MOS 6092 Aircraft Intermediate Level Maintenance Chief to Civilian: Depot & Heavy Maintenance Career Guide

Bottom Line Up Front

MOS 6092 Aircraft Intermediate Level Maintenance Chiefs are senior technical leaders specializing in depot-level repairs, component overhaul, complex troubleshooting, and intermediate maintenance management with 15-25+ years of specialized experience. Your expertise in leading depot-level maintenance organizations, managing complex component repairs and overhauls, coordinating between organizational and depot maintenance, technical troubleshooting of advanced aircraft systems, and quality assurance translates directly to senior MRO management, depot operations leadership, technical services management at aerospace companies, and program management at defense contractors. Realistic first-year salaries range from $80,000-$105,000 in senior technician or supervisor roles, with experienced MRO managers, depot directors, and technical operations leaders earning $115,000-$165,000+ at major airlines, MRO facilities, or aerospace manufacturers. Your depth of depot-level technical expertise and maintenance leadership makes you extremely competitive for senior positions.

Let's address the elephant in the room

When 6092s research civilian careers, they sometimes hear: "Intermediate maintenance doesn't exist in civilian aviation." "Your experience is too military-specific." "Civilians don't understand I-level."

That's completely wrong. Here's the reality:

Civilians call it "component repair," "depot maintenance," "heavy maintenance," or "MRO operations"—but it's the SAME work you've been leading for years.

You didn't just "manage a shop." You:

• Led intermediate maintenance departments of 50-150+ Marines across multiple specialized shops
• Managed complex component repairs and overhauls (engines, transmissions, dynamic components, avionics, hydraulics)
• Coordinated between O-level (line maintenance) and depot-level facilities
• Made technical decisions on component repair vs. replacement vs. depot induction
• Ensured quality assurance and regulatory compliance on life-limited components
• Managed component exchange programs and rotable assets worth $20-50M+
• Troubleshot complex aircraft systems requiring depot-level diagnostics
• Interfaced with engineering, supply, depot facilities, and OEM representatives
• Developed technical procedures and led mishap investigations
• Mentored senior SNCOs and developed technical leaders

That's MRO operations management, technical services leadership, quality assurance, depot-level repair management, and program leadership—skills that translate directly to senior positions at MRO facilities, airlines, aerospace manufacturers, and defense contractors.

Best civilian career paths for 6092

Let's break down specific opportunities with current salary data.

MRO Operations Manager / Director

Civilian job titles:

• MRO Operations Manager
• Director of MRO Operations
• Heavy Maintenance Manager
• Component Repair Manager
• Overhaul Shop Manager

Salary ranges:

• Component shop supervisor: $80,000-$100,000
• Operations manager (MRO facility): $100,000-$130,000
• Director of MRO Operations: $120,000-$155,000
• VP Operations (major MRO): $145,000-$190,000+

What translates directly:

• Leading depot-level maintenance and overhaul operations
• Component repair management and technical decision-making
• Quality assurance and regulatory compliance (FAA Part 145)
• Workflow management and throughput optimization
• Technical troubleshooting and engineering coordination
• Managing specialized technical shops
• Customer coordination and delivery commitments

Certifications needed:

• FAA A&P license - Required or strongly preferred for management
• Inspection Authorization (IA) - Valuable for senior management
• Bachelor's degree - Increasingly required for director positions
• Six Sigma Green or Black Belt - Process improvement methodologies
• Lean manufacturing certification - Efficiency optimization

Reality check: MRO facilities (AAR Corp, StandardAero, Lufthansa Technik, ST Engineering, Delta TechOps, Pratt & Whitney, GE Aviation service centers) perform the exact work you managed in military—component overhauls, engine repairs, heavy maintenance checks.

Your I-level leadership experience translates DIRECTLY to MRO operations management. You understand component repair workflows, quality requirements, technical challenges, and operational pressures.

Major MRO facilities actively recruit former military I-level leaders because you bring both technical depth and operational leadership civilian candidates lack.

Best for: 6092s who want to stay in depot-level aviation maintenance with significantly higher pay and better work-life balance than military.

Airline heavy maintenance / base maintenance management

Civilian job titles:

• Base Maintenance Manager
• Heavy Maintenance Supervisor
• Hangar Operations Manager
• Component Services Manager
• Technical Services Manager

Salary ranges:

• Heavy maintenance supervisor: $85,000-$110,000
• Base maintenance manager: $105,000-$135,000
• Director of heavy maintenance: $125,000-$160,000
• VP Maintenance & Engineering: $150,000-$200,000+

What translates directly:

• Managing heavy maintenance checks (C-checks, D-checks equivalent to phase inspections)
• Component removal and installation oversight
• Technical troubleshooting and engineering coordination
• Quality control and regulatory compliance
• Schedule management and aircraft delivery commitments
• Cross-functional leadership (maintenance, engineering, supply, quality)

Certifications needed:

• FAA A&P license - Required for Director of Maintenance positions
• Inspection Authorization (IA) - Often required for senior management
• Bachelor's degree - Standard for airline management
• Aircraft type ratings - Boeing, Airbus platforms (employer provides)

Reality check: Major airlines (Delta, United, American, Southwest, FedEx, UPS) perform heavy maintenance at base maintenance facilities. They need experienced managers who understand complex overhaul operations.

Your I-level background in managing phase-level maintenance and component overhauls translates directly to airline heavy maintenance operations.

Airlines offer excellent benefits (flight privileges, 401k, health insurance) and stable employment with clear advancement paths to director/VP positions.

Best for: 6092s willing to get A&P license who want stable careers with major corporations and value airline benefits.

Defense contractor depot-level maintenance management

Civilian job titles:

• Site Manager (depot maintenance contracts)
• Operations Manager (contractor depot)
• Aircraft Maintenance Manager
• Program Manager (depot maintenance)
• Technical Operations Director

Salary ranges:

• Maintenance supervisor (contractor depot): $85,000-$110,000
• Operations manager: $110,000-$140,000
• Site manager (major depot contract): $120,000-$155,000
• Program manager: $130,000-$170,000
• Director-level positions: $150,000-$200,000+

What translates directly:

• Deep knowledge of Marine/Navy aviation depot-level maintenance
• Understanding military maintenance concepts and customer requirements
• Platform-specific expertise (F-35, V-22, H-1, CH-53, F/A-18)
• Security clearance (major competitive advantage)
• Government contracting environment
• Performance-based metrics and reporting
• Customer interface with active-duty units and depot commands

Certifications needed:

• Active Secret or Top Secret clearance - Huge hiring advantage
• Project Management Professional (PMP) - Standard for program managers
• DAWIA certifications (PM or ENG track, Level I-III) - For government programs
• Bachelor's degree - Required for program manager positions

Reality check: Defense contractors (Lockheed Martin, Boeing, Raytheon, General Dynamics, DynCorp, MAG Aerospace, Vertex Aerospace, AECOM) operate depot maintenance facilities supporting military aviation worldwide.

Your I-level expertise, platform knowledge, clearance, and understanding of the customer (military depot commands and squadrons) makes you immediately valuable.

Contractor depot positions often pay $120K-$160K+ for experienced leaders—significantly more than military compensation with better work-life balance.

Best for: 6092s with active clearances who want to continue supporting military aviation in civilian capacity with substantially higher pay.

Aerospace manufacturing / OEM technical services

Civilian job titles:

• Technical Services Manager
• Customer Support Manager
• Field Service Manager
• Quality Engineering Manager
• Manufacturing Engineering Manager

Salary ranges:

• Technical services engineer: $85,000-$110,000
• Field service manager: $105,000-$135,000
• Technical services manager: $115,000-$145,000
• Director of Customer Support: $135,000-$175,000+

What translates directly:

• Deep technical knowledge of aircraft systems and components
• Quality assurance and failure analysis
• Customer training and technical support
• Troubleshooting complex technical issues
• Engineering coordination and technical documentation
• Root cause analysis and corrective action

Certifications needed:

• Bachelor's degree in engineering or technical field - Often required
• A&P license - Valuable for credibility
• Six Sigma Green or Black Belt - Quality methodologies
• PMP - For program management roles

Reality check: OEMs and major aerospace manufacturers (Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Bell, Sikorsky, Pratt & Whitney, GE Aviation, Collins Aerospace, Honeywell) need technical leaders who've actually operated and maintained their equipment.

Your 15-25 years of I-level experience gives you credibility with customers that engineering-only candidates lack. You understand real-world maintenance challenges.

These roles often involve significant travel (50-70%) supporting customers worldwide, but compensation is strong.

Best for: 6092s with strong technical and communication skills who want to work for major aerospace companies, don't mind travel, and want to leverage platform-specific expertise.

Aviation consulting and technical advisory

Civilian job titles:

• Aviation Maintenance Consultant
• Technical Advisor
• Maintenance Operations Consultant
• Aviation Safety Consultant
• MRO Process Improvement Consultant

Salary ranges:

• Aviation consultant: $95,000-$130,000
• Senior consultant: $120,000-$160,000
• Principal consultant: $145,000-$190,000
• Partner in consulting firm: $200,000-$400,000+

What translates directly:

• Expert-level knowledge of depot maintenance operations
• Ability to assess and improve maintenance organizations
• Problem-solving and process optimization
• Technical writing and presentations
• Strategic planning and organizational development
• Deep industry knowledge across platforms and systems

Certifications needed:

• Master's degree (MBA or technical MS) - Highly valued in consulting
• Six Sigma Black Belt - Process improvement expertise
• PMP - Project management methodology
• Professional network - Critical for business development

Reality check: Aviation consulting firms (Booz Allen Hamilton, Deloitte, Oliver Wyman, ICF, smaller specialized aviation consultancies) need people who've actually run depot-level maintenance operations.

Consulting requires excellent communication, business acumen, and ability to sell solutions. Not for everyone, but extremely lucrative for those suited to it.

Extensive travel (60-80% common), but six-figure compensation and variety of interesting projects.

Best for: 6092s with strong communication and analytical skills, MBA or working toward one, willing to travel extensively, and interested in diverse projects vs. single company.

Your path to FAA A&P certification as a 6092

As a 6092 with 15-25 years of I-level maintenance experience, you have excellent options for A&P:

Option 1: Experience-based FAA testing (recommended for 6092s)

Process:

1. Gather comprehensive documentation of your military I-level maintenance experience (training records, evaluations, duty descriptions, component repair certifications)
2. Contact local FAA FSDO and request FAA Form 8610-2 for experience evaluation
3. FSDO evaluates your documented experience (requires 30 months airframe OR powerplant, or 18 months in both)
4. If approved, you're authorized to test for FAA written, oral, and practical exams
5. Pass exams and receive A&P certificate

Time: 2-6 months depending on FSDO processing Cost: $500-$2,000 (study materials, prep course, exam fees) Success rate: Very high for 6092s with well-documented I-level experience

Reality check: Most 6092s qualify through this path. Your challenge is documenting breadth of experience across airframe AND powerplant. Get letters from former COs, detailed descriptions of component repair work, training certificates, and MOS school documentation.

Option 2: Abbreviated Part 147 school

If FSDO determines you need additional documented experience, some schools offer shortened programs. Time: 3-12 months Cost: $5,000-$20,000 (GI Bill may cover)

Option 3: Full Part 147 school (if experience doesn't qualify)

Time: 12-24 months Cost: $15,000-$40,000 (GI Bill covers)

Recommendation for 6092s: Start with Option 1. With 15-25 years of I-level component repair and overhaul experience, you likely qualify to test without school.

Skills translation table (for your resume)

Stop writing "I-Level Maintenance Chief" without civilian context:

Military Experience	Civilian Translation
Aircraft Intermediate Level Maintenance Chief	Director of MRO Operations / Senior Depot Maintenance Manager
Led I-level maintenance department of 120+ Marines	Directed depot-level repair and overhaul operation with 120+ specialized technicians across 8 component shops
Managed component repair and overhaul operations	Managed engine, transmission, hydraulic, avionics, and dynamic component repair operations with 500+ repairs annually
Oversaw $35M rotable component inventory	Administered $35M rotable asset pool optimizing component availability and repair turnaround time
Made repair vs. replace decisions	Technical authority for component serviceability determinations and depot induction recommendations
Ensured FAA-equivalent quality standards	Maintained 100% regulatory compliance for life-limited components and critical safety items
Coordinated O-level and depot facilities	Managed three-level maintenance coordination between line, intermediate, and depot-level maintenance
Led root cause failure analysis	Conducted technical investigations for component failures and implemented corrective actions
Mentored senior technical leaders	Developed succession pipeline for technical leadership positions including training and certification programs
Achieved 95%+ on-time component delivery	Met operational commitments through efficient workflow management and resource optimization

Key terms to include on your resume:

• Depot-level maintenance operations
• Component repair and overhaul management
• Quality assurance and regulatory compliance
• MRO operations leadership
• Technical troubleshooting and failure analysis
• Workflow optimization
• Rotable asset management
• Cross-functional leadership
• Performance metrics and KPIs
• Process improvement
• Team leadership (quantify size: 100+, 150+, etc.)
• Budget management ($XX million)

Certifications that actually matter

Here's what's worth your time and GI Bill:

High priority (get these first):

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license - This is your #1 priority for aviation careers. Opens all senior maintenance leadership positions. Cost: $500-$2,000 if testing on experience, $15,000-40,000 if school needed (GI Bill covers). Time: 2 months to 2 years depending on path. Value: Required for Director of Maintenance and most senior aviation management positions.

Project Management Professional (PMP) - Essential for program management and senior operations roles. Cost: $1,500-3,000. Study time: 3-6 months. Value: Opens program management positions at defense contractors and aerospace companies paying $110K-$160K+.

Bachelor's degree in Aviation Maintenance Management, Engineering, or Business - Required for most senior management positions. Use GI Bill. Cost: $0 with GI Bill. Time: 2-4 years part-time online. Value: Career ceiling breaker for director/VP positions.

Six Sigma Green Belt - Process improvement and operational excellence. Cost: $800-1,500. Time: 4-6 weeks. Value: Standard for MRO management demonstrating data-driven decision-making.

Medium priority (career-specific):

Inspection Authorization (IA) - Advanced A&P certification obtained after 3 years with license. Cost: $500-$1,000. Value: Required for many Director of Maintenance positions, significant credibility boost.

Six Sigma Black Belt - Advanced process improvement. Cost: $2,000-4,000. Time: 6-12 months. Value: Positions you for operations excellence, consulting, and senior leadership roles.

DAWIA certifications (PM or ENG track, Level I-III) - For defense contractor program management. Cost: Free through DAU. Time: 6-18 months. Value: Required for DoD contractor program manager positions.

Master's degree (MBA or MS in Aviation/Engineering) - Positions you for executive leadership. 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):

Lean manufacturing certification - Efficiency methodologies. Cost: $500-2,000. Value: Useful but Green Belt covers similar concepts.

ASQ Certified Quality Engineer - Quality assurance certification. Cost: $1,000-2,000. Value: Good for quality management roles but not critical.

The skills gap (what you need to learn)

Let's address civilian skills you'll need to develop:

Civilian regulatory environment: Military uses OPNAV/NATOPS. Civilians operate under FAA Part 145 (repair stations), Part 121 (airlines), Part 135 (charter). Learn FARs and Part 145 quality systems.

Lean and Six Sigma methodologies: Civilian MROs emphasize efficiency, throughput, and waste reduction. Learn these formal improvement frameworks.

Financial management and P&L: Senior civilian roles require understanding profit/loss, cost per repair, margin management, and financial forecasting. Take business finance course.

Labor relations: Airline and MRO facilities often have union workforces. Learn labor relations, collective bargaining, and union contract management.

Civilian maintenance systems: Military uses NALCOMIS and similar. Civilians use Quantum, TRAX, SAP PM, etc. Emphasize your ability to learn complex systems quickly.

Business communication: Practice explaining technical issues to non-technical executives and customers. Your military briefing skills translate, but adjust terminology.

ERP and business intelligence tools: Learn advanced Excel, Tableau, Power BI for data analysis and operational dashboards beyond military reporting.

Real 6092 success stories

Master Gunnery Sergeant Williams, 46, 6092 → Director of MRO Operations at StandardAero

After 26 years leading I-level maintenance for rotary wing squadrons, MGySgt Williams retired as E-9. He got A&P through experience-based testing and earned Six Sigma Black Belt. Joined StandardAero as operations manager, promoted to Director of MRO Operations after 4 years. Makes $148,000 managing helicopter overhaul facility—double his military retirement pay.

First Sergeant Thompson, 43, 6092 → Program Manager at Lockheed Martin

1stSgt Thompson retired after 24 years managing I-level shops supporting F-35 and V-22. Leveraged TS clearance and platform expertise to land program manager role supporting Marine aviation depot contracts. Started at $125,000, now makes $160,000 after 5 years. Earned PMP and DAWIA PM Level III.

Master Sergeant Rodriguez, 40, 6092 → Base Maintenance Manager at Southwest Airlines

MSgt Rodriguez retired after 20 years leading I-level component repair. Got A&P through FSDO approval, joined Southwest as maintenance supervisor, promoted to base maintenance manager after 3 years. Makes $122,000 plus excellent benefits and flight privileges. Better work-life balance than military with clear path to director positions.

Action plan: your first 90 days out

Here's your specific roadmap:

Month 1: Foundation and A&P assessment

• Update resume emphasizing depot operations leadership, technical expertise, and quantifiable results
• Create LinkedIn profile targeting MRO management and aviation leadership
• Get 10 certified copies of DD-214
• CRITICAL: Contact FAA FSDO to evaluate A&P eligibility based on your I-level experience
• Gather comprehensive maintenance documentation (evaluations, training certs, duty descriptions)
• Research target companies (AAR, StandardAero, major airlines, defense contractors)
• Network with other former 6092s who transitioned successfully

Month 2: A&P path and certifications

• If approved for experience-based testing: Begin FAA written exam preparation (Airframe, Powerplant, General)
• If additional documentation needed: Work with FSDO on requirements or research Part 147 schools
• Enroll in PMP study program if targeting program management or contractor roles
• Begin Six Sigma Green Belt program
• Submit applications to 15+ positions per week
• Attend veteran job fairs and aviation industry events
• Join professional associations (PAMA, ARSA - Aeronautical Repair Station Association, SAE)

Month 3: Execution and interviewing

• Take FAA written exams if pursuing A&P
• Continue PMP/Six Sigma studies
• Practice interview answers focusing on: depot operations leadership, technical problem-solving, process improvement, team development, operational metrics/results
• Network aggressively (LinkedIn, professional associations, veteran organizations)
• Consider SkillBridge programs with airlines or major MRO facilities
• Tailor resume for each application
• Follow up professionally on applications
• Consider temporary/contract technical leadership roles if immediate income needed

Bottom line for 6092s

Your 15-25 years as Aircraft Intermediate Level Maintenance Chief makes you one of the most experienced aviation maintenance professionals transitioning to civilian careers.

You've led depot-level repair operations, managed complex component overhauls, made critical technical decisions, and developed senior technical leaders. That depth of expertise translates directly to senior MRO management, airline heavy maintenance leadership, defense contractor program management, and aerospace technical services.

Civilian aviation desperately needs people with your level of depot-level operational expertise. MRO facilities, airlines, and contractors struggle to find candidates with both technical depth AND leadership experience.

The A&P license is critical—make it Priority #1. As a 6092 with extensive I-level experience, you likely qualify to test without school. Even if you need some additional preparation, it's a short-term investment for career earnings potential.

Defense contractors actively recruit senior I-level leaders with clearances and platform expertise. Six-figure salaries ($120K-$160K+) are standard for experienced program and operations managers.

Major airlines and MRO facilities need depot operations leaders. Within 5-7 years of transition, $120K-$150K+ in senior management is very achievable.

You're not starting over. You're translating 15-25 years of specialized technical leadership into civilian positions that desperately need your expertise and can't find it elsewhere.

First-year income of $80K-$105K is realistic depending on role. Within 5-10 years, $115K-$165K+ is very achievable with A&P, PMP, and strategic career moves into director-level positions.

Thousands of former I-level maintenance leaders succeed in civilian aviation careers earning significantly more than military compensation with better work-life balance.

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Ready to build your transition plan? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to translate your 6092 depot maintenance leadership, research MRO management salaries, and map your A&P and certification path.