MOS 6042 Individual Material Readiness List Asset Manager to Civilian: Complete Aviation Career Transition Guide
Career paths for 6042 IMRL Asset Managers transitioning to civilian aviation. Includes salary data $55K-$95K+, A&P pathways, and aviation logistics careers.
Bottom Line Up Front
MOS 6042 Individual Material Readiness List (IMRL) Asset Managers own one of the most transferable skillsets in Marine Aviation—inventory management, supply chain logistics, maintenance planning, and data systems proficiency. Your expertise in tracking critical aviation parts, managing millions in assets, and ensuring mission readiness translates directly to civilian aviation logistics, defense contractors, airline MRO operations, and supply chain management. Realistic first-year salaries range from $55,000-$75,000, with experienced aviation logistics professionals earning $85,000-$115,000+ at airlines, defense contractors, or aerospace manufacturers. Your military background in aviation asset management puts you ahead of civilian candidates who lack your systems knowledge and pressure-tested experience.
Let's address the elephant in the room
When 6042s start researching civilian careers, they often hear: "Asset management is too specialized." "Civilian companies don't understand IMRL." "You'll need to start over in a warehouse."
That's completely wrong. Here's what they miss:
You didn't just "track parts in a system." You:
- Managed inventory worth $5-15 million in aircraft components and support equipment
- Used enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems like NALCOMIS to track thousands of line items
- Coordinated with supply, maintenance, and operations to prevent aircraft-on-ground (AOG) situations
- Conducted physical inventories and reconciled discrepancies under time pressure
- Analyzed usage rates and forecasted material requirements
- Maintained 95%+ inventory accuracy in high-tempo operational environments
- Documented transactions and maintained audit-ready records
- Interfaced with Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) and supply chain networks
That's supply chain management, logistics coordination, inventory control, data analytics, and continuous process improvement—skills that aviation companies, defense contractors, and Fortune 500 manufacturers desperately need.
Best civilian career paths for 6042
Let's get specific with real career options and current salary data.
Aviation logistics specialist (airlines and MRO facilities)
Civilian job titles:
- Aviation materials coordinator
- Aircraft parts specialist
- Aviation inventory control analyst
- MRO logistics coordinator
- Aviation supply chain specialist
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level aviation logistics: $55,000-$68,000
- Experienced materials coordinator: $70,000-$85,000
- Senior aviation logistics analyst: $85,000-$105,000
- Aviation supply chain manager: $95,000-$125,000+
What translates directly:
- Aviation parts nomenclature and identification
- Inventory management systems (NALCOMIS → Quantum, TRAX, SAP)
- AOG coordination and expediting
- Vendor coordination and procurement
- Cycle counts and inventory accuracy
- Documentation and compliance requirements
- Understanding of FAA and maintenance regulations
Certifications needed:
- APICS Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution (CLTD) - Industry-standard supply chain cert ($1,000-1,500)
- APICS Certified Supply Chain Professional (CSCP) - Advanced certification ($1,500-2,500)
- Dangerous goods/hazmat shipping certification - Required for many aviation logistics roles ($300-600)
- Microsoft Excel proficiency - Pivot tables, VLOOKUP, data analysis (free online training)
Reality check: Airlines and MRO facilities operate 24/7. Expect shift work, especially in your first 1-2 years. Delta TechOps, United Technical Operations, AAR Corp, StandardAero, and Lufthansa Technik are major MRO employers actively hiring veterans.
Your NALCOMIS experience translates to civilian ERP systems—employers value that you understand aviation-specific inventory control and can learn their specific platform quickly.
Best for: 6042s who want to stay in aviation, prefer office/warehouse hybrid work, and value stable employment with major airlines or aerospace companies.
Defense contractor aviation logistics
Civilian job titles:
- Material management specialist (contractor)
- Aviation logistics analyst
- Government property administrator
- Configuration management specialist
- Integrated logistics support analyst
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level contractor logistics: $60,000-$75,000
- Senior material specialist: $80,000-$95,000
- Program logistics manager: $95,000-$120,000
- Senior configuration management: $100,000-$130,000+
What translates directly:
- Working with government supply systems and regulations
- Understanding of military aviation platforms (H-1, V-22, F-35, etc.)
- Security clearance (major advantage)
- Government property accountability
- Defense Logistics Agency (DLA) coordination
- Compliance with federal acquisition regulations
Certifications needed:
- Active Secret or Top Secret clearance - Massive hiring advantage
- Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) certifications - LOG Level I-III (many contractors will sponsor)
- Life Cycle Logistics certification - Offered by DAU (Defense Acquisition University)
Reality check: Defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Northrop Grumman, General Dynamics, and Raytheon actively recruit former 6042s. Your understanding of Marine aviation platforms and military supply chain makes you immediately valuable.
Contract work can be cyclical based on government funding, but major programs (F-35, CH-53K, MV-22) provide stable long-term employment.
Best for: 6042s with active clearances who want to continue supporting military aviation in a civilian capacity with significantly higher pay.
Aviation parts sales and distribution
Civilian job titles:
- Aviation parts sales representative
- Technical sales specialist (aerospace)
- Account manager (aviation distribution)
- Inside sales coordinator (aircraft parts)
- Aviation business development specialist
Salary ranges:
- Inside sales coordinator: $50,000-$65,000 base + commission
- Outside sales representative: $65,000-$85,000 base + $20K-40K commission
- Senior account manager: $90,000-$120,000 total compensation
- Top performers with major accounts: $130,000-$180,000+
What translates directly:
- Understanding aviation parts nomenclature (NSN, part numbers, tech data)
- Customer service under pressure (AOG situations)
- Relationship building with maintenance and supply personnel
- Technical knowledge of aircraft systems and components
- Problem-solving and troubleshooting
Certifications needed:
- Aviation parts sales training - Provided by employer
- Salesforce or CRM platform training - Many companies use customer relationship management software
- Aircraft systems knowledge - Your military experience covers this
- Bachelor's degree - Preferred but not always required with military experience
Reality check: Parts sales combines technical knowledge with business development. Companies like Wencor, Satair, Aviation Spares & Repairs Limited (ASAP), and Boeing Distribution pay well for people who understand aviation AND can build customer relationships.
Income is often base salary plus commission—top performers in aerospace sales can significantly exceed base compensation.
Best for: 6042s with strong communication skills who want higher earning potential through sales and don't mind customer-facing roles.
Supply chain management (commercial/manufacturing)
Civilian job titles:
- Inventory control specialist
- Supply chain coordinator
- Materials planner
- Procurement specialist
- Warehouse operations manager
Salary ranges:
- Inventory specialist: $48,000-$62,000
- Materials planner: $58,000-$75,000
- Supply chain analyst: $65,000-$82,000
- Procurement manager: $80,000-$100,000
- Supply chain manager: $90,000-$115,000+
What translates directly:
- Inventory accuracy and cycle counting
- ERP/WMS systems proficiency
- Forecasting and demand planning
- Vendor management
- Process improvement and lean principles
- Data analysis and reporting
Certifications needed:
- APICS CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management) - Industry gold standard ($1,200-2,000)
- Six Sigma Green Belt - Process improvement methodology ($800-1,500)
- APICS CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional) - Advanced certification ($1,500-2,500)
Reality check: Supply chain management is one of the fastest-growing career fields. The pandemic exposed supply chain vulnerabilities, and companies across all industries are investing heavily in logistics talent.
Your military logistics experience applies to any industry—automotive, medical devices, consumer goods, technology. Don't limit yourself to aviation if better opportunities exist elsewhere.
Best for: 6042s who want to leverage logistics skills in diverse industries with strong job security and advancement opportunities.
Aircraft and Powerplant (A&P) mechanic with logistics specialization
Civilian job titles:
- A&P mechanic / inspector
- Maintenance planner/scheduler
- Maintenance control coordinator
- Technical records specialist
- Reliability engineer (with A&P license)
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level A&P mechanic: $55,000-$68,000
- Experienced A&P with inspection authorization: $75,000-$95,000
- Maintenance planner/scheduler: $70,000-$90,000
- Reliability engineer: $85,000-$110,000+
- Senior technical records specialist: $80,000-$100,000
What translates directly:
- Understanding maintenance requirements and scheduling
- Aviation technical documentation
- Parts ordering and tracking for maintenance actions
- Coordination between maintenance and supply
- Quality assurance and compliance
Certifications needed:
- FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license - Required for mechanic roles (explained in detail below)
- Inspection Authorization (IA) - Advanced certification after 3 years as A&P
- Technical records training - Often provided by employer
Reality check: Getting your A&P opens doors beyond just turning wrenches. Many airlines and MRO facilities need planners and schedulers who understand both maintenance AND logistics—that's your unique value proposition as a 6042.
A&P license requires passing FAA written, oral, and practical exams. Your Marine aviation experience may qualify you for partial credit toward the required experience hours.
Best for: 6042s who want hands-on aviation work or planning roles, with the option to specialize in logistics/planning rather than just wrench-turning.
Your path to FAA A&P certification
As a 6042, you've been embedded in aviation maintenance operations but may not have performed hands-on maintenance yourself. Here's your realistic path to A&P:
Option 1: FAA-approved Part 147 school
- Time: 12-24 months
- Cost: $15,000-$40,000 (use GI Bill)
- Outcome: Eligible to test for A&P license immediately upon graduation
- Top schools: Spartan College, Redstone College, Aviation Institute of Maintenance
Option 2: Military experience credit + additional training
- Documented military aviation experience: Some of your 6042 time may qualify
- FAA requires: 30 months practical experience in either airframe or powerplant (or 18 months in both)
- Reality: Most 6042s need additional hands-on maintenance time or formal schooling
- Contact FAA FSDO (Flight Standards District Office) to evaluate your specific experience
Option 3: On-the-job training path
- Get hired as aviation mechanic trainee or assistant at airline/MRO
- Work under supervision of licensed A&P mechanics
- Accumulate 30 months documented experience
- Test for A&P license
- Time: 2.5-3 years
- Advantage: You're earning while learning
Bottom line on A&P: It's not required for logistics roles, but it dramatically increases your value and earning potential if you're willing to invest 1-2 years.
Skills translation table (for your resume)
Stop writing "IMRL Asset Manager" on civilian resumes. Use this translation:
| Military Experience | Civilian Translation |
|---|---|
| IMRL Asset Manager | Aviation Inventory Control Specialist / Materials Manager |
| NALCOMIS database management | ERP system administration and data management |
| Material readiness reporting | Supply chain analytics and KPI reporting |
| DRMO/DLA coordination | Multi-vendor procurement and logistics coordination |
| Conducted monthly inventories | Led cycle count programs achieving 98%+ inventory accuracy |
| Managed $8M aviation parts inventory | Accountable for $8M high-value inventory including rotable components |
| Expedited AOG parts | Coordinated critical parts expediting to minimize aircraft downtime |
| Transaction auditing | Ensured compliance with internal controls and audit requirements |
| Forecasted material requirements | Demand planning and inventory optimization |
| Trained junior Marines on supply procedures | Mentored team members on inventory management best practices |
Key terms to include on your resume:
- Inventory control and accuracy
- Supply chain logistics
- ERP/MRP systems (even if yours was NALCOMIS)
- Vendor coordination and procurement
- Data analysis and reporting
- Process improvement
- Aviation maintenance support
- Regulatory compliance
- Asset management
Certifications that actually matter
Here's what's worth your time and GI Bill:
High priority (get these first):
APICS CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management) - This is THE inventory management certification. Recognized industry-wide. Cost: $1,200-2,000. Study time: 3-6 months. Value: Opens doors at every major manufacturer and logistics company.
APICS CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional) - Broader supply chain cert, highly valued. Cost: $1,500-2,500. Study time: 4-6 months. Value: Positions you for analyst and management roles.
Microsoft Excel advanced training - Civilian logistics jobs require serious Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, macros, data visualization). Cost: Free to $500. Time: Self-paced. Value: Required for nearly every logistics job.
Dangerous Goods/Hazmat shipping certification (IATA) - Aviation logistics involves shipping hazardous materials. Cost: $300-600. Time: 2-3 days. Value: Required or strongly preferred for aviation logistics roles.
Medium priority (if it fits your career path):
FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license - If you want hands-on aviation maintenance or planning roles. Cost: $15,000-40,000 (GI Bill covers). Time: 12-24 months. Value: Significant for aviation careers, not needed for pure logistics roles.
Six Sigma Green Belt - Process improvement methodology, valued in manufacturing and logistics. Cost: $800-1,500. Time: 3-4 weeks. Value: Shows you can optimize processes and reduce waste.
Project Management Professional (PMP) - If targeting program management roles. Cost: $1,000-3,000 for training + exam. Requires 3 years experience. Value: Opens doors to senior management positions.
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management or Logistics - Use GI Bill for online programs like University of Maryland Global Campus, Embry-Riddle, or Penn State World Campus. Time: 2-4 years part-time. Value: Required for many management positions.
Low priority (nice to have, not critical):
DAWIA LOG certifications (Level I-III) - Only needed if working for defense contractors or DoD. Most contractors will sponsor this training. Don't pay out of pocket.
SAP or Oracle certification - Specific to those software platforms. Only get this if you have a job that uses it. Most companies train you on their specific ERP system.
The skills gap (what you need to learn)
Let's be honest about civilian skills you'll need to develop:
Advanced Excel skills: NALCOMIS did the calculations for you. Civilian jobs require you to build reports, analyze data, and create dashboards in Excel. Take online courses (Udemy, Coursera, LinkedIn Learning).
Business communication: Military brevity and acronyms don't work in civilian offices. You'll need to write professional emails, create PowerPoint presentations, and communicate with non-technical stakeholders.
Commercial aviation regulations: Military aviation operates under different rules than civilian FAA Part 121 (airlines) or Part 145 (repair stations). Learn the civilian regulatory environment.
Civilian ERP systems: NALCOMIS is unique to military. Civilian companies use SAP, Oracle, Quantum Control, TRAX, or other platforms. Emphasize your ability to learn complex systems, not just your NALCOMIS knowledge.
Customer service mindset: You supported Marines and operational units. Civilian roles require "customer service" even in internal logistics positions. Adjust your communication style accordingly.
Real 6042 success stories
Amanda, 28, former 6042 → Aviation Logistics Coordinator at Delta TechOps
After 5 years managing IMRL for a V-22 squadron, Amanda separated as a Sergeant. She earned her APICS CPIM certification using SkillBridge and applied to airline MRO positions. Landed at Delta TechOps in Atlanta managing rotable components inventory. Started at $68,000, now makes $82,000 after 3 years with excellent benefits and flight privileges.
Carlos, 31, former 6042 → Material Management Specialist at Lockheed Martin
Carlos did 8 years including deployments supporting H-1 squadrons. Got out as a Staff Sergeant with an active Secret clearance. Used his clearance and Marine aviation experience to land a contractor position supporting the F-35 program. Started at $78,000, now at $95,000 after 4 years. Working toward DAWIA LOG Level III for program management opportunities.
Jennifer, 29, former 6042 → Supply Chain Analyst at Boeing
Jennifer separated after 6 years and used her GI Bill to complete a bachelor's in supply chain management while working part-time in logistics. Got hired by Boeing's supply chain rotational program. Started at $72,000, promoted to senior analyst at $89,000 after 2 years. On track for supply chain management role in her late 30s.
Action plan: your first 90 days out
Here's your specific roadmap:
Month 1: Foundation and assessment
- Update resume with civilian logistics terminology (use our translation table)
- Create LinkedIn profile emphasizing supply chain, inventory control, and aviation logistics
- Get DD-214 and request 10 certified copies
- Apply for VA benefits and disability rating (if applicable)
- Research APICS CPIM certification and study materials
- Identify 5-10 target companies (airlines, defense contractors, MRO facilities)
Month 2: Certifications and applications
- Enroll in APICS CPIM study program (self-paced or instructor-led)
- Take advanced Excel course (LinkedIn Learning or Udemy)
- Get IATA dangerous goods certification if targeting aviation roles
- Apply to 15+ positions per week (cast a wide net initially)
- Attend veteran job fairs and aviation industry events
- Join professional associations (SOLE - International Society of Logistics, APICS local chapter)
Month 3: Networking and interviewing
- Practice interview answers focusing on: inventory accuracy, process improvement, problem-solving, team collaboration
- Tailor resume for each application (emphasize relevant systems, platforms, industry experience)
- Network with other veterans in aviation logistics (LinkedIn, veteran organizations)
- Consider temp-to-hire or contract logistics roles to get foot in door
- Follow up on applications professionally
- If using SkillBridge, target airlines or major contractors with programs
Bottom line for 6042s
Your IMRL asset management experience is in-demand in civilian aviation, defense, and commercial logistics.
You've managed complex inventories, worked with enterprise systems, coordinated with multiple stakeholders, and maintained accountability under pressure. Those skills translate directly to careers that pay $70K-$100K+ within 3-5 years.
Aviation companies need people who understand aviation-specific logistics. Defense contractors need people who understand military supply chain and hold clearances. Commercial manufacturers need inventory control professionals who can maintain accuracy and optimize processes.
You're not starting from zero. You're starting with 4-8 years of specialized experience that's difficult to replicate in civilian training.
First-year income of $55K-75K is realistic. Within 5 years, $80K-100K+ is achievable with certifications and strategic career moves.
The skills gap is real but manageable—focus on Excel, civilian business communication, and APICS certifications.
Thousands of 6042s have successfully transitioned. You have a clear path forward.
Ready to build your transition plan? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to translate your 6042 experience, research aviation logistics salaries, and track your certifications.