Avionics Technician
$75KHigh match
High demand
Live · Guide v1.02A195B · Career GuideValidated · Lightcast Labor DataUpdated · Q2 20262026 Cohort Active
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USAF · 2A195BCareer Guide · Operations · VWC.CG.2A195B.R.04
2A195B · USAF · EnlistedAvionics Test Station
Avionics Test Station
Specialist.
Air Force 2A195B (Avionics Test Station Specialist). 1,120 hours of formal training translate to 5 validated civilian career pathways with salary bands of $55K–$78K. Sourced from DoD training data and Lightcast labor signals.
Training hours1,120DoD pipeline
ACE creditACEUp to 15 semester hours recommended in electronics technology
Tech roles4mapped to your code
Civilian pathways5validated
Cert coverage3/6direct + partial
/ 01 · Tech Roles
Roles your code maps to.
Industry tech roles your 2A195B background maps to — picked from BLS-anchored occupations using your training, cognitive skills, and systems experience.
Sort · Match descending
/ 02 · Skill Bridge
The gap, named.
What 2A195B training already gave you, and the specific gaps to close — not a generic checklist.
Already have12
- 01Avionics Systems Theory→ Understanding of system architecture and design principles
- 02Digital and Analog Circuitry→ Hardware-software interaction, debugging, and troubleshooting
- 03Test Equipment Operation and Maintenance→ Automated testing frameworks, test case design, and execution
- 04Electronic Warfare Systems Diagnostics→ Security principles, vulnerability assessment, and threat modeling
- 05Radar Systems Troubleshooting→ Signal processing, data analysis, and pattern recognition
- 06Communication Systems Repair→ Networking protocols, data transmission, and cybersecurity
- 07Calibration Procedures→ Precision measurement, data validation, and quality control
- 08Maintenance Data Collection and Reporting→ Data analysis, documentation, and communication
- 09System Modeling→ Designing, troubleshooting, or optimizing intricate processes or technologies
- 10Procedural Compliance→ Working in regulated industries where precision and consistency are paramount.
- 11Degraded-Mode Operations→ Problem-solving under pressure
- 12Situational Awareness→ Strategic thinking and proactive decision-making
To learn10
The concrete gap to bridge — specific to the roles above, not a generic checklist.
+Python fundamentals+Selenium or Cypress for web UI testing+Jenkins or GitLab CI for continuous integration+C/C++ programming+Real-time operating systems (RTOS) concepts+Microcontroller programming (e.g., ARM)+Data analysis tools (e.g., SQL, Excel, Tableau)+Business process modeling+Cloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure, or GCP) security fundamentals+Network security concepts and tools (firewalls, IDS/IPS)
How VWC fits
Vets Who Code is a free, full-time software engineering accelerator for veterans, active duty, and military spouses. We close the fundamentals — terminal, web platform, AI tooling, portfolio projects — so the rest of this list becomes specialization, not square one.
See VWC Programs →/ 03 · Civilian Pathways
Where your code lands.
Electronics Engineering Technician
$70KGood match
Growing demand
Skills to develop
- — Specific industry certifications (e.g., CompTIA)
- — CAD/CAM software proficiency
Calibration Technician
$65KGood match
Stable demand
Skills to develop
- — Metrology training
- — ISO 17025 knowledge
Field Service Technician (Avionics)
$78KGood match
Growing demand
Skills to develop
- — Strong customer service skills
- — Vendor-specific equipment training
Quality Control Inspector
$55KModerate match
Stable demand
Skills to develop
- — ASQ certification (e.g., Certified Quality Inspector)
- — Familiarity with quality management systems
/ 04 · Hidden Strengths
What the code built.
Cognitive skills your 2A195B training built — and where they transfer in civilian work.
System Modeling
You routinely analyze complex avionics systems, tracing logic, schematics, and wiring diagrams to understand the interplay of components and predict potential failure points.
Transfers to
This ability to understand and model complex systems translates directly to roles where you'll be designing, troubleshooting, or optimizing intricate processes or technologies.
Procedural Compliance
Your work demands strict adherence to maintenance standards, safety protocols, and regulatory directives to ensure the reliability and safety of avionics systems.
Transfers to
This commitment to following procedures and maintaining standards is highly valued in regulated industries where precision and consistency are paramount.
Degraded-Mode Operations
You are skilled at diagnosing and repairing malfunctions in avionics systems under pressure, often in time-sensitive situations where system downtime can have significant consequences.
Transfers to
Your experience with problem-solving under pressure is a valuable asset in fields that demand quick thinking and decisive action.
Situational Awareness
Maintaining awareness of the overall status of avionics systems, including performance metrics, potential issues, and environmental factors, is critical for your role.
Transfers to
This ability to maintain a broad perspective and understand the interconnectedness of various elements is crucial for roles that require strategic thinking and proactive decision-making.
/ 05 · Non-Obvious Matches
Roles the recruiter won't suggest.
Adjacent civilian roles your training maps to that conventional military-to-civilian advice tends to miss.
Building Automation Systems Technician
SOC 49-9012.00You've been troubleshooting complex electronic systems and keeping them running smoothly. Now, imagine using those skills to manage the electronic 'brains' of modern buildings, ensuring everything from lighting and HVAC to security systems work efficiently. Your experience with schematics and maintenance will make you an invaluable asset.
Adjacent · MatchRobotics Technician
SOC 49-9061.00You've been working on avionics systems, which are essentially complex robots controlling aircraft functions. Now, translate that expertise to the world of automated systems in manufacturing, healthcare, or logistics. You'll be installing, maintaining, and repairing robots, using your diagnostic skills to keep production lines humming.
Adjacent · MatchWind Turbine Technician
SOC 49-9081.00You've been maintaining sophisticated avionics systems, and wind turbines are essentially complex electromechanical systems that require similar skills. You will be diagnosing and repairing electrical, electronic, and mechanical systems in the wind turbine. Your maintenance experience and troubleshooting skills will be highly valued.
Adjacent · Match/ 06 · Training & Certs
What you trained on.
Academy
Avionics Test Station Training
Sheppard Air Force Base, TX1,120hHours
28wkWeeks
ACECredit
Up to 15 semester hours recommended in electronics technology
Topics · 8
- Avionics Systems Theory
- Digital and Analog Circuitry
- Test Equipment Operation and Maintenance
- Electronic Warfare Systems Diagnostics
- Radar Systems Troubleshooting
- Communication Systems Repair
- Calibration Procedures
- Maintenance Data Collection and Reporting
Partial coverage · 3
- Certified Electronics Technician (CET)70%
Requires studying specific electronics topics like circuit analysis, troubleshooting techniques beyond avionics, and possibly some hands-on practice with non-avionics equipment.
- ETA International Aircraft Electronics Technician (AET)80%
Requires familiarity with FAA regulations, specific aircraft models outside of military experience, and possibly hands-on experience with general aviation electronics.
- CompTIA Network+40%
Requires studying network fundamentals, network security, network troubleshooting, and network implementation, as the military training might focus more on specific avionics network protocols.
Recommended next · 03
- Certified Test Engineer ( різних організацій)Adjacent
- ASQ Certified Calibration Technician (CCT)Adjacent
- Six Sigma Green BeltAdjacent
/ 07 · Systems Translation
What you ran, in their words.
Military systems you operated and their civilian equivalents for your resume.
| Military System | Civilian Equivalent | Domain |
|---|---|---|
| AN/USM-636(V) Forward Avionics Intermediate Shop (FAIS) | Automated Test Equipment (ATE) for avionics systems | Operations |
| AN/ALM-285 Radar Test Set | Radar signal generators and spectrum analyzers | Signals |
| AN/ARM-159A Radar Test Set | Advanced signal analyzers and calibration equipment | Signals |
| Common Munitions Built-in Test (BIT) Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE) | Embedded system debuggers and firmware programmers | Networking |
| Versatile Depot Automatic Test Station (VDATS) | Automated Test Systems for manufacturing and maintenance | Operations |
| Integrated Electronic Warfare System (INEWS) | Electronic warfare simulation and testing software | Operations |
| Joint Service Electronic Combat Systems Tester (JSECST) | RF and microwave test equipment, signal generators | Operations |
/ Translator · Live
Translate 2A195B into a resume that ships.
Pair this guide with the VWC AI-powered translator: drop in your service record, get back ATS-optimized civilian resume language tuned to the tech roles above.