MOS 6072 Aircraft Maintenance Material Chief to Civilian: Aviation Supply Chain Leadership Guide
Career paths for 6072 Aircraft Maintenance Material Chiefs. Includes salary data $70K-$130K+, supply chain management, aviation logistics, and program management.
Bottom Line Up Front
MOS 6072 Aircraft Maintenance Material Chiefs are senior supply chain and logistics leaders with 12-20+ years managing aviation parts, coordinating supply operations, and ensuring material readiness for complex aircraft fleets. Your expertise in inventory management, procurement, vendor coordination, ERP systems, and logistics planning translates directly to senior aviation logistics roles, supply chain management, program management at defense contractors, and operations management at airlines and aerospace companies. Realistic first-year salaries range from $70,000-$90,000 in logistics coordination or management roles, with experienced supply chain managers and directors earning $100,000-$140,000+ at major airlines, defense contractors, or aerospace manufacturers. Your combination of technical aviation knowledge and supply chain leadership makes you highly competitive for senior positions.
Let's address the elephant in the room
When 6072s research civilian careers, they sometimes worry: "Supply chain is too competitive." "Civilians don't understand military logistics." "I'll have to start at entry level."
That's completely wrong. Here's what they miss:
You didn't just "order parts." You:
- Led supply departments of 30-100+ Marines managing millions in aviation inventory
- Coordinated organizational and intermediate-level supply operations
- Managed complex procurement through Defense Logistics Agency (DLA), depot-level supply, and emergency channels
- Prevented aircraft-on-ground (AOG) situations through strategic planning and expediting
- Used enterprise systems (NALCOMIS, MAXIMO) to track thousands of line items
- Conducted audits and maintained inventory accuracy above 95%
- Interfaced with maintenance, operations, quality assurance, and external agencies
- Forecasted material requirements based on flying schedules and maintenance plans
- Mentored junior SNCOs and developed supply chain professionals
- Managed budgets exceeding $5-20M annually
That's supply chain leadership, strategic planning, vendor management, data analytics, process improvement, and operations management—skills that translate directly to senior logistics and supply chain positions across industries.
Best civilian career paths for 6072
Let's break down specific opportunities with current salary data.
Aviation logistics manager (airlines and MROs)
Civilian job titles:
- Aviation Supply Chain Manager
- Materials Manager (aviation)
- Inventory Control Manager
- Logistics Operations Manager
- Aviation Parts Planning Manager
Salary ranges:
- Logistics coordinator (entry): $60,000-$75,000
- Materials manager: $80,000-$100,000
- Supply chain manager (aviation): $95,000-$120,000
- Director of Supply Chain Operations: $115,000-$145,000
- VP Supply Chain (major airline): $140,000-$200,000+
What translates directly:
- Aviation parts nomenclature and supply chain
- Inventory management and accuracy
- AOG coordination and expediting
- Vendor coordination with OEMs and distributors
- ERP/MRP systems (NALCOMIS → Quantum, SAP, TRAX)
- Demand forecasting and planning
- Budget management
- Cross-functional coordination
Certifications needed:
- APICS CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional) - Industry gold standard ($1,500-2,500)
- APICS CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management) - Inventory focus ($1,200-2,000)
- CLTD (Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution) - Broader logistics cert ($1,000-1,500)
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Logistics, or Business - Required for management positions
Reality check: Major airlines (Delta, United, American, Southwest, FedEx, UPS) have large supply chain organizations managing billions in parts inventory. MRO facilities (AAR, StandardAero, Lufthansa Technik) need experienced aviation logistics leaders.
Your understanding of aviation-specific supply chain (rotable management, AOG procedures, FAA regulatory requirements) gives you immediate credibility over general supply chain professionals.
Airlines actively recruit military logistics leaders, especially those with aviation maintenance supply experience.
Best for: 6072s who want to stay in aviation, prefer stable corporate environments, and value airline benefits including flight privileges.
Defense contractor supply chain/program management
Civilian job titles:
- Supply Chain Manager (defense contracts)
- Program Manager (logistics support contracts)
- Material Management Lead
- Configuration Management Manager
- Integrated Logistics Support Manager
Salary ranges:
- Supply chain specialist (contractor): $75,000-$95,000
- Supply chain manager: $95,000-$120,000
- Program manager (logistics contracts): $105,000-$135,000
- Senior program manager: $125,000-$160,000
- Director-level positions: $145,000-$190,000+
What translates directly:
- Knowledge of Marine/Navy aviation platforms and supply systems
- Government contracting environment and regulations
- Performance-based logistics (PBL) concepts
- Customer interface with military units
- Security clearance (major advantage)
- Understanding DoD supply chain and DLA coordination
- Organic vs contractor logistics support models
Certifications needed:
- Active Secret or Top Secret clearance - Huge competitive advantage
- DAWIA LOG (Logistics) certifications Level I-III - Required for government program positions
- Project Management Professional (PMP) - Valued for program management
- Bachelor's degree - Required for most program manager positions
- APICS certifications - Strengthen supply chain credentials
Reality check: Defense contractors (Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Raytheon, General Dynamics, DynCorp, Vertex Aerospace, MAG Aerospace) have extensive logistics support contracts supporting military aviation.
Your understanding of military supply systems, platform-specific parts, and the customer (active duty units) makes you immediately valuable for contract execution and business development.
Cleared positions often pay 50-70% more than equivalent civilian logistics roles. Six-figure salaries are standard for experienced contractor managers.
Best for: 6072s with active clearances who want to continue supporting military aviation with significantly higher pay and no deployments.
Commercial supply chain management (manufacturing/distribution)
Civilian job titles:
- Supply Chain Manager
- Procurement Manager
- Inventory Control Manager
- Demand Planning Manager
- Distribution Center Manager
- Operations Manager (supply chain)
Salary ranges:
- Supply chain analyst: $60,000-$78,000
- Procurement manager: $75,000-$95,000
- Supply chain manager: $85,000-$110,000
- Director of Supply Chain: $105,000-$140,000
- VP Supply Chain (large manufacturer): $140,000-$200,000+
What translates directly:
- Inventory management and accuracy
- Vendor negotiation and relationship management
- ERP/MRP systems proficiency
- Forecasting and demand planning
- Process improvement and efficiency
- Budget management
- Cross-functional leadership
Certifications needed:
- APICS CSCP - Essential for supply chain management ($1,500-2,500)
- APICS CPIM - Inventory and production management ($1,200-2,000)
- Six Sigma Green Belt - Process improvement ($800-1,500)
- Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain, Business, or related field - Required for management
Reality check: Supply chain management is one of the fastest-growing career fields across ALL industries. Your military logistics experience applies to automotive, technology, consumer goods, medical devices, aerospace manufacturing—not just aviation.
The pandemic exposed supply chain vulnerabilities, and companies are investing heavily in logistics talent and resilience.
Don't limit yourself to aviation if better opportunities exist in other industries. Your skills are transferable.
Best for: 6072s who want to leverage logistics expertise across diverse industries, prefer geographic flexibility, and want highest growth potential.
Aerospace manufacturing supply chain
Civilian job titles:
- Material Planning Manager
- Supply Chain Manager (aerospace)
- Supplier Quality Manager
- Strategic Sourcing Manager
- Production Control Manager
Salary ranges:
- Materials planner: $65,000-$82,000
- Supply chain manager: $90,000-$115,000
- Supplier quality manager: $95,000-$120,000
- Director of Supply Chain (aerospace): $120,000-$155,000+
What translates directly:
- Aviation parts and components knowledge
- Quality requirements and specifications
- Vendor management and coordination
- Long lead-time planning (common in aerospace)
- Configuration management
- Technical documentation
Certifications needed:
- APICS certifications (CSCP, CPIM) - Supply chain credentials
- AS9100/AS9120 knowledge - Aerospace quality standards
- Six Sigma - Quality and process improvement
- Bachelor's degree - Engineering, supply chain, or business
Reality check: Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, Textron, Bell, Sikorsky, and hundreds of aerospace suppliers need supply chain professionals who understand aviation.
Aerospace supply chain is complex—long lead times, critical parts, strict quality requirements, complex supplier networks. Your military aviation background gives you immediate understanding of these challenges.
Best for: 6072s interested in manufacturing side of aviation, willing to relocate to manufacturing centers, prefer established aerospace companies.
Aviation parts sales and distribution leadership
Civilian job titles:
- Branch Manager (aviation distribution)
- Sales Manager (aircraft parts)
- Business Development Manager (aerospace)
- Account Manager (aviation supply)
- General Manager (aviation distributor)
Salary ranges:
- Account manager: $70,000-$90,000 base + commission
- Sales manager: $85,000-$110,000 + commission
- Branch manager: $95,000-$125,000 total compensation
- Regional director: $120,000-$170,000 total compensation
What translates directly:
- Deep knowledge of aviation parts and supply chain
- Understanding customer needs (maintenance organizations)
- Problem-solving and expediting (AOG situations)
- Relationship building with technical personnel
- Technical credibility
Certifications needed:
- Aviation parts knowledge - Your military experience covers this
- CRM software training - Salesforce, etc. (provided by employer)
- Business development skills - Sales training provided
- Bachelor's degree - Preferred for management
Reality check: Aviation parts distributors (Wencor, Satair, ASAP Semiconductor, AAR, Boeing Distribution, Airbus) need people who understand both the technical side AND business development.
Sales compensation includes base salary plus commission—top performers can significantly exceed base pay. Management positions (branch manager, regional director) offer six-figure total compensation.
Best for: 6072s with strong interpersonal skills who want business-focused careers leveraging aviation expertise and don't mind sales/customer-facing roles.
Certifications that actually matter
Here's what's worth your time and GI Bill:
High priority (get these first):
APICS CSCP (Certified Supply Chain Professional) - This is THE supply chain management certification. Recognized across all industries. Cost: $1,500-2,500. Study time: 4-6 months. Value: Opens doors to $90K-$120K+ supply chain management positions. Absolute must-have for senior logistics roles.
APICS CPIM (Certified in Production and Inventory Management) - Focuses on inventory management, planning, and production. Cost: $1,200-2,000. Study time: 3-6 months. Value: Strengthens inventory management credentials, especially for manufacturing roles.
Bachelor's degree in Supply Chain Management, Logistics, or Business Administration - Required for most management positions. Use GI Bill for online programs (Penn State World Campus, University of Maryland Global Campus, Embry-Riddle). Cost: $0 with GI Bill. Time: 2-4 years part-time. Value: Baseline requirement, career ceiling breaker.
Project Management Professional (PMP) - If targeting program management at defense contractors. Cost: $1,500-3,000. Study time: 3-6 months. Value: Required for many program manager positions paying $100K-$140K+.
Medium priority (career-specific):
Six Sigma Green Belt or Black Belt - Process improvement and quality methodologies. Cost: $800-$3,000. Time: 1-6 months. Value: Valuable for operations roles and continuous improvement positions.
APICS CLTD (Certified in Logistics, Transportation and Distribution) - Broader logistics certification covering transportation and distribution. Cost: $1,000-1,500. Time: 3-4 months. Value: Good for distribution center or transportation management roles.
DAWIA LOG (Logistics) certifications Level I-III - For defense contractor government program roles. Cost: Free through DAU (Defense Acquisition University). Time: 6-18 months. Value: Required for DoD contractor program management positions.
Master's degree (MBA or MS in Supply Chain Management) - Positions you for director/executive roles. Cost: GI Bill covers significant portion. Time: 18-36 months part-time. Value: Required for VP/director positions at major companies.
Low priority (nice to have):
Certified Professional in Supply Management (CPSM) - Institute for Supply Management certification. Cost: $1,500-2,500. Value: Good for procurement-focused roles but APICS is more universally recognized.
Lean Six Sigma - Continuous improvement methodologies. Cost: $500-2,000. Value: Useful but not critical unless targeting operations improvement roles.
The skills gap (what you need to learn)
Let's address civilian skills you'll need to develop:
Civilian ERP systems: You know NALCOMIS, MAXIMO, and military systems. Civilians use SAP, Oracle, Quantum Control, TRAX, etc. Emphasize your ability to learn complex systems quickly—the concepts are the same, just different interfaces.
Advanced Excel and data analytics: Civilian logistics requires serious Excel skills (pivot tables, VLOOKUPs, macros, Power Query) and business intelligence tools (Tableau, Power BI). Take online courses.
Business finance and P&L: Senior supply chain roles require understanding cost of goods sold, inventory carrying costs, working capital, and financial metrics. Take business finance basics course.
Commercial negotiations and contracts: Military uses government contracts and DLA. Civilians negotiate terms, pricing, payment terms directly with vendors. Learn commercial negotiation and contract basics.
Lean and Six Sigma methodologies: Civilian companies emphasize continuous improvement, waste reduction, and data-driven decision making. Learn these frameworks.
Business communication: Less military brevity, more detailed analysis and executive presentations. Practice translating technical logistics concepts for non-technical stakeholders.
Skills translation table (for your resume)
Stop writing "Aircraft Maintenance Material Chief" without context:
| Military Experience | Civilian Translation |
|---|---|
| Aircraft Maintenance Material Chief | Aviation Supply Chain Manager / Senior Materials Manager |
| Led supply department of 60 Marines | Managed supply chain operations team of 60 across procurement, inventory control, and distribution |
| Managed $12M aviation parts inventory | Oversaw $12M multi-echelon inventory including rotable components, consumables, and support equipment |
| Coordinated DLA and depot supply | Managed multi-vendor procurement and logistics coordination with government and commercial suppliers |
| Prevented AOG situations through planning | Proactive inventory management achieving 98% parts availability and minimizing operational downtime |
| Used NALCOMIS for inventory management | Administered enterprise ERP system managing 15,000+ line items with 98% inventory accuracy |
| Forecasted material requirements | Demand planning and inventory optimization based on usage analysis and operational requirements |
| Conducted quarterly inventory audits | Led physical inventory and cycle count programs maintaining audit-ready records |
| Expedited critical parts acquisitions | Emergency procurement and expediting for mission-critical requirements with supplier coordination |
| Mentored 12 SNCOs in supply operations | Developed leadership pipeline and trained supply chain professionals in advanced logistics |
Key terms to include on your resume:
- Supply chain management and optimization
- Inventory control and accuracy (include %)
- Procurement and vendor management
- ERP/MRP systems administration
- Demand forecasting and planning
- Budget management ($XX million)
- Cross-functional coordination
- Process improvement
- Data analytics and reporting
- Team leadership (quantify size)
- Strategic planning
Real 6072 success stories
Master Sergeant Jackson, 41, 6072 → Supply Chain Manager at Boeing
After 20 years supporting Marine aviation supply operations, MSgt Jackson retired as E-8. He earned APICS CSCP certification during terminal leave and leveraged his aerospace supply chain experience to land supply chain manager position at Boeing supporting 737 production. Started at $102,000, now makes $125,000 after 4 years with excellent benefits.
Gunnery Sergeant Martinez, 36, 6072 → Program Manager at Lockheed Martin
After 16 years including deployments supporting F-35 and V-22 supply operations, GySgt Martinez separated with active Secret clearance. Leveraged clearance and F-35 supply chain knowledge to land program manager role supporting F-35 logistics contracts. Started at $95,000, now makes $128,000 after 5 years. Earned PMP and working toward DAWIA LOG Level III.
Master Sergeant Thompson, 39, 6072 → Materials Manager at Delta TechOps
MSgt Thompson retired after 21 years managing supply operations for rotary wing squadrons. Used SkillBridge to intern at Delta TechOps while earning APICS CPIM certification. Hired as materials coordinator at $72,000, promoted to materials manager at $95,000 after 3 years. Excellent airline benefits and flight privileges.
Action plan: your first 90 days out
Here's your specific roadmap:
Month 1: Foundation and assessment
- Update resume emphasizing supply chain management, inventory control, and quantifiable results (accuracy %, budget managed, team size)
- Create LinkedIn profile targeting supply chain and aviation logistics roles
- Get 10 certified copies of DD-214
- Research APICS CSCP certification and purchase study materials
- Identify target companies (airlines, defense contractors, aerospace manufacturers, major distributors)
- Network with other former 6072s on LinkedIn
- Join professional associations (APICS/ASCM, CSCMP, SOLE)
Month 2: Certifications and applications
- Begin APICS CSCP study program (self-paced or instructor-led)
- If no bachelor's degree: Research online supply chain programs and apply for GI Bill
- Enroll in PMP study program if targeting defense contractor program management
- Take advanced Excel course (LinkedIn Learning, Udemy, Coursera)
- Submit applications to 15+ positions per week (aviation logistics, supply chain management, materials management)
- Attend veteran job fairs and supply chain industry events
- Consider SkillBridge programs with airlines or major aerospace companies
Month 3: Networking and interviewing
- Continue CSCP studies (aim to test within 3-6 months)
- Practice interview answers focusing on: inventory management results, process improvement, problem-solving, team leadership, cost savings, efficiency gains
- Tailor resume for each application emphasizing relevant experience
- Network aggressively (LinkedIn, APICS local chapter meetings, veteran organizations)
- Follow up professionally on applications
- Consider temporary/contract logistics roles if immediate income needed
- Leverage network of former Marines in supply chain careers
Bottom line for 6072s
Your 12-20 years as Aircraft Maintenance Material Chief makes you highly valuable in civilian supply chain management.
You've managed complex aviation inventory, coordinated multi-vendor procurement, prevented operational disruptions, and led supply chain teams under pressure. Those skills translate directly to senior logistics and supply chain positions across aviation, defense, aerospace, and commercial industries.
Supply chain management is one of the fastest-growing career fields with excellent long-term prospects. The pandemic demonstrated the critical importance of resilient supply chains, and companies are investing heavily in talent.
Airlines and MRO facilities need aviation logistics professionals who understand aviation-specific supply chain challenges. Defense contractors need people with clearances and military aviation platform knowledge. Commercial manufacturers need supply chain leaders with proven operational experience.
First-year income of $70K-$90K is realistic for management positions. Within 5-7 years, $100K-$130K+ is very achievable with APICS certifications and strategic career progression.
Your military aviation supply chain experience is MORE valuable than general civilian logistics experience for aviation-related positions. Don't undersell yourself.
APICS CSCP certification is your ticket to $90K-$120K+ positions and is universally recognized. Make it your #1 priority.
Thousands of former military logistics professionals succeed in civilian supply chain careers. You have a proven path forward.
Ready to build your transition plan? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to translate your 6072 supply chain expertise, research logistics salaries, and map your APICS certification path.