Research Scientist
$95KHigh match
High demand
Live · Guide v1.061D2 · Career GuideValidated · Lightcast Labor DataUpdated · Q2 20262026 Cohort Active
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USAF · 61D2Career Guide · Operations · VWC.CG.61D2.R.04
61D2 · USAF · EnlistedResearch and Development
Research and Development
Scientist.
Air Force 61D2 (Research and Development Scientist). 2,400 hours of formal training translate to 5 validated civilian career pathways with salary bands of $90K–$120K. Sourced from DoD training data and Lightcast labor signals.
Training hours2,400DoD pipeline
ACE creditACEVary depending on the specific advanced degree program completed; generally substantial graduate-level credit
Tech roles4mapped to your code
Civilian pathways5validated
Cert coverage2/5direct + partial
/ 01 · Tech Roles
Roles your code maps to.
Industry tech roles your 61D2 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 61D2 training already gave you, and the specific gaps to close — not a generic checklist.
Already have07
- 01Research methodologies and experimental design→ Designing and executing data analysis pipelines
- 02Data analysis and statistical modeling→ Statistical analysis and predictive modeling
- 03Project management and program administration→ Managing technical projects and teams
- 04System Modeling→ Understanding and improving business processes
- 05Resource Optimization→ Efficient project management and strategic planning
- 06After-Action Analysis→ Critically evaluating project outcomes and driving continuous improvement
- 07Pattern Recognition→ Spotting patterns and anomalies in data
To learn07
The concrete gap to bridge — specific to the roles above, not a generic checklist.
+Python programming+Machine learning fundamentals+SQL and data warehousing+Data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau, Power BI)+Agile methodologies+Cloud computing platforms (AWS, Azure, GCP)+Modern system architectures
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.
Data Scientist
$120KHigh match
Very high demand
Skills to develop
- — Advanced Machine Learning
- — Cloud Computing Platforms
Project Manager
$90KGood match
High demand
Skills to develop
- — PMP Certification
Management Consultant
$110KGood match
Growing demand
Skills to develop
- — MBA or relevant master's degree
- — Industry-specific knowledge
Operations Research Analyst
$92KHigh match
High demand
Skills to develop
- — Advanced knowledge of optimization software
- — Specific industry experience
/ 04 · Hidden Strengths
What the code built.
Cognitive skills your 61D2 training built — and where they transfer in civilian work.
System Modeling
As a research program manager, you create models to understand complex systems, whether it's predicting the effectiveness of new technologies or optimizing resource allocation across multiple projects.
Transfers to
Your ability to build and analyze system models translates directly into understanding and improving complex business processes, supply chains, or organizational structures.
Resource Optimization
You are responsible for managing research budgets, personnel, and equipment to maximize the impact and efficiency of research projects. This demands careful planning and resource allocation.
Transfers to
Your experience optimizing resources translates into skills highly valued in roles requiring efficient project management, strategic planning, and budget oversight.
After-Action Analysis
You analyze the results of research projects and programs, identifying areas for improvement and lessons learned to enhance future research efforts.
Transfers to
Your proficiency in after-action analysis enables you to critically evaluate project outcomes, identify best practices, and drive continuous improvement in any organization.
Pattern Recognition
You identify trends and anomalies in research data to make predictions and develop new strategies or technologies. This allows you to see connections others miss.
Transfers to
Your sharp eye for spotting patterns and anomalies in research translates into skills highly valued in data analysis, market research, and risk management roles.
/ 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.
Business Intelligence Analyst
SOC 15-2051You've been building and analyzing complex models to predict outcomes and manage resources. As a Business Intelligence Analyst, you'll use those same skills to analyze market trends, forecast sales, and inform strategic decision-making for businesses. Your experience in research analysis directly translates to providing valuable insights.
Adjacent · MatchManagement Consultant
SOC 13-1111You've been planning, coordinating, and directing research projects. As a Management Consultant, you'll use your organizational skills, project management expertise, and understanding of complex systems to help businesses improve efficiency and effectiveness. Your ability to manage technical projects will give you a unique advantage.
Adjacent · MatchFinancial Analyst
SOC 13-2051You've honed your skills in resource optimization and data analysis. As a Financial Analyst, you'll leverage these skills to analyze financial data, manage investment portfolios, and advise companies on financial strategies. Your experience in budgeting and forecasting will be highly valued.
Adjacent · Match/ 06 · Training & Certs
What you trained on.
Academy
Advanced Academic Degree and Utilization Tour
2,400hHours
104wkWeeks
ACECredit
Vary depending on the specific advanced degree program completed; generally substantial graduate-level credit
Topics · 8
- Research methodologies and experimental design
- Data analysis and statistical modeling
- Project management and program administration
- Technical writing and scientific communication
- Interdisciplinary scientific knowledge
- DoD research regulations and policies
- Contract management and monitoring
- Scientific ethics and integrity
Partial coverage · 2
- Project Management Professional (PMP)60%
Formal project management methodologies (e.g., Agile, Waterfall), specific PMI terminology, and the PMP exam format.
- Certified Research Administrator (CRA)50%
In-depth knowledge of research regulations, compliance, and grant administration specific to civilian research institutions and funding agencies.
Recommended next · 03
- Lean Six Sigma Black BeltAdjacent
- Certified Analytics Professional (CAP)Adjacent
- Program Management Professional (PgMP)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 |
|---|---|---|
| Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) research tools | Various scientific research tools (MATLAB, LabVIEW, COMSOL) | Operations |
| Defense Research and Engineering Network (DREN) | High-performance computing clusters and scientific networks | Networking |
| Automated Cost Estimating Integrated Tools (ACEIT) | Cost estimation software (e.g., ProPricer, PRICE TruePlanning) | Operations |
| System Engineering Plan (SEP) | Project Management software (e.g., Jira, Asana, MS Project) | Platform |
| DoD Techipedia | Industry knowledge repositories (e.g., IEEE Xplore, ScienceDirect) | Operations |
| Joint Technical Architecture (JTA) | Enterprise architecture frameworks (e.g., TOGAF, Zachman) | Operations |
/ Translator · Live
Translate 61D2 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.