at defense contractors who value hands-on sonar experience. For engineer-level positions, most employers want at least a bachelor's degree in physics, electrical engineering, or a related field. The GI Bill can cover this if you want to go that route.
NUWC stands for Naval Undersea Warfare Center. There are two main divisions: Newport, Rhode Island and Keyport, Washington. Both actively hire veterans with sonar and ASW backgrounds for civilian GS positions in electronics, acoustics, and program management. Many STGs continue doing very similar work as federal civilians.
Your electronics troubleshooting skills transfer to field service engineering, IT support, and test engineering. Signal processing experience applies to telecom and audio technology companies. Data analysis and pattern recognition skills map to business intelligence and cybersecurity analyst roles. The key is translating your military experience into civilian terms on your resume.
If you have an honorable discharge, you get 5-point Veterans' Preference on federal applications. If you have a service-connected disability rating, you get 10 points. This means your application scores higher in the ranking process, making it more likely that a hiring manager sees your resume near the top of the list.
Yes. The Post-9/11 GI Bill covers degree programs, and many certifications are eligible for GI Bill reimbursement. CompTIA Security+, CISSP, and degree programs in electrical engineering or physics are all common paths for transitioning STGs.
Newport, Rhode Island and Keyport, Washington are the two biggest hubs because of the NUWC facilities. San Diego also has strong demand due to the concentration of Navy commands and defense contractors. Beyond those hotspots, major defense contractor offices in the DC metro area, Dallas-Fort Worth, and Huntsville, Alabama also hire for related roles.
Start at least 12 months before your separation date. If you are interested in SkillBridge, you need command approval and most programs require applying 6-9 months out. For direct-hire positions, begin networking and applying 4-6 months before separation. Use your transition period to get certifications and build your civilian resume.
Salary data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS), May 2024. Career data from O*NET OnLine.
Stop rewriting from scratch every time you apply. BMR turns your military experience into civilian and federal resumes, tailored to each job.
Tailored resumes
Rewritten for each job posting
Cover letters
Matched to the role
LinkedIn optimization
Profile rewrite for civilian recruiters
Elevator pitch generator
For interviews and networking
Company research reports
Know who you are applying to
Job tracker
Every application in one place