Navy FC Fire Controlman to Civilian: Your Complete Career Transition Roadmap (With Salary Data)

Bottom Line Up Front

Navy Fire Controlmen (FC) come out with weapons systems expertise, radar and fire control systems knowledge, complex computer systems troubleshooting, and Top Secret security clearances that make you one of the most sought-after veterans in the defense industry. Realistic first-year salaries range from $70,000-$90,000 with active clearances, with experienced technicians hitting $95,000-$130,000+, and specialized overseas contractor roles reaching $140,000-$200,000+. You'll need some certifications (CompTIA Security+, AEGIS-specific training, maybe an associate's degree), but your clearance and hands-on weapons systems experience make you immediately hireable at premium pay rates.

Let's address the elephant in the room

When you start researching civilian careers as an FC, you might worry: "My skills are too specialized." "Only defense contractors hire FCs." "What if defense spending drops?"

Here's what that misses: Your weapons systems and radar expertise is irreplaceable and in massive demand.

As a Navy Fire Controlman, you:

Maintained and operated weapons direction systems worth $10+ million (AEGIS, SSDS, MK160, MK92)
Troubleshot radar systems including SPY-1, SPS-67, SPS-73 phased array radars
Operated and maintained gun systems (MK 45 5"/54, MK 38 25mm, CIWS)
Worked with missile systems (Tomahawk, Sea Sparrow, Standard Missile, Harpoon)
Managed computer networks, displays, and fire control computers
Held Top Secret security clearances and worked with classified systems
Performed organizational and intermediate-level maintenance on complex electronics
Executed weapons employment under operational conditions
Read and interpreted technical manuals, schematics, and system architectures

That's systems-level engineering knowledge, classified systems expertise, mission-critical troubleshooting, and security-cleared technical skills. Defense contractors are actively competing for veterans with your exact background, and they're paying premium salaries.

Best civilian career paths for Navy FCs

Let's get specific. Here are the fields where FCs consistently land, with real 2024-2025 salary data.

Defense contractors – weapons systems (highest pay)

Civilian job titles:

Weapons systems technician
Fire control systems technician
Combat systems technician
AEGIS systems technician
Radar systems technician
Field service engineer

Salary ranges:

Entry-level with Secret clearance: $70,000-$85,000
Experienced with Top Secret clearance: $95,000-$120,000
AEGIS-qualified technician: $105,000-$135,000
Senior systems engineer: $120,000-$150,000
Overseas contractor (Middle East, Asia): $140,000-$200,000+

What translates directly:

AEGIS weapon system maintenance and operation
Radar systems troubleshooting (SPY-1, SPS-series)
Fire control computer systems
Weapons employment and testing
Technical documentation and reporting
Classified systems and TEMPEST procedures
Test equipment operation (oscilloscopes, signal generators, network analyzers)

Certifications needed:

Active Top Secret clearance (worth $20K-$40K salary premium—maintain this at all costs)
CompTIA Security+ (DoD 8570 requirement) - Cost: $392
AEGIS-specific training (provided by contractors like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon)
Manufacturer certifications (employer provides)

Reality check: This is where FCs make the most money. Defense contractors like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, Northrop Grumman, BAE Systems, and General Dynamics desperately need FCs to support Navy ships, train crews, perform installations, and provide technical assistance.

You'll work on Navy ships (as a rider), at shipyards during installations and upgrades, at training facilities, or at contractor sites developing and testing new systems. The work is nearly identical to what you did on active duty—troubleshooting weapons systems, performing alignments, running tests, and documenting results.

Your Top Secret clearance is gold. Companies will pay premium salaries because getting a new employee cleared takes 12-18 months and costs $10,000-$15,000. You already have it.

Overseas positions (Bahrain, Japan, Guam, Diego Garcia, Rota) pay the highest—$140K-$200K—but require extended time away from home (often 6-12 month rotations).

Best for: FCs who want to keep working on weapons systems, maximize earning potential, and leverage clearances for premium pay.

Companies actively hiring FCs:

Lockheed Martin (AEGIS prime contractor)
Raytheon Technologies / RTX (missile systems)
Northrop Grumman (radar and fire control)
BAE Systems (combat systems integration)
General Dynamics (ship systems)
L3Harris Technologies (communications and sensors)
Serco (technical services)
CACI International
Leidos

Defense contractors – radar and sensors

Civilian job titles:

Radar technician
Sensor systems technician
RF systems technician
Microwave systems technician
Test and evaluation technician

Salary ranges:

Entry-level radar tech: $65,000-$80,000
Experienced radar technician: $85,000-$105,000
RF/microwave specialist: $95,000-$120,000
Senior radar engineer: $110,000-$140,000

What translates directly:

Radar systems operation and maintenance
RF signal analysis and troubleshooting
Antenna systems and waveguide
Radar alignment and calibration
Performance analysis and testing

Certifications needed:

Active security clearance (Secret minimum, TS preferred)
CompTIA Security+ - Cost: $392
FCC GROL (General Radiotelephone Operator License) - Cost: $100-$150
RF/microwave training (provided by employer)

Reality check: FCs with radar experience (especially SPY-1, phased array systems, or AN/SPS series radars) are highly valuable. Radar technology is used in air defense, missile defense, air traffic control, weather monitoring, and commercial applications.

Defense contractors need radar techs to support Navy ships, develop new systems, test prototypes, and train operators. Commercial sectors (aerospace, aviation, telecommunications) also hire radar technicians for non-military applications.

This path is slightly more technical and less about weapons employment, focusing on the sensors and detection systems side. If you enjoyed working on radars more than firing missiles, this is your lane.

Best for: FCs who prefer working on radar and sensor systems over weapons, and want defense contractor pay with less focus on ordnance.

Companies hiring:

Raytheon (radar prime contractor)
Northrop Grumman (AESA radars)
Lockheed Martin (SPY-1 and SPY-6)
General Dynamics
L3Harris
SRC Inc.
Mercury Systems

Federal government (non-contractor)

Civilian job titles:

Fire control technician (GS-0802)
Electronics technician (GS-0856)
Weapons systems specialist (GS-0101/1102)
Engineering technician (GS-0802)
Logistics management specialist (GS-0346)

Salary ranges:

GS-9 to GS-11 (entry with military experience): $60,000-$85,000
GS-12 to GS-13 (mid-level): $85,000-$115,000
GS-14+ (senior roles): $115,000-$145,000
Locality pay adjustments: +15% to +35% (DC, San Diego, Norfolk add significant pay)

What translates directly:

Weapons systems maintenance
Technical documentation and procedures
Government acquisition and logistics
Security protocols and clearances
Navy systems knowledge

Certifications needed:

Security clearance (government will sponsor if lapsed)
CompTIA Security+ (for IT-related positions)
Relevant degree (associate's or bachelor's preferred but military experience counts)

Reality check: Federal civilian jobs at Navy shipyards, depots, NAVSEA, NAVAIR, and program offices need FCs to support fleet operations, acquisition programs, testing, and training.

Jobs at Naval Surface Warfare Centers (Port Hueneme, Dahlgren, Indian Head, Panama City), shipyards (Norfolk, San Diego, Bremerton, Pearl Harbor), and NAVSEA offices put you directly supporting the same systems you maintained on active duty.

Benefits are outstanding—pension (FERS), TSP with 5% match, federal health insurance, job security, and work-life balance. Pay is lower than defense contractors (typically 20-30% less), but total compensation including benefits and pension is competitive.

Veteran preference gives you 5-10 points in hiring process. The application process on USAJobs.gov is tedious and slow (4-8 months typical), but worth it for long-term stability.

Best for: FCs who want federal benefits, pension, job security, and work-life balance over maximum salary.

Where to look:

Naval Surface Warfare Centers (NSWC Dahlgren, Port Hueneme)
Naval shipyards (Norfolk, San Diego, Bremerton, Pearl Harbor)
NAVSEA (Naval Sea Systems Command)
NAVAIR (Naval Air Systems Command)
Program Executive Offices (PEO IWS, PEO Ships)
Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA)

Private security and protective services (non-technical path)

Civilian job titles:

Security specialist
Physical security manager
Executive protection specialist
Corporate security manager
Security operations center analyst

Salary ranges:

Entry-level security specialist: $45,000-$60,000
Security manager: $65,000-$85,000
Executive protection: $70,000-$110,000
Corporate security director: $95,000-$130,000

What translates directly:

Security protocols and procedures
Threat assessment and situational awareness
Access control and screening
Emergency response procedures
Weapons proficiency
Security clearance background

Certifications needed:

State security guard license - Cost: $100-$500
Executive protection training - Cost: $2,000-$5,000
CPP (Certified Protection Professional) - Cost: $500-$1,000
Concealed carry permit - Cost: $100-$300

Reality check: This path leverages your security clearance, weapons knowledge, and military discipline but moves away from technical work. If you're burned out on troubleshooting electronics and want to transition to security management, this works.

Entry-level security work pays poorly ($40K-$50K), but it's a stepping stone. Executive protection, corporate security management, and cleared security positions pay $70K-$130K within 3-5 years.

Best for: FCs who want to pivot away from technical work, prefer working with people over equipment, and want to use their clearance and military bearing in security roles.

Aerospace and commercial radar systems

Civilian job titles:

Avionics technician
Radar systems engineer
Test engineer
Systems integration technician

Salary ranges:

Avionics technician: $60,000-$80,000
Radar systems engineer: $85,000-$115,000
Test engineer: $90,000-$120,000
Senior systems integration engineer: $110,000-$140,000

What translates directly:

Radar and sensor systems knowledge
Systems integration and testing
Troubleshooting complex electronics
Technical documentation
Test procedures and validation

Certifications needed:

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license (for avionics path) - Cost: covered by GI Bill
Manufacturer certifications (Boeing, Airbus, Rockwell Collins)
Associate's or Bachelor's in Electronics Engineering Technology - Cost: $0 with GI Bill

Reality check: Commercial aerospace companies (Boeing, Airbus, Northrop Grumman, L3Harris) build radar and sensors for commercial aircraft, air traffic control, and weather systems. Your military radar knowledge transfers to these commercial applications.

Work is more structured and corporate than defense contracting. You'll work 40-50 hour weeks in labs and manufacturing facilities. Pay is good, benefits are strong, and job security is better than pure defense contractors.

Best for: FCs who want to use technical skills in commercial aerospace, prefer corporate structure, and want better work-life balance.

Companies hiring:

Boeing
Airbus
Northrop Grumman (commercial division)
L3Harris (commercial aviation)
Rockwell Collins (now Collins Aerospace)
Honeywell Aerospace
Thales Group

Skills translation table (for your resume)

Stop writing "Navy Fire Controlman" on your resume. Translate your experience into civilian-friendly language:

Military Experience	Civilian Translation
Maintained AEGIS weapon system	Performed organizational and intermediate maintenance on AEGIS combat system including SPY-1 radar, MK99 fire control, and weapon control computers
Operated and maintained gun systems	Maintained and operated MK 45 5"/54 gun weapon system including fire control computers, servo systems, and ammunition handling equipment
Troubleshot radar systems	Diagnosed and repaired complex phased array radar systems (SPY-1, SPS-series) using systematic troubleshooting and test equipment
Worked with missile systems	Maintained Tomahawk, Sea Sparrow, and Standard Missile systems including launchers, fire control, and guidance systems
Managed fire control computers and networks	Administered and maintained weapons control networks, displays, and embedded computer systems
Top Secret clearance holder	Active Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility for classified weapons systems and TEMPEST-certified facilities
Technical documentation and procedures	Created and maintained technical documentation following NAVSEA, NAVAIR, and contractor standards
24/7 operational readiness	Maintained mission-critical weapons systems across continuous operations with 98%+ availability

Use active verbs: Maintained, Operated, Troubleshot, Diagnosed, Calibrated, Aligned, Tested, Integrated.

Use numbers: "Maintained 5 weapons systems valued at $50M+," "Achieved 99% system availability," "Supervised 4-person fire control team."

Lead with your clearance. Put "Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance" in your resume summary, skills section, and prominently in your work experience. It's worth $20K-$40K in salary premium.

Name specific systems. AEGIS, SPY-1, MK 99, MK 160, MK 45, CIWS, Tomahawk, Sea Sparrow, SSDS—these are keywords defense contractors search for. Use them.

Certifications that actually matter

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

High priority (get these immediately):

Maintain your Top Secret clearance - Your clearance is worth $20K-$40K in salary premium. Accept a cleared position within 2 years of separation or it lapses. Re-investigation can take 12-18 months. DO NOT let this expire.

CompTIA Security+ - Required by DoD 8570 for information assurance work on DoD contracts. Non-negotiable for most defense contractor positions. Cost: $392. Time: 2-3 months of study. Value: Opens doors to 90% of defense contractor jobs.

AEGIS-specific training and certifications - Lockheed Martin, Raytheon, and other prime contractors provide AEGIS training to their employees. If you worked AEGIS ships, emphasize this—AEGIS techs are in massive demand. Value: Can add $10K-$20K to base salary.

CompTIA A+ - Foundation IT certification. Cost: $506 (two exams). Time: 1-2 months. Value: Baseline cert many contractors prefer.

Medium priority (get these for career advancement):

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Electronics Engineering Technology or related field - Positions you for engineering roles and management. Cost: $0 with GI Bill. Time: 2-4 years. Value: Required for many senior engineer and program management positions.

CompTIA Network+ - Validates networking knowledge. Cost: $369. Time: 1-2 months. Value: Useful for fire control network and systems integration roles.

FCC GROL (General Radiotelephone Operator License) - Lifetime FCC license for RF work. Cost: $100-$150. Time: 2-4 weeks. Value: Preferred for radar and RF technician roles.

PMP (Project Management Professional) - For transitioning to program management. Cost: $500-$3,000. Time: 6+ months. Value: Opens technical program manager roles ($100K-$140K).

Low priority (long-term goals, not immediate):

Professional Engineer (PE) license - Requires bachelor's degree and 4+ years experience. Cost: $500-$1,000 (exam). Time: Years. Value: Long-term goal for senior engineering roles but not needed early career.

CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) - Advanced cybersecurity cert. Cost: $700. Time: 6+ months. Value: Useful if pivoting to cybersecurity but not critical for FC roles.

The skills gap (what you need to learn)

Let's be real. There are civilian skills you don't have yet.

Business communication and customer service: Military FCs work with sailors. Civilian roles involve customers, contractors, program managers, and non-technical executives. You'll need to explain complex technical issues in simple language and manage client expectations.

Corporate culture and workplace dynamics: Defense contractors have corporate structure, HR policies, performance reviews, and workplace politics. Learn to navigate this. It's different from military chain of command.

Civilian project management tools: Most contractors use Microsoft Project, JIRA, Confluence, SharePoint, and other business software extensively. Get familiar with these tools.

Proposal writing and business development: Many defense contractor jobs involve writing technical proposals, responding to RFPs, and supporting business development. These are new skills you'll learn on the job.

Broader systems perspective: Navy FCs are deep experts on specific systems. Civilian engineers often need broader knowledge across multiple systems and platforms. Be willing to expand your technical knowledge beyond your rate.

Real Navy FC success stories

Brandon, 29, former FC2 → Combat systems technician at Lockheed Martin

Brandon did 8 years on Ticonderoga-class cruisers maintaining AEGIS systems. Got out as an E-5 with active TS/SCI clearance. Applied to Lockheed Martin AEGIS program, got hired at $88K supporting SPY-1 radar and combat system upgrades. After 3 years, promoted to senior technician making $115K, travels to ships for installations and training.

Ashley, 31, former FC1 → Fire control engineer at Raytheon

Ashley served 10 years, worked on DDG destroyers with MK 99 fire control systems. Got associate's degree while active duty. Got hired by Raytheon at $92K as fire control systems engineer supporting Standard Missile program. After 4 years and completing bachelor's degree (Raytheon paid), now makes $122K as senior systems engineer.

Marcus, 27, former FC2 → Overseas contractor in Bahrain

Marcus did 6 years, two deployments, worked on FFG frigates with SSDS and MK 92 systems. Got out as an E-5 with Secret clearance. Upgraded to Top Secret through contractor sponsorship. Took overseas position in Bahrain supporting Fifth Fleet ships at $145K (tax-free). Works 12-hour days, 6 days per week, but banks serious money. Plans to do 3-5 years overseas then return stateside for normal contractor job.

Action plan: your first 90 days out

Here's what to actually do when you transition:

Month 1: Clearance and documentation

Priority #1: Maintain your security clearance (accept cleared job within 2 years or it expires)
Update your resume emphasizing clearance, AEGIS, weapons systems, and radar experience
Get your DD-214 and keep 10 copies
Document every system you worked on (AEGIS, SPY-1, MK systems, missiles, guns)
Set up LinkedIn profile highlighting "Top Secret Clearance" and specific weapons systems
Register on ClearanceJobs.com (75% of defense contractor jobs are here)
Apply for VA disability if you haven't already

Month 2: Certifications and aggressive job search

Get CompTIA Security+ certification (study 2-3 months, take exam)
Get CompTIA A+ if time allows
Apply to 20-30 defense contractor jobs per week (Lockheed, Raytheon, Northrop, BAE, General Dynamics, L3Harris, Leidos, CACI)
Attend veteran job fairs (major defense contractors recruit heavily at these)
Contact veteran recruiters at Orion Talent, Lucas Group, Cameron-Brooks
Network with other FCs on LinkedIn (search "AEGIS technician," "Fire Control," "Combat Systems")

Month 3: Interview and negotiate

Tailor resume for each job (use exact keywords: AEGIS, SPY-1, MK 99, Top Secret, etc.)
Practice interview answers focusing on specific troubleshooting examples, systems knowledge, clearance
Emphasize deployment experience and operational systems work
Negotiate salary aggressively (defense contractors expect this; don't accept first offer)
Ask about clearance upgrade sponsorship (Secret to Top Secret can add $20K to salary)
Consider contract-to-hire positions if full-time offers aren't coming quickly

Bottom line for Navy FCs

Your Navy Fire Controlman experience is premium, high-demand expertise.

You've maintained and operated some of the most complex weapons systems on the planet, worked with classified technology that takes 12-18 months of clearance processing to access, and troubleshot mission-critical systems under operational conditions. Defense contractors are competing for veterans with your exact background.

Defense contracting (weapons systems, radar, combat systems), federal civilian service, and aerospace are proven paths. Thousands of FCs have successfully transitioned before you—and they're making great money.

First-year income of $70K-$90K is realistic with active clearance. With Top Secret and AEGIS experience, $95K-$120K is common immediately. Within 3-5 years, $115K-$145K is standard for senior technicians and engineers. Overseas positions pay $140K-$200K.

Your Top Secret clearance is worth $20K-$40K in salary premium. Don't let it lapse. Accept a cleared position within 2 years of separation.

The defense industry has talent shortages for cleared weapons systems technicians. Your FC experience, clearance, and AEGIS/radar/fire control knowledge make you a top-tier candidate that companies will compete for.

Don't settle for low offers. You're worth $80K-$100K minimum with active clearance and FC experience. Know your value.

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

When you start researching civilian careers as an FC, you might worry: "My skills are too specialized." "Only defense contractors hire FCs." "What if defense spending drops?"

Here's what that misses: Your weapons systems and radar expertise is irreplaceable and in massive demand.

As a Navy Fire Controlman, you:

Maintained and operated weapons direction systems worth $10+ million (AEGIS, SSDS, MK160, MK92)
Troubleshot radar systems including SPY-1, SPS-67, SPS-73 phased array radars
Operated and maintained gun systems (MK 45 5"/54, MK 38 25mm, CIWS)
Worked with missile systems (Tomahawk, Sea Sparrow, Standard Missile, Harpoon)
Managed computer networks, displays, and fire control computers
Held Top Secret security clearances and worked with classified systems
Performed organizational and intermediate-level maintenance on complex electronics
Executed weapons employment under operational conditions
Read and interpreted technical manuals, schematics, and system architectures

Best civilian career paths for Navy FCs

Let's get specific. Here are the fields where FCs consistently land, with real 2024-2025 salary data.

Defense contractors – weapons systems (highest pay)

Civilian job titles:

Weapons systems technician
Fire control systems technician
Combat systems technician
AEGIS systems technician
Radar systems technician
Field service engineer

Salary ranges:

Entry-level with Secret clearance: $70,000-$85,000
Experienced with Top Secret clearance: $95,000-$120,000
AEGIS-qualified technician: $105,000-$135,000
Senior systems engineer: $120,000-$150,000
Overseas contractor (Middle East, Asia): $140,000-$200,000+

What translates directly:

AEGIS weapon system maintenance and operation
Radar systems troubleshooting (SPY-1, SPS-series)
Fire control computer systems
Weapons employment and testing
Technical documentation and reporting
Classified systems and TEMPEST procedures
Test equipment operation (oscilloscopes, signal generators, network analyzers)

Certifications needed:

Active Top Secret clearance (worth $20K-$40K salary premium—maintain this at all costs)
CompTIA Security+ (DoD 8570 requirement) - Cost: $392
AEGIS-specific training (provided by contractors like Lockheed Martin, Raytheon)
Manufacturer certifications (employer provides)

Your Top Secret clearance is gold. Companies will pay premium salaries because getting a new employee cleared takes 12-18 months and costs $10,000-$15,000. You already have it.

Overseas positions (Bahrain, Japan, Guam, Diego Garcia, Rota) pay the highest—$140K-$200K—but require extended time away from home (often 6-12 month rotations).

Best for: FCs who want to keep working on weapons systems, maximize earning potential, and leverage clearances for premium pay.

Companies actively hiring FCs:

Lockheed Martin (AEGIS prime contractor)
Raytheon Technologies / RTX (missile systems)
Northrop Grumman (radar and fire control)
BAE Systems (combat systems integration)
General Dynamics (ship systems)
L3Harris Technologies (communications and sensors)
Serco (technical services)
CACI International
Leidos

Defense contractors – radar and sensors

Civilian job titles:

Radar technician
Sensor systems technician
RF systems technician
Microwave systems technician
Test and evaluation technician

Salary ranges:

Entry-level radar tech: $65,000-$80,000
Experienced radar technician: $85,000-$105,000
RF/microwave specialist: $95,000-$120,000
Senior radar engineer: $110,000-$140,000

What translates directly:

Radar systems operation and maintenance
RF signal analysis and troubleshooting
Antenna systems and waveguide
Radar alignment and calibration
Performance analysis and testing

Certifications needed:

Active security clearance (Secret minimum, TS preferred)
CompTIA Security+ - Cost: $392
FCC GROL (General Radiotelephone Operator License) - Cost: $100-$150
RF/microwave training (provided by employer)

Best for: FCs who prefer working on radar and sensor systems over weapons, and want defense contractor pay with less focus on ordnance.

Companies hiring:

Raytheon (radar prime contractor)
Northrop Grumman (AESA radars)
Lockheed Martin (SPY-1 and SPY-6)
General Dynamics
L3Harris
SRC Inc.
Mercury Systems

Federal government (non-contractor)

Civilian job titles:

Fire control technician (GS-0802)
Electronics technician (GS-0856)
Weapons systems specialist (GS-0101/1102)
Engineering technician (GS-0802)
Logistics management specialist (GS-0346)

Salary ranges:

GS-9 to GS-11 (entry with military experience): $60,000-$85,000
GS-12 to GS-13 (mid-level): $85,000-$115,000
GS-14+ (senior roles): $115,000-$145,000
Locality pay adjustments: +15% to +35% (DC, San Diego, Norfolk add significant pay)

What translates directly:

Weapons systems maintenance
Technical documentation and procedures
Government acquisition and logistics
Security protocols and clearances
Navy systems knowledge

Certifications needed:

Security clearance (government will sponsor if lapsed)
CompTIA Security+ (for IT-related positions)
Relevant degree (associate's or bachelor's preferred but military experience counts)

Reality check: Federal civilian jobs at Navy shipyards, depots, NAVSEA, NAVAIR, and program offices need FCs to support fleet operations, acquisition programs, testing, and training.

Veteran preference gives you 5-10 points in hiring process. The application process on USAJobs.gov is tedious and slow (4-8 months typical), but worth it for long-term stability.

Best for: FCs who want federal benefits, pension, job security, and work-life balance over maximum salary.

Where to look:

Naval Surface Warfare Centers (NSWC Dahlgren, Port Hueneme)
Naval shipyards (Norfolk, San Diego, Bremerton, Pearl Harbor)
NAVSEA (Naval Sea Systems Command)
NAVAIR (Naval Air Systems Command)
Program Executive Offices (PEO IWS, PEO Ships)
Defense Contract Management Agency (DCMA)

Private security and protective services (non-technical path)

Civilian job titles:

Security specialist
Physical security manager
Executive protection specialist
Corporate security manager
Security operations center analyst

Salary ranges:

Entry-level security specialist: $45,000-$60,000
Security manager: $65,000-$85,000
Executive protection: $70,000-$110,000
Corporate security director: $95,000-$130,000

What translates directly:

Security protocols and procedures
Threat assessment and situational awareness
Access control and screening
Emergency response procedures
Weapons proficiency
Security clearance background

Certifications needed:

State security guard license - Cost: $100-$500
Executive protection training - Cost: $2,000-$5,000
CPP (Certified Protection Professional) - Cost: $500-$1,000
Concealed carry permit - Cost: $100-$300

Entry-level security work pays poorly ($40K-$50K), but it's a stepping stone. Executive protection, corporate security management, and cleared security positions pay $70K-$130K within 3-5 years.

Best for: FCs who want to pivot away from technical work, prefer working with people over equipment, and want to use their clearance and military bearing in security roles.

Aerospace and commercial radar systems

Civilian job titles:

Avionics technician
Radar systems engineer
Test engineer
Systems integration technician

Salary ranges:

Avionics technician: $60,000-$80,000
Radar systems engineer: $85,000-$115,000
Test engineer: $90,000-$120,000
Senior systems integration engineer: $110,000-$140,000

What translates directly:

Radar and sensor systems knowledge
Systems integration and testing
Troubleshooting complex electronics
Technical documentation
Test procedures and validation

Certifications needed:

FAA Airframe & Powerplant (A&P) license (for avionics path) - Cost: covered by GI Bill
Manufacturer certifications (Boeing, Airbus, Rockwell Collins)
Associate's or Bachelor's in Electronics Engineering Technology - Cost: $0 with GI Bill

Best for: FCs who want to use technical skills in commercial aerospace, prefer corporate structure, and want better work-life balance.

Companies hiring:

Boeing
Airbus
Northrop Grumman (commercial division)
L3Harris (commercial aviation)
Rockwell Collins (now Collins Aerospace)
Honeywell Aerospace
Thales Group

Skills translation table (for your resume)

Stop writing "Navy Fire Controlman" on your resume. Translate your experience into civilian-friendly language:

Military Experience	Civilian Translation
Maintained AEGIS weapon system	Performed organizational and intermediate maintenance on AEGIS combat system including SPY-1 radar, MK99 fire control, and weapon control computers
Operated and maintained gun systems	Maintained and operated MK 45 5"/54 gun weapon system including fire control computers, servo systems, and ammunition handling equipment
Troubleshot radar systems	Diagnosed and repaired complex phased array radar systems (SPY-1, SPS-series) using systematic troubleshooting and test equipment
Worked with missile systems	Maintained Tomahawk, Sea Sparrow, and Standard Missile systems including launchers, fire control, and guidance systems
Managed fire control computers and networks	Administered and maintained weapons control networks, displays, and embedded computer systems
Top Secret clearance holder	Active Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility for classified weapons systems and TEMPEST-certified facilities
Technical documentation and procedures	Created and maintained technical documentation following NAVSEA, NAVAIR, and contractor standards
24/7 operational readiness	Maintained mission-critical weapons systems across continuous operations with 98%+ availability

Use active verbs: Maintained, Operated, Troubleshot, Diagnosed, Calibrated, Aligned, Tested, Integrated.

Use numbers: "Maintained 5 weapons systems valued at $50M+," "Achieved 99% system availability," "Supervised 4-person fire control team."

Lead with your clearance. Put "Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance" in your resume summary, skills section, and prominently in your work experience. It's worth $20K-$40K in salary premium.

Name specific systems. AEGIS, SPY-1, MK 99, MK 160, MK 45, CIWS, Tomahawk, Sea Sparrow, SSDS—these are keywords defense contractors search for. Use them.

Certifications that actually matter

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

High priority (get these immediately):

CompTIA A+ - Foundation IT certification. Cost: $506 (two exams). Time: 1-2 months. Value: Baseline cert many contractors prefer.

Medium priority (get these for career advancement):

CompTIA Network+ - Validates networking knowledge. Cost: $369. Time: 1-2 months. Value: Useful for fire control network and systems integration roles.

FCC GROL (General Radiotelephone Operator License) - Lifetime FCC license for RF work. Cost: $100-$150. Time: 2-4 weeks. Value: Preferred for radar and RF technician roles.

PMP (Project Management Professional) - For transitioning to program management. Cost: $500-$3,000. Time: 6+ months. Value: Opens technical program manager roles ($100K-$140K).

Low priority (long-term goals, not immediate):

CISSP (Certified Information Systems Security Professional) - Advanced cybersecurity cert. Cost: $700. Time: 6+ months. Value: Useful if pivoting to cybersecurity but not critical for FC roles.

The skills gap (what you need to learn)

Let's be real. There are civilian skills you don't have yet.

Civilian project management tools: Most contractors use Microsoft Project, JIRA, Confluence, SharePoint, and other business software extensively. Get familiar with these tools.

Real Navy FC success stories

Brandon, 29, former FC2 → Combat systems technician at Lockheed Martin

Ashley, 31, former FC1 → Fire control engineer at Raytheon

Marcus, 27, former FC2 → Overseas contractor in Bahrain

Action plan: your first 90 days out

Here's what to actually do when you transition:

Month 1: Clearance and documentation

Priority #1: Maintain your security clearance (accept cleared job within 2 years or it expires)
Update your resume emphasizing clearance, AEGIS, weapons systems, and radar experience
Get your DD-214 and keep 10 copies
Document every system you worked on (AEGIS, SPY-1, MK systems, missiles, guns)
Set up LinkedIn profile highlighting "Top Secret Clearance" and specific weapons systems
Register on ClearanceJobs.com (75% of defense contractor jobs are here)
Apply for VA disability if you haven't already

Month 2: Certifications and aggressive job search

Get CompTIA Security+ certification (study 2-3 months, take exam)
Get CompTIA A+ if time allows
Apply to 20-30 defense contractor jobs per week (Lockheed, Raytheon, Northrop, BAE, General Dynamics, L3Harris, Leidos, CACI)
Attend veteran job fairs (major defense contractors recruit heavily at these)
Contact veteran recruiters at Orion Talent, Lucas Group, Cameron-Brooks
Network with other FCs on LinkedIn (search "AEGIS technician," "Fire Control," "Combat Systems")

Month 3: Interview and negotiate

Tailor resume for each job (use exact keywords: AEGIS, SPY-1, MK 99, Top Secret, etc.)
Practice interview answers focusing on specific troubleshooting examples, systems knowledge, clearance
Emphasize deployment experience and operational systems work
Negotiate salary aggressively (defense contractors expect this; don't accept first offer)
Ask about clearance upgrade sponsorship (Secret to Top Secret can add $20K to salary)
Consider contract-to-hire positions if full-time offers aren't coming quickly

Bottom line for Navy FCs

Your Navy Fire Controlman experience is premium, high-demand expertise.

Your Top Secret clearance is worth $20K-$40K in salary premium. Don't let it lapse. Accept a cleared position within 2 years of separation.

Don't settle for low offers. You're worth $80K-$100K minimum with active clearance and FC experience. Know your value.

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.