Avionics Technician
$75KHigh match
High demand
Live · Guide v1.06338 · Career GuideValidated · Lightcast Labor DataUpdated · Q2 20262026 Cohort Active
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USMC · 6338Career Guide · Operations · VWC.CG.6338.R.04
6338 · USMC · EnlistedAircraft Electrical Systems Technician
Aircraft Electrical Systems Technician
(F-35B).
Marine Corps 6338 (Aircraft Electrical Systems Technician (F-35B)). 480 hours of formal training translate to 4 validated civilian career pathways with salary bands of $62K–$75K. Sourced from DoD training data and Lightcast labor signals.
Training hours480DoD pipeline
ACE creditACEUp to 9 semester hours recommended
Tech roles4mapped to your code
Civilian pathways4validated
Cert coverage2/6direct + partial
/ 01 · Tech Roles
Roles your code maps to.
Industry tech roles your 6338 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 6338 training already gave you, and the specific gaps to close — not a generic checklist.
Already have08
- 01F-35B Aircraft Systems Overview→ Understanding of complex system architectures
- 02Electrical Wiring and Connector Repair→ Hardware debugging and repair
- 03Avionics Systems Troubleshooting→ Systematic problem-solving
- 04Using Technical Manuals and Schematics→ Interpreting technical documentation
- 05Situational Awareness→ Assessing and responding to surroundings in safety-sensitive environments
- 06System Modeling→ Visualizing and understanding complex system interactions
- 07Procedural Compliance→ Following detailed procedures and protocols
- 08Degraded-Mode Operations→ Handling malfunctions and finding solutions under pressure
To learn08
The concrete gap to bridge — specific to the roles above, not a generic checklist.
+C++ fundamentals+Real-time operating systems (RTOS) concepts+Python for test automation+Selenium or Cypress+Data analysis with Python pandas+SQL for data querying+Robotics Operating System (ROS)+Control systems basics
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.
Electrical Engineer Technician
$68KGood match
Growing demand
Skills to develop
- — Specific CAD software (e.g., AutoCAD Electrical)
- — PLC Programming
Wind Turbine Technician
$62KModerate match
Very high demand
Skills to develop
- — OSHA 30 Certification
- — Climbing and rescue training
- — Specific wind turbine manufacturer certifications
Industrial Electrician
$65KGood match
Stable demand
Skills to develop
- — Commercial Electrician License
/ 04 · Hidden Strengths
What the code built.
Cognitive skills your 6338 training built — and where they transfer in civilian work.
System Modeling
As an aircraft electrical systems technician, you develop a deep understanding of how various electrical components interact within complex aircraft systems. You mentally map these relationships to troubleshoot and maintain the F-35B’s electrical infrastructure.
Transfers to
This ability to visualize and understand complex system interactions translates directly to roles where you need to grasp how different elements work together to achieve a specific outcome. You can apply this to fields like process optimization or systems analysis.
Procedural Compliance
Your work demands strict adherence to detailed maintenance manuals and safety protocols when installing, removing, inspecting, testing, maintaining, and repairing aircraft electrical systems. There is no room for deviation from prescribed procedures.
Transfers to
Your commitment to following detailed procedures and protocols is highly valued in civilian sectors that require precision and consistency. This skill is valuable in highly regulated industries.
Degraded-Mode Operations
When electrical systems malfunction, you must quickly adapt and implement alternative solutions to restore functionality, even under pressure and with limited resources. This might involve improvising repairs or finding workarounds to keep the aircraft operational.
Transfers to
Your experience in handling malfunctions and finding solutions under pressure equips you to excel in environments where quick thinking and problem-solving are essential. You're adept at maintaining operations even when things don't go as planned.
Situational Awareness
Maintaining aircraft electrical systems requires constant awareness of the aircraft's overall operational status, environmental conditions, and potential hazards. You must stay informed about any changes that could affect the system's performance or safety.
Transfers to
Your ability to assess and respond to your surroundings will be a huge asset in any safety-sensitive environment.
/ 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 49-9086You've been working with complex electrical systems in aircraft, and wind turbines are essentially giant, high-tech electrical generators. Your troubleshooting and maintenance skills are directly transferable, and your experience with safety protocols makes you a valuable asset in this growing field.
Adjacent · MatchRobotics Technician
SOC 49-9062You've been diagnosing and repairing intricate electrical systems, and robotics relies heavily on similar skills. Your experience with electrical systems and troubleshooting can be applied to the maintenance and repair of robotic equipment used in manufacturing, healthcare, and other industries.
Adjacent · MatchAmusement and Recreation Mechanic
SOC 49-9091You've been maintaining complex electromechanical systems, and amusement park rides are full of them. Your troubleshooting skills and attention to detail are perfect for keeping these rides safe and operational, making sure everyone has a thrilling (and safe!) experience.
Adjacent · Match/ 06 · Training & Certs
What you trained on.
Academy
F-35B Aircraft Electrical Systems Technician Course
MCAS Cherry Point, NC480hHours
12wkWeeks
ACECredit
Up to 9 semester hours recommended
Topics · 8
- F-35B Aircraft Systems Overview
- Electrical Wiring and Connector Repair
- Avionics Systems Troubleshooting
- Power Generation and Distribution
- F-35B Specific Electrical Components
- Using Technical Manuals and Schematics
- Safety Procedures for Aircraft Electrical Systems
- Corrosion Control and Prevention
Partial coverage · 2
- Certified Aviation Electrician (SAE)70%
Study specific regulations and standards related to civilian aviation electrical systems, as military procedures may differ.
- ETA Certified Aircraft Electronics Technician (CETa)60%
Focus on the specific avionics and electronics found in civilian aircraft, as well as FAA regulations.
Recommended next · 04
- FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) MechanicAdjacent
- avionics certifications such as those offered by NCATT (National Center for Aerospace & Transportation Technologies)Adjacent
- Certified Quality Technician (CQT) by ASQAdjacent
- 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 |
|---|---|---|
| Automated Maintenance Environment (AME) | Maintenance management software (e.g., SAP Plant Maintenance, IBM Maximo) | Operations |
| Joint Technical Data Integration (JTDI) | Technical document management systems (e.g., Adobe Technical Communication Suite, DITA CMS) | Operations |
| AN/AVM-123A Radar Test Set | Avionics testing equipment (e.g., Aeroflex IFR4000, Viavi 3920B) | Signals |
| Common Munitions Built-in Test/Reprogramming Equipment (CMBRE) | Automated testing and diagnostic equipment (e.g., National Instruments LabVIEW-based systems) | Networking |
| F-35B Integrated Power Package (IPP) | Auxiliary Power Unit (APU) maintenance and diagnostic tools | Operations |
| Advanced Display Core Processor (ADCP) | High-performance embedded computing diagnostics and repair tools | Operations |
| Electrical Load Management System (ELMS) | Power distribution and control systems diagnostic software (e.g., Eaton Power Xpert, Schneider Electric Power Monitoring Expert) | Operations |
/ Translator · Live
Translate 6338 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.