Army MOS 15E (Unmanned Aircraft Systems Repairer) to Civilian Career: Your Complete Transition Guide (With 2024-2025 Salary Data)

Bottom Line Up Front

Army 15E UAS Repairers—you're not just leaving the military, you're entering one of the fastest-growing sectors in civilian aviation. Your tactical unmanned aircraft maintenance expertise, electrical and avionics troubleshooting, ground control station operations, advanced diagnostics, quality control procedures, and security clearance make you exactly what the booming drone industry needs. Realistic first-year civilian salaries range from $55,000-$75,000 for entry-level UAS technicians, scaling to $85,000-$110,000 with FAA certifications and 3-5 years experience. Defense contractors, specialized drone manufacturers, and companies with active clearances pay $95,000-$130,000+. The commercial drone market is projected to exceed $58 billion by 2026—you've got timing and skills on your side.

The drone revolution isn't coming—it's here. Amazon, Walmart, Zipline, and hundreds of companies are deploying delivery drones. Law enforcement agencies need UAS technicians. Border patrol, infrastructure inspection, agriculture, emergency response, film production, and defense contractors all need people who can keep drones flying. You spent years maintaining Shadow, Raven, Gray Eagle, and other Army UAS platforms. That's not "military experience"—that's specialized technical expertise the civilian world is desperately seeking.

Here's what you need to know: FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot certification ($175 exam, weekend of study) opens commercial doors immediately. FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license ($20,000-$45,000 in training, 18-24 months) multiplies your salary potential 30-40% and qualifies you for traditional aviation roles. Your security clearance—if still active—adds $15,000-$25,000 to your value for defense contractor positions. Companies like General Atomics, Northrop Grumman, AeroVironment, Skydio, Insitu (Boeing), and dozens more are hiring right now.

Most 15E veterans land $60,000-$80,000 jobs within 90 days of separation. With strategic certifications and targeting the right companies, $100,000+ within 2-3 years is realistic. Let's map your transition.

What Does an Army 15E Unmanned Aircraft Systems Repairer Do?

As a 15E, you maintained and repaired tactical unmanned aircraft systems including RQ-7 Shadow, RQ-11 Raven, and RQ-20 Puma. You diagnosed electrical, avionics, radio frequency, propulsion, fuel, optical payload, and weapon systems malfunctions. You performed inspections, conducted scheduled and unscheduled maintenance, troubleshot ground control stations, ground data terminals, launch and recovery systems, and managed complex maintenance records. You worked on aircraft worth millions of dollars where failures meant mission compromise or loss of life.

You didn't just "fix drones." You operated in austere environments, diagnosed systems with limited resources, maintained 100% accountability for sensitive equipment, coordinated with flight crews and maintenance test pilots, and ensured airworthiness under intense operational pressure. You read technical manuals, used advanced diagnostic equipment, soldered circuit boards, calibrated sensors, and maintained detailed maintenance logs that met Army aviation standards.

Civilian employers need all of that. The technical skills translate directly. The discipline, attention to detail, and ability to work under pressure are exactly what drone companies, aviation maintenance operations, and defense contractors value.

Skills You've Developed (And Their Civilian Value)

Technical Skills (What Employers Pay For)

UAS maintenance and repair = Drone technician, UAV maintenance specialist, unmanned systems mechanic (commercial drone companies, defense contractors, government agencies)

Electrical system troubleshooting = Avionics technician, electronics repair specialist, electrical systems technician (aircraft manufacturers, airlines, repair stations)

Avionics diagnostics and repair = Avionics maintenance technician, flight control systems technician (commercial aviation, helicopter operators, corporate aviation)

Ground control station operations = GCS technician, remote systems operator, flight control specialist (defense contractors, commercial UAS operators)

Sensor and payload integration = Payload specialist, sensor technician, imaging systems technician (surveillance companies, law enforcement, agricultural drone services)

Propulsion systems maintenance = Engine technician, powerplant specialist (applicable to manned aircraft with A&P license)

Technical manual interpretation = Quality assurance technician, technical writer, training specialist (aerospace companies, maintenance organizations)

Maintenance documentation = Quality control inspector, compliance specialist, records management (FAA-regulated operations)

Diagnostic equipment operation = Test equipment technician, calibration specialist (aerospace, defense, electronics industries)

Security clearance management = Cleared maintenance technician, government contractor (adds $15K-$25K to base salary)

Soft Skills (What Gets You Promoted)

Attention to detail = You tracked maintenance actions down to individual components on multi-million dollar aircraft. Civilian quality control and compliance roles require exactly this precision.

Work under pressure = You maintained mission-critical systems with lives depending on reliability. Corporate environments with tight deadlines are easier than operational deployments.

Problem-solving with limited resources = You diagnosed and repaired systems in field conditions without full shop support. Civilian managers value self-sufficient technicians who don't need constant hand-holding.

Accountability = You maintained 100% accountability for tools, parts, and equipment. Civilian aviation has identical standards—tool control programs, inventory management, and accountability are non-negotiable.

Teamwork and communication = You coordinated with pilots, maintainers, and mission planners. Civilian maintenance operations require identical cross-functional coordination.

Adaptability = You worked on multiple UAS platforms with different systems. Civilian drone companies need technicians who can learn new platforms quickly.

Top Civilian Career Paths for 15E Veterans

1. Defense Contractor UAS Technician (Highest Immediate Pay)

Civilian job titles:

• UAS/UAV Maintenance Technician
• Unmanned Systems Field Service Representative
• Tactical UAS Technician
• Remote Pilot Station (RPS) Technician
• UAS Quality Assurance Inspector

Salary ranges:

• Entry-level (0-2 years): $65,000-$85,000
• Mid-level (3-5 years): $85,000-$110,000
• Senior/Specialized (5+ years): $100,000-$130,000+
• Overseas/OCONUS (with clearance): $95,000-$145,000+ (tax advantages apply)

Top employers:

• General Atomics (Predator/Reaper) - San Diego, CA; Poway, CA
• Northrop Grumman (Global Hawk, Fire Scout) - multiple locations
• AeroVironment (Puma, Raven, Switchblade) - Simi Valley, CA; Mooresville, NC
• Insitu/Boeing (ScanEagle, Integrator) - Bingen, WA
• Raytheon (Coyote) - Tucson, AZ
• Textron Systems (Aerosonde) - Hunt Valley, MD
• L3Harris - multiple UAS programs
• Kratos Defense - Sacramento, CA
• Lockheed Martin (Desert Hawk, Stalker) - multiple locations

Certifications needed:

• Active Secret/TS clearance (essential for most positions—worth $15K-$25K premium)
• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot ($175 exam) - increasingly required
• Platform-specific training (employer-provided)
• A&P license (preferred but not always required)

Reality check: Defense contractor work often requires OCONUS deployments (Middle East, Africa, Asia). Rotations are typically 60-90 days deployed, 30 days home. The money is excellent, but you're still spending time away from family. Many contracts are performance-based and can end with budget changes.

Your 15E experience is directly transferable—you've worked on the same or similar platforms. Contractors specifically recruit Army UAS maintainers because your training is exactly what they need. Apply 6-9 months before separation and expect 3-6 month hiring processes for cleared positions.

Best for: 15E soldiers with active clearances, willingness to deploy, and desire to maximize near-term earnings while continuing hands-on UAS work.

2. Commercial Drone Service Technician (Growing Industry)

Civilian job titles:

• Drone Maintenance Technician
• sUAS Service Technician
• UAV Repair Specialist
• Flight Operations Technician
• Commercial Drone Mechanic

Salary ranges:

• Entry-level: $50,000-$65,000
• Experienced (3-5 years): $65,000-$85,000
• Lead/Supervisor: $80,000-$100,000+
• Contract/Freelance: $500-$1,200 per day

Top employers:

• Amazon Prime Air - College Station, TX; Pendleton, OR
• Zipline (medical delivery) - South San Francisco, CA; expanding to Dallas-Fort Worth, TX
• Wing (Alphabet/Google) - Palo Alto, CA
• Skydio (autonomous drones) - San Mateo, CA
• DJI Enterprise - service centers nationwide
• Measure (drone data services) - Washington, DC
• Precision Hawk (agriculture/energy inspection) - Raleigh, NC
• DroneUp - Virginia Beach, VA
• Flyguys - Hagerstown, MD
• Hazon Solutions - multiple locations

Certifications needed:

• FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate ($175 exam, required)
• Manufacturer-specific certifications (DJI, Skydio, etc. - $500-$2,000)
• A&P license (not required but adds credibility and opens doors)

Reality check: Commercial drone industry is exploding but still maturing. Companies come and go. Salaries are lower than defense contractor work, but quality of life is better—home every night, predictable schedules, growing industry. The work is less tactically focused and more commercially oriented (inspections, deliveries, photography).

This path requires business awareness. You're not just fixing drones—you're supporting revenue-generating operations. Customer service skills matter. Flexibility to learn new platforms (DJI Matrice, Skydio X2, custom platforms) is essential.

Best for: 15E veterans who want work-life balance, dislike deployment cycles, and want to grow with an emerging industry.

3. Aircraft Maintenance Technician (with FAA A&P License)

Civilian job titles:

• A&P Mechanic
• Aircraft Maintenance Technician
• Avionics Technician
• Aircraft Electrician
• Line Maintenance Technician

Salary ranges:

• Entry-level A&P: $50,000-$65,000
• Experienced (3-5 years): $70,000-$90,000
• Airlines/Major Carriers: $80,000-$120,000+
• Corporate aviation: $75,000-$95,000
• Inspection Authorization (IA): $90,000-$130,000+

Top employers:

• Delta TechOps - Atlanta, GA; Minneapolis, MN; Detroit, MI
• United Airlines - San Francisco, CA; Chicago, IL; Houston, TX
• American Airlines - Dallas-Fort Worth, TX; Charlotte, NC; Miami, FL
• Southwest Airlines - Dallas Love Field, TX; Phoenix, AZ; Baltimore, MD
• FedEx - Memphis, TN; Indianapolis, IN
• UPS Airlines - Louisville, KY; Rockford, IL
• Boeing - Seattle, WA; Charleston, SC
• Lockheed Martin - Fort Worth, TX; Marietta, GA
• Bell Textron - Fort Worth, TX
• Gulfstream - Savannah, GA

Certifications needed:

• FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license (required - $20,000-$45,000, 18-24 months)
• FCC license (for avionics work - $60 exam)
• Manufacturer-specific training (employer-provided)

Reality check: A&P license requires formal schooling—18-24 months full-time or equivalent part-time/online. It's an investment ($20K-$45K), but GI Bill covers most costs. Your 15E training doesn't waive the requirement, but it gives you a head start on electrical/avionics coursework.

Airlines pay well ($80K-$120K+) but require shift work, weekends, holidays, and you start on night shift. Corporate aviation pays slightly less but offers better schedules. Cargo operations (FedEx/UPS) pay premium rates with overtime opportunities.

This path provides long-term stability. Airlines aren't going anywhere. Once you're in, union protections, clear pay scales, and retirement benefits provide security. It's a marathon, not a sprint.

Best for: 15E veterans willing to invest 18-24 months in A&P training for long-term career stability, predictable advancement, and union protection.

4. Government/Law Enforcement UAS Technician

Civilian job titles:

• Law Enforcement Drone Technician
• Border Patrol UAS Technician
• Emergency Services UAS Specialist
• Government UAS Maintenance Specialist

Salary ranges:

• Federal (GS-09 to GS-12): $60,000-$95,000 (plus locality)
• State/Local: $50,000-$75,000
• Supervisory (GS-13/14): $95,000-$120,000+

Top employers:

• Customs and Border Protection (CBP) - nationwide, focus on southern border
• FBI - Aviation Unit support
• DEA - Aviation operations
• Department of Interior - wildfire, mapping, inspection
• NOAA - environmental monitoring
• State Police aviation units (California, Texas, Florida, New York)
• Major city police departments (NYPD, LAPD, Chicago PD, Houston PD)
• Sheriff's offices - counties nationwide
• Fire departments (wildfire monitoring)

Certifications needed:

• FAA Part 107 (required)
• Security clearance (federal positions)
• A&P license (preferred for aviation unit positions)
• Platform-specific training (employer-provided)

Reality check: Government work offers stability, benefits, pension systems, and mission-driven work. Pay is moderate but predictable. Advancement follows GS pay scales. Veteran preference gives you hiring advantage (5 or 10-point preference depending on disability rating).

Hiring is slow—6-12 months from application to start date. Budget cycles affect hiring. Many positions require you to already live in the area or relocate at your own expense initially.

The work is rewarding—supporting law enforcement, border security, disaster response, and emergency services. You're serving your community, just in a different uniform.

Best for: 15E veterans who value stability, benefits, mission-driven work, and serving communities over maximum salary.

5. Field Service Representative / Traveling Technician

Civilian job titles:

• Field Service Engineer
• Technical Field Representative
• Traveling UAS Technician
• Customer Support Engineer
• On-Site Service Technician

Salary ranges:

• Base salary: $65,000-$90,000
• With per diem and travel: $75,000-$105,000+
• International assignments: $85,000-$120,000+
• Day rates (contract): $600-$1,200/day

Top employers:

• General Atomics - field support worldwide
• AeroVironment - customer support globally
• Insitu (Boeing) - field service teams
• Textron Systems - technical representatives
• L3Harris - field support engineers
• Kratos Defense - customer field service
• Shield AI - field operations
• Anduril Industries - technical support

Certifications needed:

• FAA Part 107 (often required)
• Platform-specific factory training (employer-provided)
• Valid passport (international travel)
• Security clearance (for defense customers)

Reality check: Field service means 50-75% travel. You're supporting customers worldwide—training operators, troubleshooting systems, performing repairs, conducting installations. Hotels, airports, rental cars become your office.

The lifestyle suits some people and burns out others. Pay is solid, you see the world, and you build deep technical expertise. But you miss birthdays, holidays, and family time. Work-life balance is challenging.

Companies hire 15Es specifically for these roles because your tactical UAS experience and ability to work independently in challenging environments is exactly what customers need.

Best for: Single 15E veterans or those whose families support extensive travel; individuals who want to maximize earnings while building specialized expertise.

Required Certifications & Training

High Priority (Get These First)

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certificate

• What it is: Commercial drone pilot license allowing you to fly drones for compensation
• Cost: $175 (exam fee only)
• Time: 2-4 weeks of self-study, 2-hour exam
• Value: Required for most commercial UAS jobs; demonstrates current knowledge
• How to get it: Study FAA materials (free), take test at FAA-approved testing center
• ROI: Immediate—many jobs require it before you can start

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) License

• What it is: FAA mechanic certification for aircraft maintenance
• Cost: $20,000-$45,000 (school tuition); GI Bill covers most/all costs
• Time: 18-24 months (full-time); 30 months on-the-job experience alternative
• Value: Increases salary 30-40%; opens airline, corporate, and traditional aviation roles
• How to get it: FAA Part 147 approved school or 30 months documented experience, then written/practical/oral exams
• ROI: High—adds $20K-$35K to annual salary; required for airlines and many aerospace companies

Maintain/Reinstate Security Clearance

• What it is: Secret or Top Secret clearance from military service
• Cost: $0 if maintained; 12-18 months to reinvestigate if lapsed
• Value: Worth $15,000-$25,000 salary premium for contractor positions
• How to get it: Accept job requiring clearance within 2 years of separation
• ROI: Extremely high—clearance alone can add 20-30% to base salary

Medium Priority (Industry-Specific)

Manufacturer Platform Certifications

• DJI Enterprise certifications: $500-$2,000; valuable for commercial drone work
• Skydio certifications: $1,000-$2,500; growing autonomous drone market
• Platform-specific (General Atomics, etc.): Employer-provided for defense roles
• Value: Differentiates you in commercial market; some employers require specific platforms

FCC General Radiotelephone Operator License (GROL)

• What it is: FCC license for radio/avionics work
• Cost: $60 exam fee
• Time: 1-2 weeks study, 1-hour exam
• Value: Required for some avionics technician roles
• ROI: Moderate—expands job opportunities in avionics field

Lower Priority (Nice to Have)

Associate's or Bachelor's Degree

• Aviation Maintenance Technology or Electronics/Avionics preferred
• Cost: $0 with GI Bill
• Value: Preferred for supervisory roles and some corporate positions
• ROI: Opens management track; less critical for hands-on technician roles

Inspection Authorization (IA)

• What it is: FAA authorization to perform annual inspections and approve major repairs
• Requirements: A&P license + 3 years experience
• Value: Adds $10K-$20K to salary; allows independent inspection work
• ROI: Good for long-term career; not relevant for first 3-5 years

Companies Actively Hiring 15E Veterans

Defense Contractors (UAS Focus)

Tier 1 - Major Defense Primes:

1. General Atomics Aeronautical Systems - San Diego/Poway, CA (Predator/Reaper/Gray Eagle)
2. Northrop Grumman - Nationwide (Global Hawk, Fire Scout)
3. Boeing/Insitu - Bingen, WA; Hood River, OR (ScanEagle, Integrator)
4. Lockheed Martin - Multiple locations (Desert Hawk, Stalker, Indago)
5. Raytheon Technologies - Tucson, AZ (Coyote)
6. L3Harris Technologies - Multiple locations (FVR-90, VAMPIRE)
7. Textron Systems - Hunt Valley, MD (Aerosonde)
8. BAE Systems - Multiple locations (various UAS programs)

Tier 2 - Specialized UAS Companies: 9. AeroVironment - Simi Valley, CA; Mooresville, NC (Puma, Raven, Switchblade) 10. Kratos Defense - Sacramento, CA (Valkyrie, Mako) 11. Shield AI - San Diego, CA (V-BAT) 12. Anduril Industries - Costa Mesa, CA (Ghost, Anvil) 13. Area-I (Anduril) - Kennesaw, GA (Altius) 14. FLYMOTION - Syracuse, NY (government/commercial UAS) 15. Adaptive Dynamics - Huntsville, AL 16. Arcturus UAV - Petaluma, CA 17. Martin UAV - Plano, TX 18. Hood Tech - Hood River, OR 19. Threod Systems USA - Moorestown, NJ 20. Karem Aircraft - Lake Forest, CA

Commercial Drone Companies

Delivery & Logistics: 21. Amazon Prime Air - College Station, TX; Pendleton, OR 22. Wing Aviation (Alphabet) - Palo Alto, CA 23. Zipline - South San Francisco, CA; Dallas-Fort Worth, TX (expanding) 24. Matternet - Mountain View, CA 25. DroneUp - Virginia Beach, VA 26. Flytrex - North Carolina operations

Autonomous/AI Drones: 27. Skydio - San Mateo, CA 28. Percepto - Tel Aviv (US operations) 29. Easy Aerial - Brooklyn, NY 30. American Robotics - Marlborough, MA

Inspection/Services: 31. Measure - Washington, DC 32. PrecisionHawk - Raleigh, NC 33. Hazon Solutions - Multiple locations 34. DroneView Technologies - Phoenix, AZ 35. Cyberhawk - Houston, TX 36. Skyward (Verizon) - Portland, OR 37. Identified Technologies - Pittsburgh, PA 38. DroneDeploy - San Francisco, CA 39. Propeller Aero - Denver, CO 40. Kespry - Menlo Park, CA

Traditional Aviation (Requires A&P)

Major Airlines: 41. Delta Air Lines - Atlanta, GA; Minneapolis, MN; Detroit, MI; Los Angeles, CA; New York, NY 42. United Airlines - Houston, TX; Chicago, IL; San Francisco, CA; Newark, NJ; Denver, CO 43. American Airlines - Dallas-Fort Worth, TX; Charlotte, NC; Miami, FL; Phoenix, AZ 44. Southwest Airlines - Dallas, TX; Phoenix, AZ; Baltimore, MD; Chicago, IL 45. Alaska Airlines - Seattle, WA; Portland, OR 46. JetBlue Airways - New York, NY; Fort Lauderdale, FL; Orlando, FL 47. Spirit Airlines - Miramar, FL 48. Frontier Airlines - Denver, CO

Cargo/Freight: 49. FedEx Express - Memphis, TN; Indianapolis, IN; Newark, NJ; Oakland, CA 50. UPS Airlines - Louisville, KY; Rockford, IL; Philadelphia, PA; Ontario, CA

Aerospace Manufacturers: 51. Boeing - Seattle, WA; Charleston, SC; Everett, WA 52. Lockheed Martin Aeronautics - Fort Worth, TX; Marietta, GA; Palmdale, CA 53. Bell Textron - Fort Worth, TX 54. Sikorsky (Lockheed Martin) - Stratford, CT 55. Gulfstream - Savannah, GA 56. Bombardier - Wichita, KS 57. Embraer - Melbourne, FL 58. Leonardo Helicopters - Philadelphia, PA 59. Airbus Helicopters - Grand Prairie, TX 60. Robinson Helicopter - Torrance, CA

Government/Law Enforcement

Federal Agencies: 61. Customs and Border Protection - Nationwide, concentrated on southern border 62. FBI Aviation - Multiple locations 63. DEA Aviation - Multiple locations 64. Department of Interior - Boise, ID; Fort Collins, CO 65. NOAA - Multiple locations 66. NASA - Multiple centers 67. Department of Energy - National labs 68. Secret Service - Washington, DC

State/Local: 69. California Highway Patrol - Sacramento, CA 70. Texas DPS Aviation - Austin, TX 71. Florida Highway Patrol - Tallahassee, FL 72. New York State Police - Albany, NY

Major Metropolitan Police/Sheriff: 73. LAPD Air Support Division - Los Angeles, CA 74. NYPD Aviation Unit - New York, NY 75. Chicago Police Department - Chicago, IL 76. Houston Police Department - Houston, TX 77. Miami-Dade Police - Miami, FL 78. Phoenix Police Department - Phoenix, AZ 79. San Diego Sheriff - San Diego, CA 80. Orange County Sheriff - Santa Ana, CA

MRO and Repair Stations

Major MRO Providers: 81. AAR Corp - Multiple locations nationwide 82. StandardAero - Multiple locations 83. Duncan Aviation - Lincoln, NE; Battle Creek, MI 84. West Star Aviation - Multiple locations 85. Jet Aviation - Multiple locations 86. Able Engineering - Phoenix, AZ 87. Yingling Aviation - Wichita, KS 88. Constant Aviation - Orlando, FL 89. AerSale - Goodyear, AZ; Roswell, NM 90. Kellstrom Defense Aerospace - Sunrise, FL

Additional Opportunities

UAS Service Providers: 91. Flyguys - Hagerstown, MD 92. Juniper Unmanned - Austin, TX 93. Planck Aerosystems - San Diego, CA 94. Sensyn Robotics - Raleigh, NC 95. Iris Automation - San Francisco, CA

Research/Development: 96. Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Lab - Laurel, MD 97. MIT Lincoln Laboratory - Lexington, MA 98. Draper Laboratory - Cambridge, MA 99. Southwest Research Institute - San Antonio, TX 100. MITRE Corporation - Multiple locations

Salary Expectations by Experience Level

Entry-Level (0-2 Years Civilian Experience)

UAS Technician (Commercial): $50,000-$65,000

• DJI service centers, commercial drone operators
• Part 107 + manufacturer certifications
• Home most nights, predictable schedule

UAS Technician (Defense Contractor): $65,000-$85,000

• Requires active clearance
• May require OCONUS deployments
• Premium for clearance and deployment availability

Aircraft Mechanic (with A&P): $50,000-$65,000

• Airlines, MRO facilities, aerospace companies
• Shift work, nights/weekends initially
• Union protection, clear advancement path

Government UAS Technician (GS-09/10): $55,000-$70,000

• Federal agencies (CBP, Interior, etc.)
• Plus locality pay (add 15-35% in high-cost areas)
• Veteran preference helps hiring

Mid-Level (3-5 Years Civilian Experience)

UAS Technician (Commercial Lead): $70,000-$90,000

• Senior technician or team lead roles
• Platform certifications, supervisory duties
• Regional or national travel

UAS Technician (Defense Contractor Senior): $85,000-$110,000

• Specialized platforms (Predator/Reaper/Gray Eagle)
• Active TS clearance adds $10K-$20K
• Field service or depot-level work

Aircraft Mechanic (A&P + Experience): $70,000-$95,000

• Major airlines: $80K-$100K+
• Corporate aviation: $70K-$85K
• Day shift opportunities, better schedules

Government (GS-11/12): $75,000-$95,000

• Supervisory or specialized roles
• Plus locality, overtime potential
• Stability, benefits, pension

Senior-Level (5+ Years Civilian Experience)

UAS Operations Manager: $95,000-$125,000

• Managing teams, fleet operations
• Commercial or government operations
• Business development, client relations

Defense Contractor (Senior/Specialist): $100,000-$130,000+

• Subject matter expert on specific platforms
• International field service, training
• Active clearance, OCONUS premium

Aircraft Mechanic (Inspection Authorization): $90,000-$120,000+

• Major airlines with seniority: $100K-$130K+
• Corporate aviation chief inspector: $85K-$110K
• Independent A&P with IA: $80K-$120K (variable)

Government Supervisor (GS-13/14): $95,000-$125,000+

• Aviation unit supervisor, program manager
• Plus locality in high-cost areas
• Retirement benefits, job security

Geographic Salary Variations

Highest Paying Regions:

• San Francisco Bay Area: Add 25-40% to base (but cost of living is extreme)
• Washington DC Metro: Add 25-35% (locality pay for government, contractor premium)
• New York Metro: Add 20-30% (limited aviation jobs relative to tech)
• Los Angeles/Southern California: Add 15-25% (aerospace hub)
• Seattle: Add 15-25% (Boeing, aerospace)

Moderate Paying Regions:

• Dallas-Fort Worth: Add 5-15% (Bell, aerospace, moderate cost of living—sweet spot)
• Phoenix: Add 5-10% (growing aerospace, reasonable cost of living)
• Atlanta: Add 5-15% (Delta hub, aerospace)
• Denver: Add 10-15% (aerospace, UAV companies)
• Houston: Add 5-10% (aerospace, energy inspection)

Lower Cost of Living (Best Value):

• Wichita, KS: Base salary (aviation manufacturing hub, low cost of living)
• Huntsville, AL: Base to +5% (defense contractors, very low cost of living)
• Oklahoma City: Base (FAA, Tinker AFB, low cost of living)
• San Antonio, TX: Base to +5% (military, contractors, low cost of living)

Remote/OCONUS Contractor Work:

• Middle East (UAE, Qatar, Kuwait): $95,000-$145,000+ (tax advantages with foreign earned income exclusion)
• Afghanistan/Iraq (if contracts resume): $110,000-$160,000+ (hazard pay, tax-free)
• Korea/Japan: $80,000-$120,000 (OCONUS premium, clearance required)

Resume Translation for 15E Veterans

Stop writing "15E UAS Repairer" and assuming civilians understand it. Translate your experience:

Before (Military Jargon):

• "15E UAS Repairer, 3 years experience"
• "Performed PMCS on RQ-7 Shadow UAS"
• "Maintained mission readiness for aviation assets"

After (Civilian Translation):

• "Unmanned Aircraft Systems Maintenance Technician with 3+ years maintaining tactical drone platforms valued at $15M+"
• "Conducted preventive and corrective maintenance on electrical, avionics, propulsion, and payload systems for tactical unmanned aircraft"
• "Maintained 98% operational readiness rate across 12-aircraft fleet supporting combat operations"

10 Resume Bullet Points (Copy and Customize):

1. "Maintained and repaired 12+ tactical unmanned aircraft systems (RQ-7 Shadow/RQ-11 Raven) valued at $15M+, achieving 98% mission readiness rate across 200+ flight operations"

   • Quantifies fleet size, aircraft value, and performance metric

2. "Diagnosed and troubleshot complex electrical, avionics, RF communications, and propulsion system malfunctions using advanced test equipment and technical documentation, reducing average repair time 30%"

   • Shows technical skills and measurable improvement

3. "Performed scheduled and unscheduled maintenance on ground control stations, ground data terminals, launch/recovery systems, and support equipment worth $8M+"

   • Demonstrates breadth of systems knowledge beyond aircraft

4. "Maintained 100% accountability for 500+ tools, components, and spare parts totaling $2M+ inventory value with zero losses over 36 months"

   • Shows reliability and attention to detail—critical for aviation

5. "Collaborated with pilots, mission planners, and quality assurance inspectors to ensure airworthiness compliance and mission success across 150+ combat support missions"

   • Demonstrates teamwork and mission focus

6. "Interpreted and applied complex technical manuals, wiring diagrams, and maintenance procedures to diagnose and repair avionics, sensor, and electrical system faults"

   • Shows ability to work independently using documentation

7. "Managed detailed maintenance records and documentation in accordance with Army aviation regulations, ensuring 100% audit compliance across 25+ inspections"

   • Relevant for FAA-regulated civilian aviation environment

8. "Trained and supervised 4 junior technicians on UAS maintenance procedures, safety protocols, and quality control standards, improving team efficiency 25%"

   • Demonstrates leadership and training ability

9. "Performed electrical system troubleshooting and repair on 24/28-volt DC and 115-volt AC systems, including circuit board-level component replacement and soldering"

   • Specific technical skills valuable for avionics roles

10. "Operated in austere field environments with limited resources, maintaining aircraft operational readiness under combat conditions across 12-month deployment"

    • Shows adaptability and problem-solving under pressure

Key Resume Tips:

• Use numbers: Fleet size, dollar values, readiness rates, mission counts
• Translate acronyms: Write "unmanned aircraft systems (UAS)" first time, then UAS
• Focus on civilian-relevant skills: Electrical troubleshooting, avionics repair, quality control
• Highlight clearance: "Active Secret Security Clearance" (if still current)
• Include certifications: FAA Part 107, A&P (if completed), manufacturer certs

Transition Timeline: Your First 12 Months

6-12 Months Before Separation

Month 1-2: Assessment and Planning

• Attend Army Credentialing Assistance (CA) program—$4,000/year for civilian certifications
• Take FAA Part 107 exam ($175)—weekend of study, opens immediate opportunities
• Inventory your clearance level and expiration—critical for contractor jobs
• Document specific aircraft you've worked on (Shadow, Raven, Gray Eagle, etc.)
• Research 10 companies you'd want to work for

Month 3-4: Certification Strategy

• Decide: A&P license or direct to workforce?
  • A&P route: Apply to Part 147 schools, submit GI Bill paperwork, plan for 18-24 month commitment
  • Direct to workforce: Target UAS-specific roles that don't require A&P
• Apply for SkillBridge internship (last 180 days of service)—try defense contractors, drone companies, or airlines
• Get 10 copies of DD-214 once available
• Set up LinkedIn profile—connect with 50+ veterans in drone/aviation industry

Month 5-6: Applications and Networking

• Apply to 20-30 positions (don't put all eggs in one basket)
• Register on ClearanceJobs.com (if you have clearance)
• Join LinkedIn groups: "Military Transition," "UAV/UAS Professionals," "Aviation Maintenance"
• Attend virtual job fairs and military hiring conferences
• Contact recruiters at General Atomics, Northrop Grumman, AeroVironment, Amazon, airlines

3-6 Months Before Separation

Job Search Intensifies:

• Continue applying—defense contractor hiring takes 3-6 months
• Practice interviews using STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result)
• Prepare for technical questions (troubleshooting scenarios, systems knowledge)
• Network aggressively—80% of jobs come through connections
• Consider temporary contract work for immediate income

SkillBridge (if approved):

• Work with civilian employer last 6 months while still getting military pay
• Gain civilian experience, often leads to job offer
• Companies offering SkillBridge: General Atomics, Boeing, airlines, many others

Final 3 Months and First 90 Days Out

Months 1-3 After Separation:

• Accept first reasonable offer if you don't have something lined up—easier to job hunt while employed
• Entry-level UAS tech at $55K-$65K beats unemployment
• Continue applying for better opportunities while working
• Invest in manufacturer certifications (DJI, Skydio, etc.)
• Build professional network in your company and industry
• Document achievements and new skills learned

Months 4-12:

• After 6-12 months experience, reassess salary—are you underpaid?
• With 1 year civilian experience, you're more marketable
• Consider lateral move to defense contractor if pay/benefits are significantly better
• Begin A&P training if you decided to pursue that path
• Continue building skills and certifications

Job Search Strategy for 15E Veterans

Where to Find Jobs

Veteran-Specific Job Boards:

• ClearanceJobs.com - Best for defense contractor positions requiring clearance
• Hire Our Heroes - Military-friendly companies
• RecruitMilitary.com - Veteran job fairs and listings
• Military.com Jobs - Transition-focused
• VetJobs.com - Civilian opportunities for veterans

Aviation/UAS-Specific:

• JSfirm.com - Aviation jobs (280+ UAV/UAS listings currently)
• AVJobs.com - Aviation maintenance positions
• AirlineApps.com - Airline-specific applications

General Job Boards (Still Effective):

• Indeed.com - Search "UAS technician," "drone technician," "aircraft mechanic"
• LinkedIn Jobs - Set alerts for "unmanned aircraft," "UAV maintenance"
• Glassdoor - Research salaries and company reviews
• ZipRecruiter - Aggregates from multiple sources

Company Career Pages (Apply Direct):

• General Atomics, Northrop Grumman, AeroVironment, Boeing, Lockheed Martin, airlines (all have veteran hiring programs)

Application Tips

Tailor Your Resume:

• Match keywords from job posting (ATS systems scan for specific terms)
• If they say "avionics troubleshooting," use those exact words
• Quantify everything (fleet size, dollar values, percentages)

Cover Letter (Yes, Write One):

• 3 paragraphs: Why this company, why you're qualified, what you offer
• Mention 15E MOS and specific aircraft (Shadow, Raven, etc.)
• Reference your clearance if applicable
• Keep it to 250-300 words

Follow Up:

• Apply online, then find hiring manager on LinkedIn
• Send connection request with polite note referencing your application
• Follow up after 7-10 days if no response

Networking (Most Important)

LinkedIn Strategy:

• Connect with 15E veterans who already transitioned (search "15E" + company names)
• Join groups: "UAS/UAV Professionals," "Military in Aviation," company alumni groups
• Engage with content—comment on posts, share articles
• Ask for informational interviews (15-minute calls to learn about roles)

Veteran Organizations:

• Army Aviation Association of America (QUAD-A) - Networking, job fairs
• Hire Heroes USA - Free career coaching for veterans
• American Corporate Partners (ACP) - Mentorship program
• Local veteran networking groups - Search Meetup.com

Attend Industry Events:

• AUVSI Xponential - Unmanned systems conference (trade show has hiring companies)
• MRO Americas - Maintenance, repair, overhaul conference
• Regional aviation job fairs - Check your area

Interview Preparation: What to Expect

Common Technical Questions for 15E Candidates

1. "Walk me through your troubleshooting process when an aircraft has an electrical fault."

• Answer approach: Use systematic method—check error codes, consult technical manual, isolate system, use test equipment, verify repair
• Show: Methodical thinking, safety consciousness, adherence to procedures

2. "What unmanned aircraft platforms have you worked on, and what were your primary responsibilities?"

• Answer approach: Specific platforms (Shadow, Raven, Gray Eagle), systems you maintained (avionics, electrical, propulsion), your role
• Show: Breadth of experience, hands-on capability

3. "How do you ensure quality and safety when performing maintenance under time pressure?"

• Answer approach: Follow tech data, use checklists, never skip steps, ask for help if unsure, safety first always
• Show: Integrity, safety culture, professionalism

4. "Describe a time you diagnosed a complex problem with limited resources."

• Answer approach: STAR method—Situation (deployed, limited parts), Task (aircraft down), Action (systematic troubleshooting, improvisation), Result (aircraft back in service)
• Show: Problem-solving, adaptability, mission focus

5. "What test equipment are you proficient with?"

• Answer approach: List specific tools—multimeters, oscilloscopes, meggers, signal generators, whatever you've used
• Show: Technical competency, hands-on experience

6. "How do you stay current with technical changes and new procedures?"

• Answer approach: Read tech manuals, attend training, learn from senior technicians, pursue certifications
• Show: Continuous improvement mindset, learning agility

7. "Tell me about a time you found a mistake or safety issue. What did you do?"

• Answer approach: Specific example, stopped work, reported to supervisor, corrected issue, prevented incident
• Show: Safety consciousness, integrity, courage to speak up

8. "Why are you interested in this position/company?"

• Answer approach: Research company, mention specific programs/aircraft, align your skills with their needs, express genuine interest
• Show: You've done homework, not just applying everywhere

9. "What's your experience with technical documentation and record-keeping?"

• Answer approach: Maintained DA Forms, aircraft logbooks, parts tracking, 100% accountability, audit-ready records
• Show: Attention to detail, reliability, regulatory compliance

10. "Do you have FAA certifications? If not, are you willing to pursue them?"

• Answer approach: If yes—state what you have. If no—express willingness and timeline
• Show: Initiative, career commitment

11. "How do you handle working independently versus as part of a team?"

• Answer approach: Examples of both—solo troubleshooting and team maintenance efforts
• Show: Flexibility, collaboration skills

12. "What's your availability for travel/deployments?" (for contractor roles)

• Answer approach: Be honest—if you can't deploy, say so early; if you can, state duration you're comfortable with
• Show: Transparency, reliability

13. "Walk me through your experience with [specific system—electrical, avionics, propulsion]."

• Answer approach: Technical depth—voltages, components, common failures, repair procedures
• Show: Subject matter expertise

14. "Tell me about a time you made a mistake. How did you handle it?"

• Answer approach: Honest example, owned mistake, corrected it, learned from it, implemented change
• Show: Accountability, learning mindset, maturity

15. "Where do you see yourself in 5 years?"

• Answer approach: Growth within industry—lead technician, supervisor, specialized certifications (A&P, IA), staying in aviation/UAS field
• Show: Career commitment, ambition, realistic goals

Interview Tips

Before the Interview:

• Research the company—what aircraft/systems they use, recent news, contracts
• Prepare 3-5 questions to ask them (shows interest)
• Practice STAR method answers to behavioral questions
• Bring copies of resume, certifications, DD-214 (if needed for veteran preference)

During the Interview:

• Translate military terms—don't assume they know what "PMCS" or "DA Form 2408" means
• Show enthusiasm—employers want people who want to be there
• Be honest about what you don't know—"I haven't worked on that system, but I learn quickly"
• Ask about training programs, advancement opportunities, day-to-day work

After the Interview:

• Send thank-you email within 24 hours
• Reference specific topics discussed
• Reiterate interest and qualifications
• Follow up after 5-7 days if no response

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Waiting Until the Last Minute

The mistake: Starting job search 30 days before separation. Why it fails: Defense contractor hiring takes 3-6 months. Airline hiring takes 2-4 months. You'll be unemployed. Fix: Start 6-12 months out. Use SkillBridge for last 6 months if possible.

2. Applying Only to "Cool" Jobs

The mistake: Only applying to companies like General Atomics or Amazon because they sound exciting. Why it fails: Those jobs are competitive. You need backup options. Fix: Apply broadly—50+ applications across defense, commercial, government, airlines. Cast wide net.

3. Not Getting FAA Part 107

The mistake: "I'll get it later." Why it fails: Many jobs require it before you start. It's cheap ($175) and easy (weekend of study). Fix: Take Part 107 exam 6+ months before separation. Put it on resume immediately.

4. Ignoring the A&P License Decision

The mistake: Procrastinating on whether to pursue A&P. Why it fails: If you want airlines or traditional aviation, you need it. That's 18-24 months. Delaying costs you time and money. Fix: Decide within first 90 days of separation. Either commit to A&P school or focus on UAS-specific roles. Don't waffle.

5. Letting Your Clearance Lapse

The mistake: Not accepting a cleared job within 2 years; clearance expires. Why it fails: Reinvestigation takes 12-18 months and isn't guaranteed. Clearance is worth $15K-$25K/year. Fix: If you have clearance, prioritize jobs requiring it. Accept contractor role even if not perfect—keep clearance active.

6. Underselling Your Experience

The mistake: Resume says "fixed drones." That's it. Why it fails: Civilian hiring managers don't understand what you did. You sound like basic tech. Fix: Quantify everything. Dollar values, fleet size, mission counts, readiness rates. "Maintained $15M+ fleet of 12 tactical UAS achieving 98% readiness across 200+ missions."

7. Overlooking Geographic Flexibility

The mistake: "I only want to work in my hometown of Small Town, USA." Why it fails: Aviation and UAS jobs cluster in specific locations—San Diego, Dallas-Fort Worth, DC area, etc. Fix: Be willing to relocate for the right opportunity. Consider cost of living—$70K in Huntsville, AL goes further than $90K in San Francisco.

Success Stories: 15E Veterans Who Made It

Case Study 1: Jake, 27, E-5 → Defense Contractor UAS Technician

Background: Jake did 6 years as a 15E, worked on Shadow and Gray Eagle systems, held Secret clearance, separated as E-5.

Transition: Started job search 9 months before separation. Applied to 40+ companies. Got FAA Part 107 during terminal leave. Used SkillBridge with General Atomics last 5 months.

First Job: General Atomics hired him full-time as UAS Field Service Representative at $78,000 (San Diego, CA). Work involved supporting Gray Eagle customers CONUS and OCONUS.

Two Years Later: After two OCONUS deployments (60 days each), gained specialized experience on Gray Eagle Block 2. Promoted to Senior Field Service Rep at $98,000. Considering management track or pursuing A&P for career diversity.

Key Success Factors: Active clearance, SkillBridge program, willingness to deploy, prior Gray Eagle experience

Case Study 2: Maria, 29, E-6 → Commercial Drone Company Lead Technician

Background: Maria served 8 years, 15E on Raven and Puma systems, separated as E-6, no clearance.

Transition: Decided against defense contractors (didn't want to deploy). Got Part 107 and DJI Enterprise certifications ($1,500 total). Applied to commercial drone companies. Started job search 6 months out.

First Job: Hired by regional drone inspection company at $58,000 as UAS Maintenance Technician (Phoenix, AZ). Home every night, worked on DJI Matrice platforms for power line and solar panel inspections.

18 Months Later: Promoted to Lead Technician at $72,000. Manages 3 junior techs and oversees maintenance for 25-drone fleet. Company growing rapidly. Quality of life excellent—home for dinner, weekends off.

Key Success Factors: Commercial certifications (DJI), willingness to learn new platforms, strong work ethic led to rapid promotion

Case Study 3: David, 34, E-7 → A&P Mechanic → Airlines

Background: David did 12 years as 15E, separated as E-7, wanted long-term stability for family.

Transition: Decided on A&P route for airline career. Used GI Bill for 18-month A&P program. Worked part-time as UAS tech during school ($18/hr). Got A&P license, FAA written/practical/oral exams.

First Job: Hired by regional airline (SkyWest) at $52,000 as A&P Mechanic (Salt Lake City, UT). Night shift, weekends. Paid his dues.

Three Years Later: Transferred to Delta Connection maintenance (same company), now making $74,000. Day shift after gaining seniority. Union benefits, clear pay progression, retirement plan. On track for $90K+ within 5 years.

Key Success Factors: Long-term thinking, GI Bill investment, family stability prioritized over max initial salary, patient with career progression

Education Options for 15E Veterans

FAA Part 147 A&P Schools (GI Bill Eligible)

Top Programs:

• Aviation Institute of Maintenance - Multiple locations nationwide; 18-21 months
• Spartan College of Aeronautics - Tulsa, OK; Denver, CO; 18 months
• NEIT (New England Tech) - Warwick, RI; Associate degree + A&P; 2 years
• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Daytona Beach, FL; Prescott, AZ; degree programs
• Middle Georgia State University - Eastman, GA; 18 months
• Vaughn College - New York, NY; Associate degree + A&P
• Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics - Pittsburgh, PA; 18 months

Cost: $20,000-$45,000 (GI Bill covers tuition + housing allowance) Time Commitment: 18-24 months full-time Outcome: FAA A&P license, opens airline and aerospace careers

Alternative: Experience-Based A&P

Requirements: 30 months documented experience on aircraft (civilian employment) Process: Work as aircraft mechanic helper/apprentice, document hours, then take FAA exams Pros: No school costs, earn while learning Cons: Takes 2.5 years, finding apprenticeship positions can be difficult

Bachelor's Degree Programs (Optional but Valuable)

Relevant Majors:

• Aviation Maintenance Management
• Aeronautical Science
• Electronics Engineering Technology
• Unmanned Aircraft Systems

Best Schools:

• Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University - Gold standard for aviation
• University of North Dakota - UAS program
• Kansas State University Polytechnic - UAS program
• Middle Tennessee State University - Aerospace
• Liberty University - Aviation online programs

Value: Opens management track, required for some government GS-12+ positions GI Bill: Covers tuition + housing allowance for 36 months

Short-Term Certifications (High ROI)

FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot:

• Self-study (free FAA materials) or $150-$300 online courses
• $175 exam
• 2-4 weeks preparation
• Required for commercial drone work

Manufacturer Certifications:

• DJI Enterprise: $500-$2,000 (various levels)
• Skydio Certified Operator: $1,000-$2,500
• Autel Robotics: $500-$1,500
• Industry-recognized, employer-preferred

FCC GROL (General Radiotelephone Operator License):

• $60 exam
• 1-2 weeks study
• Valuable for avionics work

Geographic Considerations: Top 10 Cities for 15E Veterans

1. San Diego, California

Why: General Atomics (Predator/Reaper HQ), Northrop Grumman, Navy/Marine Corps aviation, defense contractors Salary Range: $75,000-$120,000+ (high cost of living) Jobs Available: Defense contractor UAS technicians, DoD civilian positions, commercial drone companies Cost of Living: Very high (median home $900K+) Verdict: Highest concentration of UAS jobs, but expensive

2. Dallas-Fort Worth, Texas

Why: Bell Textron, Lockheed Martin, American Airlines, Amazon Prime Air, growing drone hub Salary Range: $65,000-$105,000 (moderate cost of living—best value) Jobs Available: Helicopter maintenance, airline A&P, UAS commercial operations, defense contractors Cost of Living: Moderate (median home $350K) Verdict: Best overall value—strong job market, reasonable cost of living, no state income tax

3. Washington DC Metro (Maryland/Virginia)

Why: Defense contractors, federal government (CBP, Interior, FBI, DEA), intelligence agencies Salary Range: $75,000-$115,000 (GS locality pay 25-35% higher) Jobs Available: Cleared contractor positions, government GS roles, drone service companies Cost of Living: High (median home $550K+) Verdict: Excellent for clearance holders; government stability

4. Phoenix, Arizona

Why: Boeing (Apache helicopters), aerospace manufacturers, airline maintenance, growing drone industry Salary Range: $60,000-$95,000 (low-moderate cost of living) Jobs Available: Helicopter repair, airline A&P, MRO facilities, commercial UAS Cost of Living: Moderate (median home $450K) Verdict: Good weather, growing market, reasonable cost of living

5. Seattle-Tacoma, Washington

Why: Boeing HQ, airline industry, Insitu (Boeing UAS), aerospace manufacturing Salary Range: $70,000-$110,000 (high cost of living) Jobs Available: Boeing aircraft/UAS, airlines, aerospace contractors Cost of Living: Very high (median home $700K+) Verdict: Strong aerospace hub, but expensive; high salaries offset costs partially

6. Atlanta, Georgia

Why: Delta TechOps (largest airline maintenance facility), Lockheed Martin, Gulfstream Salary Range: $60,000-$95,000 (moderate cost of living) Jobs Available: Delta A&P mechanics, Lockheed contractors, corporate aviation Cost of Living: Moderate (median home $380K) Verdict: Delta dominates; excellent for A&P mechanics

7. Huntsville, Alabama

Why: Army aviation hub (Redstone Arsenal), defense contractors, missile/UAS systems Salary Range: $60,000-$90,000 (low cost of living—goes far) Jobs Available: Army contractor positions, UAS development, aerospace Cost of Living: Low (median home $260K) Verdict: Best cost-of-living ratio—$70K salary lives like $100K elsewhere

8. Denver, Colorado

Why: Aerospace industry, UAV companies, Lockheed Martin, government contractors Salary Range: $65,000-$100,000 (moderate-high cost of living) Jobs Available: UAS companies, aerospace contractors, government positions Cost of Living: High (median home $580K) Verdict: Great quality of life, outdoor lifestyle, competitive job market

9. San Antonio, Texas

Why: Military city (JBSA Randolph/Lackland), contractors, maintenance depots Salary Range: $55,000-$85,000 (low cost of living) Jobs Available: DoD civilian, contractors supporting military aviation Cost of Living: Low (median home $280K) Verdict: Military-friendly, stable government work, affordable

10. Southern California (Los Angeles/Orange County)

Why: Aerospace corridor (Boeing Huntington Beach, Northrop Grumman, AeroVironment, Anduril, Kratos) Salary Range: $70,000-$115,000+ (very high cost of living) Jobs Available: Defense contractors, UAS manufacturers, commercial drone companies Cost of Living: Extremely high (median home $800K-$1M+) Verdict: Many jobs, but expensive; consider Inland Empire (Riverside/San Bernardino) for lower costs

Resources for 15E Transition

Government Transition Programs

• Army Credentialing Assistance (CA): Up to $4,000/year for civilian certifications
• SkillBridge: Work civilian job last 180 days while still getting military pay
• Transition Assistance Program (TAP): Mandatory transition courses—use them
• VA Vocational Rehabilitation (VR&E): If service-connected disability, covers training beyond GI Bill
• GI Bill: 36 months tuition + housing allowance for A&P school or degree programs

Job Boards & Career Resources

• ClearanceJobs.com: Defense contractor jobs requiring clearance
• JSfirm.com: 280+ UAV/UAS jobs currently listed
• Indeed.com / LinkedIn Jobs: General job search
• Hire Heroes USA: Free career coaching for veterans (highly recommended)
• American Corporate Partners (ACP): Free mentorship program

Professional Organizations

• Army Aviation Association of America (QUAD-A): Networking, job fairs, scholarships
• AUVSI (Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International): Industry organization, conferences
• Professional Aviation Maintenance Association (PAMA): For A&P mechanics
• Aircraft Electronics Association (AEA): For avionics technicians

Certification Resources

• FAA Part 107: faa.gov/uas (free study materials), or online courses $150-$300
• FAA A&P Schools: faa.gov/mechanics (list of Part 147 schools)
• Army COOL: cool.osd.mil/army (credentialing assistance information)

Industry News & Learning

• UAV Coach: uavcoach.com (Part 107 training, industry news)
• DroneLife: dronelife.com (commercial drone industry news)
• Aviation Week: aviationweek.com (aerospace industry)
• AVweb: avweb.com (general aviation news)

Next Steps: Your Action Plan

You've read the guide. Now execute.

This Week (7 Days):

Day 1-2: Inventory your skills

• List every aircraft you've worked on
• Document your clearance level and expiration
• Calculate your separation timeline
• Identify if you want: defense contractor, commercial, airlines, or government

Day 3-4: Get FAA Part 107

• Download FAA study materials (free)
• Register for exam ($175) at testing center near you
• Study 10-15 hours over next 2 weeks
• Take exam, get certified

Day 5-7: Start applications

• Create LinkedIn profile or update existing
• Build resume using examples from this guide
• Apply to 5 jobs (just to practice)
• Connect with 10 veterans in target companies

This Month (30 Days):

• Apply to 30-50 positions across multiple paths
• Register on ClearanceJobs.com (if clearance holder)
• Attend virtual military hiring conference
• Research A&P schools if considering that route
• Join LinkedIn groups: "UAV/UAS Professionals," "Military Transition"
• Contact SkillBridge coordinator (if 6+ months from separation)
• Get copies of training certificates, performance evaluations

Next 3 Months:

• Continue applying (expect 2-5% response rate—it's a numbers game)
• Complete Part 107 if you haven't
• Begin networking calls—15-minute informational interviews with people in target companies
• Decide on A&P license (yes/no)—if yes, apply to schools and submit GI Bill paperwork
• Attend QUAD-A or AUVSI conference if timing works
• Practice interview answers to technical questions
• Update resume based on feedback and applications

Next 6-12 Months:

• Accept first good offer—don't hold out for perfect
• If pursuing A&P, begin school
• If working, document achievements for future resume updates
• Build professional network in your company
• Consider manufacturer certifications (DJI, Skydio, etc.)
• Reassess at 6-month mark—are you on track? Do you need to pivot?

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You didn't just fix drones in the Army—you maintained mission-critical systems that saved lives. That skill set has value. Real, measurable, marketable value.

The civilian drone and aviation industries need what you know how to do. Your attention to detail, technical skills, problem-solving ability, and work ethic are exactly what employers are seeking. You're not starting from zero—you're starting with years of specialized experience.

First job might be $60,000-$75,000. Within 3-5 years, with certifications and experience, $90,000-$110,000+ is realistic. If you pursue A&P and airlines, $100,000+ within 5-7 years is achievable. If you go defense contractors with clearance and OCONUS work, $100,000+ within 2-3 years.

The path is clear. The jobs exist. The demand is real. Execute the plan.

Ready to start? Use the Military Transition Toolkit to track your certifications, build your transition timeline, and access resources specifically designed for soldiers like you making this exact transition.