Aircraft Mechanic/Technician
$75KHigh match
High demand
Live · Guide v1.06085 · Career GuideValidated · Lightcast Labor DataUpdated · Q2 20262026 Cohort Active
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USMC · 6085Career Guide · Maintenance · VWC.CG.6085.R.04
6085 · USMC · EnlistedAircraft Maintenance
Aircraft Maintenance
Technician.
Marine Corps 6085 (Aircraft Maintenance Technician). 1,360 hours of formal training translate to 5 validated civilian career pathways with salary bands of $60K–$125K. Sourced from DoD training data and Lightcast labor signals.
Training hours1,360DoD pipeline
ACE creditACEUp to 20 semester hours recommended in aviation maintenance technology
Tech roles4mapped to your code
Civilian pathways5validated
Cert coverage2/5direct + partial
/ 01 · Tech Roles
Roles your code maps to.
Industry tech roles your 6085 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 6085 training already gave you, and the specific gaps to close — not a generic checklist.
Already have05
- 01Aircraft Maintenance→ System Modeling
- 02Procedural Compliance→ Attention to Detail in Software Development
- 03Situational Awareness→ Risk Identification and Mitigation
- 04NALCOMIS→ Enterprise Asset Management Systems
- 05CASS/AEDS→ Automated Testing and Diagnostics
To learn08
The concrete gap to bridge — specific to the roles above, not a generic checklist.
+Python fundamentals+Selenium or Cypress for web application testing+Cloud computing basics (AWS, Azure, or GCP)+Infrastructure as Code (IaC) with Terraform or Ansible+Network security fundamentals+Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) tools+IT systems analysis techniques+Data analysis and visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)
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.
Aerospace Engineer
$125KGood match
Growing demand
Skills to develop
- — Bachelor's Degree in Aerospace Engineering
- — CAD software proficiency
Avionics Technician
$78KGood match
High demand
Skills to develop
- — FAA certification
- — Specific avionics systems training
Wind Turbine Technician
$60KModerate match
Very high demand
Skills to develop
- — Wind turbine maintenance certification
- — High-angle rescue training
Maintenance Manager
$95KModerate match
Stable demand
Skills to develop
- — Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
- — Leadership training
/ 04 · Hidden Strengths
What the code built.
Cognitive skills your 6085 training built — and where they transfer in civilian work.
System Modeling
As an aircraft maintenance technician, you develop a deep understanding of how various aircraft systems (hydraulic, electrical, mechanical) interact and depend on each other. You troubleshoot issues by mentally mapping the flow of energy and signals within these systems.
Transfers to
This ability to visualize and understand complex systems makes you valuable in any field dealing with intricate processes or machinery. You can quickly grasp how different components work together and identify potential points of failure.
Procedural Compliance
Aircraft maintenance is governed by strict regulations and procedures to ensure safety and reliability. You follow detailed manuals and checklists meticulously to perform tasks accurately and avoid potentially catastrophic errors.
Transfers to
Your dedication to following procedures translates into a high level of accuracy and attention to detail. You excel in environments where adherence to protocols is critical for maintaining quality and safety.
Situational Awareness
Working on aircraft requires constant awareness of your surroundings and potential hazards. You must be vigilant to ensure your safety and the safety of your team, especially when operating around running engines or moving aircraft.
Transfers to
Your enhanced situational awareness makes you adept at identifying risks and responding quickly to unexpected events. You can anticipate potential problems and take proactive measures to prevent accidents or delays.
Degraded-Mode Operations
Aircraft maintenance often involves troubleshooting and repairing systems that are not functioning correctly. You learn to adapt to unexpected problems, use alternative methods, and find creative solutions to keep aircraft operational.
Transfers to
Your experience with degraded-mode operations demonstrates your resourcefulness and problem-solving skills. You are comfortable working under pressure and can find effective solutions even when resources are limited or conditions are challenging.
/ 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.
Robotics Technician
SOC 49-9092You've been working with complex mechanical and electrical systems in aircraft. Robotics applies similar principles but in a different context. Your troubleshooting skills and understanding of system interactions are directly transferable.
Adjacent · MatchWind Turbine Technician
SOC 49-9097You've been maintaining aircraft engines and airframes. Wind turbines also involve complex mechanical systems that require regular maintenance, inspection, and repair. Your skills in hydraulics, pneumatics, and electrical systems are highly relevant.
Adjacent · MatchAmusement and Recreation Mechanic
SOC 49-9091You possess extensive experience in maintaining complex machinery and ensuring safety. Amusement park rides and attractions rely on intricate systems that need regular attention. Your skills in troubleshooting, preventative maintenance, and adherence to safety protocols are a perfect fit.
Adjacent · Match/ 06 · Training & Certs
What you trained on.
Academy
Aviation Maintenance Course
Naval Air Station Pensacola, FL1,360hHours
34wkWeeks
ACECredit
Up to 20 semester hours recommended in aviation maintenance technology
Topics · 8
- Basic electricity and electronics
- Aircraft hydraulic systems
- Aircraft engine theory and maintenance (reciprocating and turbine)
- Airframe structures and repair
- Aircraft Weight and Balance
- Corrosion control
- Non-destructive inspection techniques
- Safety procedures and regulations
Partial coverage · 2
- Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) Mechanic70%
FAA regulations, specific aircraft systems not covered in military training, and practical experience requirements.
- Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)30%
Formal business management training, experience in aviation management roles, and understanding of financial aspects of aviation operations.
Recommended next · 03
- Inspection Authorization (IA)Adjacent
- Commercial Pilot License (fixed wing or rotary wing)Adjacent
- Project Management Professional (PMP)Adjacent
/ 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Joint Technical Data Integration (JTDI) | SAE International standards database, commercial aviation maintenance manuals | Operations |
| Naval Aviation Logistics Command Management Information System (NALCOMIS) | Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) software like IBM Maximo or SAP PM | Networking |
| Consolidated Automated Support System (CASS) | Automated test equipment (ATE) for electronic component diagnostics, such as those from Keysight or National Instruments | Operations |
| Advanced Engine Diagnostic System (AEDS) | Engine diagnostic software and hardware like those from AVL or Mahle | Platform |
| Oil Analysis Program (JOAP) | Predictive maintenance software with oil analysis capabilities, such as those from Spectro Scientific | Operations |
| Automated Maintenance Environment (AME) | Cloud-based maintenance management platforms like Fiix or UpKeep | Operations |
/ Translator · Live
Translate 6085 into a resume that ships.
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