Field Service Engineer
$95KHigh match
High demand
Skills to develop
- — Specific product knowledge (e.g., Siemens, GE)
- — Customer service skills
Live · Guide v1.0917A · Career GuideValidated · Lightcast Labor DataUpdated · Q2 20262026 Cohort Active
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ARMY · 917ACareer Guide · Maintenance · VWC.CG.917A.R.04
917A · ARMY · WarrantMissile Systems Maintenance
Missile Systems Maintenance
Technician.
Army 917A (Missile Systems Maintenance Technician). 840 hours of formal training translate to 5 validated civilian career pathways with salary bands of $75K–$105K. Sourced from DoD training data and Lightcast labor signals.
Training hours840DoD pipeline
ACE creditACEUp to 15 semester hours recommended in electronics technology and maintenance management
Tech roles4mapped to your code
Civilian pathways5validated
Cert coverage3/7direct + partial
/ 01 · Tech Roles
Roles your code maps to.
Industry tech roles your 917A 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 917A training already gave you, and the specific gaps to close — not a generic checklist.
Already have13
- 01Digital Switching Theory and Logic→ Understanding of digital systems and logical problem-solving
- 02Solid State Devices and Circuit Analysis→ Hardware-software interaction
- 03Missile System Diagnostics and Troubleshooting→ Systematic problem-solving and root cause analysis
- 04Automated Test Equipment Operation and Maintenance→ Test automation and validation
- 05Unit Level Logistics System (ULLS) Management→ Inventory management and supply chain principles
- 06Quality Assurance/Quality Control Procedures→ Attention to detail and adherence to standards
- 07Technical Publication Interpretation and Management→ Documentation and knowledge management
- 08Safety and Security Procedures for Missile Systems→ Risk assessment and mitigation
- 09System Modeling→ Understanding and predicting the behavior of complex systems
- 10Resource Optimization→ Effectively allocating resources to maximize efficiency and minimize waste
- 11Procedural Compliance→ Meticulous approach to following procedures and maintaining standards
- 12After-Action Analysis→ Analyzing past events, identifying areas for improvement, and implementing corrective actions
- 13Situational Awareness→ Quickly assess situations, understand the environment, and anticipate potential problems
To learn12
The concrete gap to bridge — specific to the roles above, not a generic checklist.
+Cloud infrastructure basics (AWS, Azure, or GCP)+CI/CD pipelines (Jenkins, GitLab CI, or CircleCI)+Configuration management tools (Ansible, Chef, or Puppet)+Containerization technologies (Docker, Kubernetes)+Scripting languages (Python, Bash)+Monitoring and logging tools (Prometheus, Grafana, ELK stack)+Network security concepts (firewalls, intrusion detection/prevention systems)+Security Information and Event Management (SIEM) systems+Vulnerability assessment and penetration testing tools+Modern software development lifecycle (Agile, Scrum)+Data analysis and visualization tools (Tableau, Power BI)+Database management systems (SQL, NoSQL)
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.
Maintenance Manager
$105KHigh match
Stable demand
Skills to develop
- — Project management certification (PMP)
- — Advanced knowledge of specific industry maintenance standards (e.g., ISO 9001)
Test Engineer
$90KGood match
Growing demand
Skills to develop
- — Proficiency in testing software (e.g., LabVIEW, TestStand)
- — Knowledge of statistical analysis
Logistics Manager
$85KGood match
Stable demand
Skills to develop
- — Supply chain management certification (e.g., CSCP)
- — Experience with specific logistics software (e.g., SAP, Oracle)
Technical Trainer
$75KModerate match
Growing demand
Skills to develop
- — Instructional design experience
- — Excellent communication and presentation skills
- — Certification in adult learning principles
/ 04 · Hidden Strengths
What the code built.
Cognitive skills your 917A training built — and where they transfer in civilian work.
System Modeling
You develop mental models of complex MFAD systems to understand how components interact and predict potential points of failure within missile systems.
Transfers to
This translates to understanding and predicting the behavior of complex systems, which is valuable in many civilian industries. You can quickly grasp how different parts of a system impact the whole and anticipate potential problems.
Resource Optimization
You manage and allocate resources, including personnel, tools, and supplies, to ensure smooth and continuous maintenance and repair operations. This requires balancing competing demands and making the most of available assets.
Transfers to
This skill allows you to effectively allocate resources to maximize efficiency and minimize waste. You can identify areas where resources are being underutilized or misallocated and develop strategies for improvement.
Procedural Compliance
You ensure that all maintenance and repair activities adhere to established quality assurance/quality control (QA/QC) procedures and safety regulations.
Transfers to
Your meticulous approach to following procedures and maintaining standards translates directly into ensuring compliance in regulated industries. You understand the importance of adhering to guidelines and can implement systems to maintain quality.
After-Action Analysis
You monitor and direct work-flow and test procedures, diagnostic system analysis, and troubleshooting techniques for automated test equipment supporting MFAD systems.
Transfers to
Your ability to analyze past events, identify areas for improvement, and implement corrective actions is valuable in driving continuous improvement in civilian organizations. You can use data and insights from past experiences to optimize processes and prevent future problems.
Situational Awareness
You maintain a comprehensive understanding of the status of MFAD systems, maintenance operations, and unit readiness, enabling you to make informed decisions and anticipate potential issues.
Transfers to
Your ability to quickly assess situations, understand the environment, and anticipate potential problems is invaluable. You can use this skill to make informed decisions, mitigate risks, and ensure smooth operations.
/ 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.
Logistics Analyst
SOC 13-2081You've been managing complex logistical operations, coordinating between military and industry, and optimizing resource allocation, making you well-prepared to analyze and improve supply chain efficiency for companies.
Adjacent · MatchQuality Assurance Manager
SOC 11-3051You've been ensuring that QA/QC procedures are followed, monitoring work practices, and identifying areas for improvement. Your experience in maintaining high standards and ensuring compliance translates directly to managing quality control programs in manufacturing or service industries.
Adjacent · MatchTechnical Trainer
SOC 25-9041You've been instructing subordinates in operating procedures, maintenance techniques, and the care of special tools and supporting equipment. You can leverage your technical expertise and communication skills to train employees on new technologies or procedures in various industries.
Adjacent · MatchIT Systems Manager
SOC 11-3021You've been managing and directing the integration of automated systems, troubleshooting complex technical problems, and ensuring the smooth operation of IT infrastructure, making you a great fit to oversee IT systems in businesses.
Adjacent · Match/ 06 · Training & Certs
What you trained on.
Academy
Patriot System Maintenance Course
Fort Sill, OK840hHours
21wkWeeks
ACECredit
Up to 15 semester hours recommended in electronics technology and maintenance management
Topics · 8
- Digital Switching Theory and Logic
- Solid State Devices and Circuit Analysis
- Missile System Diagnostics and Troubleshooting
- Automated Test Equipment Operation and Maintenance
- Unit Level Logistics System (ULLS) Management
- Quality Assurance/Quality Control Procedures
- Technical Publication Interpretation and Management
- Safety and Security Procedures for Missile Systems
Partial coverage · 3
- CompTIA A+70%
Focus on the latest hardware and software troubleshooting techniques not specifically covered in MFAD systems.
- CompTIA Network+60%
Study modern networking protocols, cloud networking concepts, and network security best practices.
- Certified Electronics Technician (CET)50%
Review broader electronics applications beyond MFAD systems, including consumer and industrial electronics repair.
Recommended next · 04
- Certified Maintenance & Reliability Professional (CMRP)Adjacent
- Project Management Professional (PMP)Adjacent
- Certified Logistics Associate (CLA)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 |
|---|---|---|
| MFAD Systems (Multiple Launch Rocket System Family of Munitions) | Automated Missile and Rocket Systems Maintenance and Diagnostic Equipment | Operations |
| Unit Level Logistic System (ULLS) | Inventory management software | Operations |
| Standard Army Maintenance System (SAMS-1) | Computerized Maintenance Management System (CMMS) | Operations |
| Standard Army Retail Supply System (SARSS) | Supply chain management software | Operations |
| Army Maintenance Management System (TAMMS) | Maintenance tracking and documentation software | Operations |
| Report of Discrepancy (ROD) | Incident Reporting System | Operations |
| Quality Discrepancy Report (QDR) | Quality Control Reporting System | Operations |
| Engineering Change Proposal (ECP) | Change Management System | Platform |
/ Translator · Live
Translate 917A 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.