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USMC · 6314Career Guide · Operations · VWC.CG.6314.R.04

6314 · USMC · Enlisted

UAS Avionics
Technician.

Marine Corps 6314 (UAS Avionics Technician). 480 hours of formal training translate to 4 validated civilian career pathways with salary bands of $60K–$75K. Sourced from DoD training data and Lightcast labor signals.

Training hours480DoD pipeline

ACE creditACEUp to 6 semester hours in aviation maintenance technology

Tech roles4mapped to your code

Civilian pathways4validated

Cert coverage2/6direct + partial

/ 01 · Tech Roles

Roles your code maps to.

SOURCE · BLS + LIGHTCAST ROLES · 4

Industry tech roles your 6314 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 6314 training already gave you, and the specific gaps to close — not a generic checklist.

Already have07

01
UAS avionics systems→ embedded systems
02
Avionics troubleshooting and repair→ debugging and fault isolation
03
Technical documentation and maintenance logs→ creating clear and concise documentation
04
System Modeling→ Designing and analyzing processes
05
RQ-21A Blackjack UAS→ Commercial drone platforms
06
Portable Flight Planning System (PFPS)→ Flight planning software
07
FLIR Systems EO/IR payloads→ FLIR thermal cameras, stabilized gimbals

To learn04

The concrete gap to bridge — specific to the roles above, not a generic checklist.

+C++ programming+Python programming+Robot Operating System (ROS)+Data analysis and visualization

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.

SOURCE · LIGHTCAST + CURATED PATHWAYS · 4

P.01

Avionics Technician

$75K

High match

High demand

P.02

Drone Technician

$70K

High match

Very high demand

P.03

Electrical Engineer Technician

$65K

Good match

Growing demand

Skills to develop

— Specific electrical engineering software knowledge (e.g., MATLAB, Simulink)
— Civilian certifications related to electrical systems

P.04

Wind Turbine Technician

$60K

Moderate match

High demand

Skills to develop

— Safety certifications (e.g., OSHA 30)
— Climbing and rescue training
— Specific wind turbine maintenance training

/ 04 · Hidden Strengths

What the code built.

Cognitive skills your 6314 training built — and where they transfer in civilian work.

S.01

System Modeling

UAS avionics technicians develop a strong understanding of how various UAS components interact to form a complete system. They troubleshoot issues by mentally mapping the system's architecture and predicting how changes in one area will affect others.

Transfers to

This ability to visualize and understand complex systems translates to designing, analyzing, and improving processes in many civilian fields. You can quickly grasp how different parts of an organization or product work together.

S.02

Procedural Compliance

Maintenance and repair of UAS equipment demand strict adherence to technical manuals, safety protocols, and quality control procedures. Technicians meticulously follow these guidelines to ensure safe and reliable operation.

Transfers to

Your commitment to following established procedures and documentation makes you an ideal candidate for roles where accuracy and consistency are vital, and regulatory compliance is essential.

S.03

Degraded-Mode Operations

When UAS systems malfunction, technicians must diagnose and repair problems under pressure, often with limited resources or incomplete information. They adapt their approach to maintain functionality even when systems aren't working perfectly.

Transfers to

Your experience in troubleshooting and repairing systems under duress translates to exceptional problem-solving skills. You can remain calm and resourceful in high-pressure situations, finding innovative solutions when things go wrong.

S.04

After-Action Analysis

UAS avionics technicians participate in post-maintenance reviews, identifying areas for improvement in procedures, training, or equipment design to prevent future issues and enhance overall system performance.

Transfers to

You are adept at critically evaluating processes and outcomes, identifying root causes of problems, and recommending improvements to increase efficiency and effectiveness. This analytical approach is highly valued in many industries.

/ 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.

Wind Turbine Technician

SOC 49-9099

You've been maintaining complex electromechanical systems in demanding environments. Wind turbines also require expertise in electrical, mechanical, and hydraulic systems, and your experience with troubleshooting and repair will make you a valuable asset in this growing field.

Adjacent · Match

Robotics Technician

SOC 49-9096

Your experience with UAS maintenance has given you a strong foundation in robotics and automated systems. You have the troubleshooting skills and systems knowledge needed to excel in this field, which is experiencing rapid growth across various industries.

Adjacent · Match

Building Automation Systems Technician

SOC 49-9021

You've honed skills in electrical systems, control systems, and diagnostics which are very transferable to building automation. You'll be working with HVAC, lighting, security, and other systems in buildings, ensuring they operate efficiently and effectively.

Adjacent · Match

/ 06 · Training & Certs

What you trained on.

SOURCE · DOD + ACE\nVALIDATED

Academy