Navy AE (Aviation Electrician's Mate) to Civilian: Your Complete Career Transition Guide (With 2025 Salary Data)

Bottom Line Up Front

Your AE experience gives you advanced electrical troubleshooting, avionics systems expertise, hydraulic system knowledge, and FAA-recognized aviation maintenance skills—all of which translate directly to commercial aviation, aerospace manufacturing, industrial electrical work, and defense contracting. Realistic first-year civilian salaries range from $55,000-$70,000, with experienced A&P certified mechanics hitting $85,000-$95,000+ at major airlines or aerospace companies. The FAA recognizes your military aviation experience, which can fast-track your Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) certification—the golden ticket to top-paying aviation jobs.

Let's address the elephant in the room

You'll see a lot of advice telling you to "just get your A&P and go work for an airline." That's not wrong, but it's incomplete.

Here's what that misses: you've got way more options than just becoming another line mechanic.

As an AE, you didn't just "fix electrical stuff." You:

Diagnosed and repaired complex electrical and avionics systems on million-dollar aircraft
Worked with everything from power generation to flight control systems
Maintained hydraulic actuating systems and landing gear
Used advanced diagnostic equipment and technical manuals
Worked under time pressure to keep aircraft mission-ready
Passed rigorous qualifications and maintained detailed maintenance logs
Collaborated with other maintenance specialties on complex repairs

That's high-level electrical troubleshooting, systems integration knowledge, technical documentation, quality control, and stress management. You're not just an electrician—you're a systems specialist with aviation expertise.

Airlines want you. So do Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman, and hundreds of smaller aviation companies. But you've also got transferable skills for industrial automation, renewable energy, and even federal government roles.

Best civilian career paths for Navy AEs

Let's get specific. Here are the fields where AEs consistently land, with real 2025 salary data.

Commercial aviation maintenance (most direct path)

Civilian job titles:

Aircraft maintenance technician (A&P mechanic)
Avionics technician
Aviation electrician
Line maintenance mechanic
Lead aircraft technician

Salary ranges:

Entry-level A&P mechanic: $55,000-$65,000
Experienced A&P (3-5 years): $70,000-$85,000
Major airline mechanic (union scale): $85,000-$110,000
Lead/supervisor roles: $95,000-$120,000+
Top airline mechanics (Southwest, United, Delta): $100,000-$120,000+ with overtime

What translates directly:

Aircraft electrical system troubleshooting
Avionics installation and repair
Hydraulic system maintenance
Flight control system knowledge
Technical manual interpretation
Safety-first mindset and quality control
Shift work and 24/7 operations

Certifications needed:

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate - The industry standard. Your Navy experience counts toward the required 30 months of practical experience. Cost: $1,500-3,000 for testing prep and exam fees (covered by GI Bill at approved schools). Alternative: 18-24 month AMTS program if you want formal schooling ($15,000-40,000, GI Bill eligible).
FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) - Required for avionics work. Cost: $100-300. Time: 1-2 weeks study, then exam.

Reality check: The FAA allows you to use your documented Navy aviation maintenance experience to sit for the A&P exams without going back to school. You'll need to gather your military training records and work documentation. Most AEs qualify after 3-4 years of active duty.

Major airlines (United, Delta, American, Southwest) pay top dollar and offer excellent benefits, but competition is fierce. Regional airlines and cargo carriers (FedEx, UPS) hire faster and still pay well. Expect 6-12 months from application to start date at major carriers.

Best for: AEs who want to stay in aviation, value job security, and want six-figure earning potential with union protection.

Avionics technician (specialized electrical path)

Civilian job titles:

Avionics technician
Avionics installer
Aircraft electronics technician
Avionics systems specialist
Flight test instrumentation technician

Salary ranges:

Entry-level avionics tech: $60,000-$70,000
Experienced avionics specialist: $75,000-$90,000
Senior avionics tech (airlines): $85,000-$105,000
Avionics shop supervisor: $95,000-$115,000

What translates directly:

Electrical and electronic system troubleshooting
Navigation and communication systems
Autopilot and flight control systems
Wiring and connector repair
System integration and testing
Technical documentation

Certifications needed:

FCC GROL - Legally required for avionics work. Cost: $100-300.
A&P certificate - Preferred but not always required for avionics-only roles.

Reality check: Avionics is the more specialized, often better-paid cousin of general A&P work. Your AE background in electrical systems and avionics puts you ahead of the curve. Commercial airlines, business jet operators (NetJets, Flexjet), and aerospace companies all need avionics techs.

United Airlines recently offered $79,700 average for avionics technicians. Top earners clear $125,000+.

Best for: AEs who loved the electrical and electronics side more than the mechanical work, and want to specialize in a high-demand niche.

Aerospace manufacturing and defense contractors

Civilian job titles:

Aircraft electrician (Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman)
Electrical test technician
Avionics installation technician
Quality control inspector (electrical systems)
Field service representative

Salary ranges:

Entry-level aircraft electrician: $60,000-$75,000
Experienced tech at Boeing/Lockheed: $75,000-$88,000
Senior electrical tech/inspector: $85,000-$100,000
Field service rep (travel required): $90,000-$110,000+

What translates directly:

Electrical system installation and testing
Blueprint and schematic reading
Quality control and inspection procedures
Technical writing and documentation
Precision measurement and testing

Certifications needed:

A&P certificate (highly preferred)
IPC/J-STD certifications for soldering and wire harness assembly (employer often provides)
Security clearance (if you still have one, huge advantage)

Reality check: Boeing pays aircraft electricians around $75,000 on average. Lockheed Martin pays $29-37/hour ($60K-77K annually). Defense contractors often require or strongly prefer security clearances—if you still have yours, you're golden.

These jobs are typically located near major manufacturing facilities: Seattle (Boeing), Fort Worth (Lockheed), Southern California (multiple companies), St. Louis (Boeing Defense). You might need to relocate.

Field service rep roles pay more but require 50-75% travel, often overseas supporting military contracts.

Best for: AEs who want to work on new aircraft production rather than maintenance, or those with active clearances looking for defense work.

Industrial electrician / automation technician

Civilian job titles:

Industrial electrician
Maintenance electrician
Automation technician
Controls electrician (PLC/robotics)
Electrical maintenance technician

Salary ranges:

Entry-level industrial electrician: $50,000-$60,000
Experienced industrial electrician: $65,000-$80,000
Automation/controls electrician: $75,000-$95,000
Electrical maintenance supervisor: $85,000-$105,000

What translates directly:

Electrical troubleshooting and repair
Reading schematics and technical diagrams
Preventive maintenance programs
Safety protocols (OSHA, LOTO)
Working under deadlines and pressure

Certifications needed:

State electrical license (requirements vary; usually requires apprenticeship or experience verification)
OSHA 30-hour safety certification - Cost: $150-300
PLC programming training (for automation roles) - Cost: $1,000-3,000 (GI Bill eligible)

Reality check: Industrial electricians work in manufacturing plants, distribution centers, refineries, power plants—anywhere with heavy machinery and automation. It's not aviation, but your electrical troubleshooting skills transfer directly.

Controls electricians with PLC (programmable logic controller) experience command top dollar. If you're willing to learn industrial automation, you can hit $90K+ within 3-5 years.

Less glamorous than aviation, but steady work, often with strong unions or benefits packages.

Best for: AEs who want to leave aviation behind, prefer shift work in a single location, and have strong electrical fundamentals.

Power generation and renewable energy

Civilian job titles:

Wind turbine technician
Solar installation technician (electrical side)
Substation electrician
Power plant electrician
Energy storage technician (batteries/grid systems)

Salary ranges:

Wind turbine tech: $55,000-$75,000
Solar electrical installer: $50,000-$65,000
Substation/power plant electrician: $70,000-$95,000
Senior wind tech (offshore): $80,000-$100,000+

What translates directly:

Working at heights (similar to aircraft maintenance)
Electrical system troubleshooting
Following safety procedures
Working in all weather conditions
Technical documentation

Certifications needed:

OSHA 10/30-hour - Required for most positions
Electrical certifications specific to wind/solar (provided by employer or training programs)
Climbing certifications (for wind turbines)

Reality check: Wind turbine techs often work at remote sites, climbing 200+ foot towers. It's physically demanding, but the renewable energy sector is growing fast. Offshore wind is expanding on the East Coast—those jobs pay $80K+ but require significant travel.

Solar is easier physically but pays less unless you move into design or project management.

Best for: AEs who want to work outdoors, don't mind physical demands, and are interested in growing industries with long-term potential.

Federal government (civilian)

Civilian job titles:

Aircraft mechanic (DoD, FAA, DHS)
Electronics technician (various agencies)
Quality assurance specialist (aviation)
Logistics management specialist
Electrical engineer technician

Salary ranges:

GS-7 aircraft mechanic: $52,000-$67,000
GS-9 aircraft mechanic: $58,000-$75,000
GS-11 electronics technician: $65,000-$84,000
GS-12+ (senior/supervisory): $78,000-$100,000+

What translates directly:

Technical aviation maintenance
Following federal regulations and procedures
Documentation and quality control
Security clearance (if you have one)

Certifications needed:

A&P certificate (for aviation mechanic roles)
Security clearance (advantage but not always required)

Reality check: Federal jobs come with job security, pension (FERS), health benefits, and annual step increases. Veteran preference (5-10 points) gives you a huge hiring advantage.

The GS pay scale is predictable but not exciting. You won't get rich, but you'll have stability and excellent retirement benefits. Locality pay adjustments can push salaries higher in expensive areas (DC, California, etc.).

Agencies hiring AEs include DoD civilian positions at military bases, FAA (aircraft certification and oversight), DHS (Coast Guard support), and NASA.

Best for: AEs who want federal job security, benefits, and a clear promotion path over maximum salary.

Skills translation table (for your resume)

Stop writing "AE2" or "troubleshot avionics" on your resume. Civilians don't know what that means. Here's how to translate:

Military Skill	Civilian Translation
Maintained aircraft electrical systems	Diagnosed and repaired complex electrical systems on multi-million dollar aircraft using advanced diagnostic equipment
Avionics installation and repair	Installed, tested, and maintained navigation, communication, and flight control electronics systems
Hydraulic system maintenance	Maintained and troubleshot hydraulic power and actuating systems for flight control and landing gear
Technical manual interpretation	Interpreted complex technical documentation and schematics to execute precision maintenance procedures
Quality assurance inspections	Conducted quality control inspections ensuring 100% compliance with safety regulations and technical standards
Electrical component repair	Performed component-level troubleshooting and repair on circuit boards, wiring harnesses, and electrical assemblies
Work center leadership	Supervised 3-5 technicians; coordinated maintenance priorities and resource allocation
Shift work / 24-7 operations	Maintained operational readiness in 24/7 environment with rotating shifts and on-call availability

Use active verbs: Diagnosed, Installed, Maintained, Supervised, Executed, Troubleshot, Certified.

Use numbers: "Maintained 12 aircraft worth $400M," "Supervised team of 5 technicians," "Completed 200+ maintenance actions with zero safety incidents."

Translate Navy terms: Don't say "CDQAR" or "MAF"—say "quality assurance documentation" or "maintenance action form."

Certifications that actually matter

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

High priority (get these):

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate - The gold standard for civilian aviation careers. Your Navy AE time counts toward the 30-month experience requirement. You can challenge the exams without going back to school if you have proper documentation. Cost: $1,500-3,000 for test prep and fees (GI Bill covers approved prep courses). Value: Opens doors to $80K-110K+ airline jobs.

FCC GROL (General Radiotelephone Operator License) - Legally required to work on aircraft radio transmitters and avionics systems. Cost: $100-300 for study materials and exam. Time: 1-2 weeks of study. Value: Required credential for avionics work; relatively easy to obtain.

Associate's degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology - Many community colleges offer FAA-approved programs that prepare you for A&P certification and provide the degree many employers prefer. Cost: $0 with GI Bill. Time: 18-24 months. Value: Combines A&P prep with degree credential.

Medium priority (if it fits your path):

State Electrical License - If you're going the industrial electrician route. Requirements vary by state; most accept military electrical experience toward licensing. Cost: $200-500 for exam and license. Time: Varies by state. Value: Required for industrial electrical work in most states.

PLC Programming Certification - For industrial automation roles. Companies like Siemens, Allen-Bradley, and Rockwell offer certifications. Cost: $1,000-3,000 for training + exam (GI Bill eligible). Value: Can boost industrial electrical salary by $10K-20K.

NDT (Non-Destructive Testing) Certification - For quality assurance/inspector roles. ASNT Level II certification in methods like ultrasonic, eddy current, or magnetic particle testing. Cost: $1,500-3,000 for training and certification. Value: Opens doors to $65K-80K inspector roles.

Low priority (nice to have, not critical):

Avionics installer certifications (IPC/WHMA) - Wiring and soldering standards certifications. Usually employer-provided. Cost: $500-1,500 if self-funded. Value: Helpful but most employers train you.

Project Management Professional (PMP) - If you're pivoting to management. Requires 3 years experience. Cost: $500-3,000 for training + exam. Value: Only useful if targeting management roles.

The skills gap (what you need to learn)

Let's be honest. There are civilian skills you don't have. Recognizing the gap is the first step.

Civilian customer service expectations: Airlines and aerospace companies have different cultures than the Navy. You'll deal with civilian supervisors, union reps, and sometimes difficult personalities. The direct, mission-focused Navy communication style doesn't always work. You'll need to adjust.

FAA regulations vs. Navy procedures: The FAA has its own regulatory framework (14 CFR). You'll need to learn FAA maintenance requirements, logbook entries, return-to-service procedures, and AD (Airworthiness Directive) compliance. It's similar to Navy maintenance but different enough to matter.

Civilian resume and interview skills: Writing a civilian resume is different. Interacting with HR, navigating online application systems, and interviewing without using military jargon takes practice. Use the resume builder at Military Transition Toolkit to translate your AE experience into civilian language.

Understanding civilian workplace pace: Navy aviation maintenance is "fix it now or the mission doesn't happen." Civilian aviation has hard deadlines too, but also planned maintenance, scheduled downtime, and different urgency levels. Some civilian jobs move slower; others (like airline line maintenance) are just as intense.

Real AE success stories

Chris, 27, former AE2 → Avionics technician at United Airlines

After 6 years as an AE, Chris got out and immediately challenged his A&P exams using his Navy maintenance records. Passed on first try. Started at a regional airline making $62K, then jumped to United after 18 months. Now makes $82K as an avionics tech, on track for $95K+ in 3 years with shift differential and overtime.

Marcus, 29, former AE1 → Aircraft electrician at Boeing

Marcus did 8 years, got out as an E-6. Used his GI Bill to get an associate's degree in Aviation Maintenance Tech while working part-time as a contractor. Boeing hired him as an aircraft electrician in Everett, WA for $76K. After 2 years he's at $81K with excellent benefits. He's in the union and loves the work-life balance compared to Navy ops tempo.

Jessica, 31, former AE2 → Industrial automation technician

Jessica wanted out of aviation entirely. Got her state electrical license using her Navy experience, then took a PLC programming course through the GI Bill. Landed a job at a manufacturing plant as an automation tech for $72K. After 3 years she's making $88K, works day shift Monday-Friday, and has zero regrets about leaving aviation.

Action plan: your first 90 days out

Here's what to actually do when you transition:

Month 1: Documentation and assessment

Gather ALL your Navy training certificates, maintenance logs, and work documentation (you'll need these for FAA A&P experience verification)
Request your complete service records and keep multiple copies
Apply for VA disability if applicable
Create a LinkedIn profile highlighting your electrical and avionics experience
Research 3 career paths that interest you (aviation, industrial, federal, etc.)
Start studying for FCC GROL exam (easy win—knock it out in 2 weeks)

Month 2: Certification and applications

If going aviation route: Start A&P test prep or enroll in AMTS program (GI Bill covers it)
If going industrial route: Research state electrical license requirements; enroll in any required coursework
Take FCC GROL exam (if pursuing avionics)
Update your resume using civilian language (use our transition toolkit)
Apply to 10+ jobs per week on Indeed, Glassdoor, company career sites
Attend veteran job fairs (airlines actively recruit veteran mechanics)

Month 3: Interview prep and networking

Practice translating your AE experience into civilian terms during interviews
Connect with other AE veterans who've transitioned (LinkedIn groups, veteran organizations)
Follow up on applications every 1-2 weeks
Consider temporary/contract aviation work if you haven't landed a permanent role yet
If pursuing A&P, schedule your written, oral, and practical exams

Bottom line for Navy AEs

Your AE experience isn't starting from zero—it's a massive head start.

You've got high-level electrical troubleshooting, aviation systems expertise, quality control discipline, and the ability to work under pressure. Those skills are in demand across commercial aviation, aerospace manufacturing, industrial sectors, and government agencies.

The FAA recognizes your military aviation maintenance experience. That means you can fast-track your A&P certification—the credential that unlocks $80K-110K airline jobs—without spending 2 years in school.

First-year civilian income of $55K-70K is realistic. Within 5 years, $85K-95K+ is achievable if you get your A&P and target airlines or major aerospace companies. Industrial electricians with automation skills hit similar numbers.

Don't let anyone tell you your skills don't translate. Airlines, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and hundreds of other companies are actively hiring people with your exact background.

Ready to build your transition plan? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to map your skills, research salaries, and track your certifications.

Bottom Line Up Front

Let's address the elephant in the room

You'll see a lot of advice telling you to "just get your A&P and go work for an airline." That's not wrong, but it's incomplete.

Here's what that misses: you've got way more options than just becoming another line mechanic.

As an AE, you didn't just "fix electrical stuff." You:

Diagnosed and repaired complex electrical and avionics systems on million-dollar aircraft
Worked with everything from power generation to flight control systems
Maintained hydraulic actuating systems and landing gear
Used advanced diagnostic equipment and technical manuals
Worked under time pressure to keep aircraft mission-ready
Passed rigorous qualifications and maintained detailed maintenance logs
Collaborated with other maintenance specialties on complex repairs

Best civilian career paths for Navy AEs

Let's get specific. Here are the fields where AEs consistently land, with real 2025 salary data.

Commercial aviation maintenance (most direct path)

Civilian job titles:

Aircraft maintenance technician (A&P mechanic)
Avionics technician
Aviation electrician
Line maintenance mechanic
Lead aircraft technician

Salary ranges:

Entry-level A&P mechanic: $55,000-$65,000
Experienced A&P (3-5 years): $70,000-$85,000
Major airline mechanic (union scale): $85,000-$110,000
Lead/supervisor roles: $95,000-$120,000+
Top airline mechanics (Southwest, United, Delta): $100,000-$120,000+ with overtime

What translates directly:

Aircraft electrical system troubleshooting
Avionics installation and repair
Hydraulic system maintenance
Flight control system knowledge
Technical manual interpretation
Safety-first mindset and quality control
Shift work and 24/7 operations

Certifications needed:

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) Certificate - The industry standard. Your Navy experience counts toward the required 30 months of practical experience. Cost: $1,500-3,000 for testing prep and exam fees (covered by GI Bill at approved schools). Alternative: 18-24 month AMTS program if you want formal schooling ($15,000-40,000, GI Bill eligible).
FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL) - Required for avionics work. Cost: $100-300. Time: 1-2 weeks study, then exam.

Best for: AEs who want to stay in aviation, value job security, and want six-figure earning potential with union protection.

Avionics technician (specialized electrical path)

Civilian job titles:

Avionics technician
Avionics installer
Aircraft electronics technician
Avionics systems specialist
Flight test instrumentation technician

Salary ranges:

Entry-level avionics tech: $60,000-$70,000
Experienced avionics specialist: $75,000-$90,000
Senior avionics tech (airlines): $85,000-$105,000
Avionics shop supervisor: $95,000-$115,000

What translates directly:

Electrical and electronic system troubleshooting
Navigation and communication systems
Autopilot and flight control systems
Wiring and connector repair
System integration and testing
Technical documentation

Certifications needed:

FCC GROL - Legally required for avionics work. Cost: $100-300.
A&P certificate - Preferred but not always required for avionics-only roles.

United Airlines recently offered $79,700 average for avionics technicians. Top earners clear $125,000+.

Best for: AEs who loved the electrical and electronics side more than the mechanical work, and want to specialize in a high-demand niche.

Aerospace manufacturing and defense contractors

Civilian job titles:

Aircraft electrician (Boeing, Lockheed Martin, Northrop Grumman)
Electrical test technician
Avionics installation technician
Quality control inspector (electrical systems)
Field service representative

Salary ranges:

Entry-level aircraft electrician: $60,000-$75,000
Experienced tech at Boeing/Lockheed: $75,000-$88,000
Senior electrical tech/inspector: $85,000-$100,000
Field service rep (travel required): $90,000-$110,000+

What translates directly:

Electrical system installation and testing
Blueprint and schematic reading
Quality control and inspection procedures
Technical writing and documentation
Precision measurement and testing

Certifications needed:

A&P certificate (highly preferred)
IPC/J-STD certifications for soldering and wire harness assembly (employer often provides)
Security clearance (if you still have one, huge advantage)

Field service rep roles pay more but require 50-75% travel, often overseas supporting military contracts.

Best for: AEs who want to work on new aircraft production rather than maintenance, or those with active clearances looking for defense work.

Industrial electrician / automation technician

Civilian job titles:

Industrial electrician
Maintenance electrician
Automation technician
Controls electrician (PLC/robotics)
Electrical maintenance technician

Salary ranges:

Entry-level industrial electrician: $50,000-$60,000
Experienced industrial electrician: $65,000-$80,000
Automation/controls electrician: $75,000-$95,000
Electrical maintenance supervisor: $85,000-$105,000

What translates directly:

Electrical troubleshooting and repair
Reading schematics and technical diagrams
Preventive maintenance programs
Safety protocols (OSHA, LOTO)
Working under deadlines and pressure

Certifications needed:

State electrical license (requirements vary; usually requires apprenticeship or experience verification)
OSHA 30-hour safety certification - Cost: $150-300
PLC programming training (for automation roles) - Cost: $1,000-3,000 (GI Bill eligible)

Controls electricians with PLC (programmable logic controller) experience command top dollar. If you're willing to learn industrial automation, you can hit $90K+ within 3-5 years.

Less glamorous than aviation, but steady work, often with strong unions or benefits packages.

Best for: AEs who want to leave aviation behind, prefer shift work in a single location, and have strong electrical fundamentals.

Power generation and renewable energy

Civilian job titles:

Wind turbine technician
Solar installation technician (electrical side)
Substation electrician
Power plant electrician
Energy storage technician (batteries/grid systems)

Salary ranges:

Wind turbine tech: $55,000-$75,000
Solar electrical installer: $50,000-$65,000
Substation/power plant electrician: $70,000-$95,000
Senior wind tech (offshore): $80,000-$100,000+

What translates directly:

Working at heights (similar to aircraft maintenance)
Electrical system troubleshooting
Following safety procedures
Working in all weather conditions
Technical documentation

Certifications needed:

OSHA 10/30-hour - Required for most positions
Electrical certifications specific to wind/solar (provided by employer or training programs)
Climbing certifications (for wind turbines)

Solar is easier physically but pays less unless you move into design or project management.

Best for: AEs who want to work outdoors, don't mind physical demands, and are interested in growing industries with long-term potential.

Federal government (civilian)

Civilian job titles:

Aircraft mechanic (DoD, FAA, DHS)
Electronics technician (various agencies)
Quality assurance specialist (aviation)
Logistics management specialist
Electrical engineer technician

Salary ranges:

GS-7 aircraft mechanic: $52,000-$67,000
GS-9 aircraft mechanic: $58,000-$75,000
GS-11 electronics technician: $65,000-$84,000
GS-12+ (senior/supervisory): $78,000-$100,000+

What translates directly:

Technical aviation maintenance
Following federal regulations and procedures
Documentation and quality control
Security clearance (if you have one)

Certifications needed:

A&P certificate (for aviation mechanic roles)
Security clearance (advantage but not always required)

Reality check: Federal jobs come with job security, pension (FERS), health benefits, and annual step increases. Veteran preference (5-10 points) gives you a huge hiring advantage.

Agencies hiring AEs include DoD civilian positions at military bases, FAA (aircraft certification and oversight), DHS (Coast Guard support), and NASA.

Best for: AEs who want federal job security, benefits, and a clear promotion path over maximum salary.

Skills translation table (for your resume)

Stop writing "AE2" or "troubleshot avionics" on your resume. Civilians don't know what that means. Here's how to translate:

Military Skill	Civilian Translation
Maintained aircraft electrical systems	Diagnosed and repaired complex electrical systems on multi-million dollar aircraft using advanced diagnostic equipment
Avionics installation and repair	Installed, tested, and maintained navigation, communication, and flight control electronics systems
Hydraulic system maintenance	Maintained and troubleshot hydraulic power and actuating systems for flight control and landing gear
Technical manual interpretation	Interpreted complex technical documentation and schematics to execute precision maintenance procedures
Quality assurance inspections	Conducted quality control inspections ensuring 100% compliance with safety regulations and technical standards
Electrical component repair	Performed component-level troubleshooting and repair on circuit boards, wiring harnesses, and electrical assemblies
Work center leadership	Supervised 3-5 technicians; coordinated maintenance priorities and resource allocation
Shift work / 24-7 operations	Maintained operational readiness in 24/7 environment with rotating shifts and on-call availability

Use active verbs: Diagnosed, Installed, Maintained, Supervised, Executed, Troubleshot, Certified.

Use numbers: "Maintained 12 aircraft worth $400M," "Supervised team of 5 technicians," "Completed 200+ maintenance actions with zero safety incidents."

Translate Navy terms: Don't say "CDQAR" or "MAF"—say "quality assurance documentation" or "maintenance action form."

Certifications that actually matter

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

High priority (get these):

Medium priority (if it fits your path):

Low priority (nice to have, not critical):

Project Management Professional (PMP) - If you're pivoting to management. Requires 3 years experience. Cost: $500-3,000 for training + exam. Value: Only useful if targeting management roles.

The skills gap (what you need to learn)

Let's be honest. There are civilian skills you don't have. Recognizing the gap is the first step.

Real AE success stories

Chris, 27, former AE2 → Avionics technician at United Airlines

Marcus, 29, former AE1 → Aircraft electrician at Boeing

Jessica, 31, former AE2 → Industrial automation technician

Action plan: your first 90 days out

Here's what to actually do when you transition:

Month 1: Documentation and assessment

Gather ALL your Navy training certificates, maintenance logs, and work documentation (you'll need these for FAA A&P experience verification)
Request your complete service records and keep multiple copies
Apply for VA disability if applicable
Create a LinkedIn profile highlighting your electrical and avionics experience
Research 3 career paths that interest you (aviation, industrial, federal, etc.)
Start studying for FCC GROL exam (easy win—knock it out in 2 weeks)

Month 2: Certification and applications

If going aviation route: Start A&P test prep or enroll in AMTS program (GI Bill covers it)
If going industrial route: Research state electrical license requirements; enroll in any required coursework
Take FCC GROL exam (if pursuing avionics)
Update your resume using civilian language (use our transition toolkit)
Apply to 10+ jobs per week on Indeed, Glassdoor, company career sites
Attend veteran job fairs (airlines actively recruit veteran mechanics)

Month 3: Interview prep and networking

Practice translating your AE experience into civilian terms during interviews
Connect with other AE veterans who've transitioned (LinkedIn groups, veteran organizations)
Follow up on applications every 1-2 weeks
Consider temporary/contract aviation work if you haven't landed a permanent role yet
If pursuing A&P, schedule your written, oral, and practical exams

Bottom line for Navy AEs

Your AE experience isn't starting from zero—it's a massive head start.

Don't let anyone tell you your skills don't translate. Airlines, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, and hundreds of other companies are actively hiring people with your exact background.

Ready to build your transition plan? Use the career planning tools at Military Transition Toolkit to map your skills, research salaries, and track your certifications.