Navy FT (Fire Control Technician - Submarine) to Civilian: Your Complete Career Transition Roadmap (With Salary Data)
Real career options for Navy FT Fire Control Technicians transitioning to civilian life. Includes salary ranges $55K-$147K+, required certifications, and skills translation for submarine veterans.
Bottom Line Up Front
Navy FTs (Fire Control Technicians - Submarine) get stereotyped as "too specialized to translate." That's dead wrong. You've got advanced electronics troubleshooting, combat systems expertise, security clearances, precision under pressure, and submarine-level attention to detail—skills that translate directly to defense contracting, electronics engineering, radar systems, and industrial automation. Realistic first-year salaries range from $55,000-$75,000, with experienced professionals hitting $85,000-$147,000+ in defense contracting, weapons systems engineering, or cleared technical roles. You'll need some certs and maybe an associate's degree, but your submarine experience and clearance are worth serious money.
Let's address the elephant in the room
Every FT who starts researching civilian careers hears the same thing: "Submarine work is too specialized." "Civilians don't need fire control systems." "You'll have to completely retrain."
Here's what that misses: you didn't just push buttons on a weapons console.
You:
- Operated and maintained $50+ million combat control systems
- Troubleshot advanced electronics and integrated computer networks
- Maintained submarine weapon systems with zero margin for error
- Held security clearances (Secret or TS/SCI)
- Worked in high-pressure environments with extreme accountability
- Documented technical procedures to exacting standards
- Diagnosed complex electrical and electronic faults
- Stood watch in mission-critical submarine operations
That's systems integration, electronics expertise, troubleshooting under pressure, security clearance value, and unmatched reliability. Those skills have serious value in the civilian world. You just need to translate them into language civilians understand and target industries that actually need them.
Best civilian career paths for Navy FTs
Let's get specific. Here are the fields where submarine FTs consistently land, with real salary data.
Defense contracting (highest paying path)
Civilian job titles:
- Combat systems engineer
- Weapons systems technician
- Submarine systems specialist
- Integration and test engineer
- Technical field service representative
- Fire control systems analyst
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level defense contractor: $65,000-$80,000
- Weapons systems engineer: $75,000-$95,000
- Senior systems engineer: $95,000-$125,000
- Cleared engineer with TS/SCI: $120,000-$147,000+
- Technical lead/manager: $130,000-$165,000+
What translates directly:
- Combat control systems expertise
- Weapons systems maintenance and troubleshooting
- Security clearances (massive value)
- Technical documentation and procedures
- High-reliability mindset
- System integration and testing
Certifications needed:
- Maintain your security clearance (this alone is worth $20K-$30K+ salary premium)
- Associate's or bachelor's in electronics/electrical engineering technology (preferred)
- CompTIA Security+ (DoD baseline requirement for many positions: $381 for exam)
- Systems Engineering Professional Certificate (optional but valuable)
Reality check: Defense contractors actively recruit submarine veterans, especially FTs. Companies like Lockheed Martin, General Dynamics, BAE Systems, Raytheon, and Northrop Grumman need people who understand submarine combat systems.
Your security clearance is gold. A cleared engineer with TS/SCI averages over $147,000 according to ClearanceJobs 2024 data. Even a Secret clearance adds $10K-$20K to your base salary.
The work is similar to what you did—maintaining, testing, and troubleshooting complex systems. You'll work normal hours (usually), get paid better, and you won't be underway.
Many positions are near submarine bases (Groton CT, Norfolk VA, Bangor WA, Kings Bay GA, San Diego CA) or defense contractor hubs (DC metro, San Diego, Huntsville AL).
Best for: FTs who want to keep working with similar systems, leverage their clearance, and maximize earning potential immediately.
Electronics engineering technician
Civilian job titles:
- Electronics technician
- Electrical engineering technician
- Test technician
- Electronics engineering technologist
- Field service engineer
- Calibration technician
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level electronics tech: $48,000-$60,000
- Experienced electronics tech: $60,000-$75,000
- Electronics engineering technician: $75,000-$89,000
- Senior/specialized tech: $85,000-$111,000+
What translates directly:
- Circuit troubleshooting and repair
- Digital and analog electronics
- Test equipment operation
- Technical schematics and documentation
- Precision measurement and calibration
- Safety protocols and procedures
Certifications needed:
- CET (Certified Electronics Technician) - Associate level ($155 exam, entry-level)
- CET - Journeyman level (after 2 years experience)
- CompTIA A+ ($506 for both exams—entry-level IT/electronics)
- IPC certifications (for electronics assembly roles: $700-$3,000)
- Associate's degree in Electronics Technology (use GI Bill, 2 years)
Reality check: The median wage for electrical/electronics engineering technicians is $77,180 according to BLS 2024 data, with the top 10% earning over $111,000.
Employment growth is modest (1% over the next decade), but there are about 8,400 openings annually, mostly from retirements. Your submarine electronics experience puts you ahead of most civilian electronics grads.
This path requires some certifications but doesn't demand a four-year degree. Community colleges have electronics programs covered by your GI Bill.
Best for: FTs who want to work with electronics but prefer manufacturing, R&D, or non-defense industries over military contracting.
Radar and sonar systems technician
Civilian job titles:
- Radar technician
- Sonar technician
- Avionics technician
- Navigation systems technician
- Marine electronics technician
- Air traffic control equipment specialist
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level radar tech: $55,000-$68,000
- Experienced radar tech: $66,000-$83,000
- Aviation radar tech: $80,000-$97,000
- Senior/specialized radar tech: $90,000-$106,000+
What translates directly:
- Advanced electronics troubleshooting
- Sensor systems operation and maintenance
- Signal processing understanding
- Technical documentation
- Precision calibration and testing
Certifications needed:
- FAA certifications (for aviation radar/avionics work)
- CET (Certified Electronics Technician)
- Manufacturer-specific training (often provided by employer)
- FCC GROL license (for some marine/aviation electronics: $50-$100)
Reality check: Glassdoor reports average radar technician salaries at $83,105 per year as of 2025, with aviation radar techs averaging $96,830.
The work is familiar—testing, troubleshooting, and maintaining sensor and detection systems. Maritime industries (commercial shipping, offshore oil/gas), aviation (airlines, airports), and defense all need these skills.
FCC licensing is straightforward if you're already maintaining electronics at the FT level. Most employers provide manufacturer-specific training.
Best for: FTs who want to stay in sensor systems but prefer surface, aviation, or commercial maritime over submarines.
Industrial automation and controls technician
Civilian job titles:
- Automation technician
- Controls technician
- Instrumentation technician
- PLC programmer/technician
- Industrial electrician
- SCADA technician
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level automation tech: $50,000-$65,000
- Experienced controls tech: $65,000-$80,000
- PLC programmer/engineer: $75,000-$95,000
- Senior automation specialist: $90,000-$110,000+
What translates directly:
- Digital logic and control systems
- Troubleshooting complex integrated systems
- Reading electrical schematics
- Computer network basics
- Following technical procedures
- Safety-critical operations
Certifications needed:
- Rockwell/Allen-Bradley PLC training ($1,500-$3,000 for comprehensive course)
- Siemens PLC certification (alternative/additional)
- Journeyman Electrician license (state-dependent, 4-5 years including apprenticeship)
- Associate's degree in Industrial Automation (recommended, GI Bill covered)
Reality check: Manufacturing, power generation, water treatment, food processing—basically every industry with automated systems needs these techs. Demand is high and growing.
Your submarine control systems experience (digital logic controllers, electromechanical devices, automated systems) translates directly. The difference is you're controlling manufacturing equipment or power plants instead of weapons.
PLCs (Programmable Logic Controllers) are the backbone of industrial automation. Learning PLC programming is a direct path to $75K+ jobs with high demand.
Best for: FTs who want stable, in-demand work with good pay and don't mind shifting from military to industrial/manufacturing environments.
Field service engineer (technical equipment)
Civilian job titles:
- Field service engineer
- Field service technician
- Technical support engineer
- Customer engineer
- Installation and repair technician
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level field service tech: $55,000-$70,000
- Field service engineer: $70,000-$90,000
- Senior FSE: $90,000-$110,000
- Technical specialist/lead: $100,000-$120,000+
What translates directly:
- Advanced troubleshooting in challenging environments
- Independent problem-solving
- Customer communication (translating technical concepts)
- Travel and irregular schedules tolerance
- Working under pressure with minimal supervision
Certifications needed:
- Manufacturer-specific training (provided by employer)
- CET or CompTIA certifications (strengthens resume)
- Associate's or bachelor's degree (preferred for engineer-level roles)
Reality check: Field service engineers travel to customer sites (sometimes 50%+ travel) to install, maintain, and repair complex equipment—medical devices, industrial systems, telecom infrastructure, etc.
Companies like GE, Siemens, Philips Healthcare, and countless others need FSEs. Your submarine experience proves you can troubleshoot complex systems independently under pressure—exactly what this role demands.
The pay is strong, especially with experience. Travel can be a grind (or a perk, depending on your life situation). Many positions offer company vehicle, travel per diem, overtime, and bonuses.
Best for: FTs who don't mind travel, want good pay, and prefer being in the field solving problems over sitting in a shop or office.
Power plant and electrical utility technician
Civilian job titles:
- Power plant electrician
- Electrical utility technician
- Substation technician
- Power generation technician
- Utility systems operator
Salary ranges:
- Entry-level power plant electrician: $55,000-$70,000
- Power plant electrician: $72,000-$92,000
- Utility technician: $65,000-$85,000
- Power plant operator: $85,000-$103,000
- Senior operator/supervisor: $100,000-$135,000+
What translates directly:
- Electrical distribution systems
- Control systems operation
- Shift work and 24/7 availability
- High-reliability standards
- Safety-critical operations
- Technical troubleshooting
Certifications needed:
- Journeyman Electrician license (state-specific, 4-5 years apprenticeship)
- NERC certification (for grid operators, 2-6 months training)
- OSHA 10 or 30-hour safety ($50-$200)
- State-specific power plant licensing (varies)
Reality check: The BLS reports median wages of $103,600 for power plant operators as of 2024. Even entry-level power plant electricians make $72K-$92K according to Glassdoor.
The power industry actively recruits veterans through programs like Power4Vets and Troops to Energy Jobs. Your submarine electrical/control systems experience is highly valued.
The work is similar to submarine watchstanding—operating and maintaining power generation and distribution systems with high reliability requirements. Shift work is standard. Union positions often include excellent benefits and pensions.
Employment is projected to decline slightly (10% over the next decade) due to automation and efficiency, but there are still 3,800 annual openings from retirements.
Best for: FTs who want stable, high-paying work with strong benefits, don't mind shift work, and prefer critical infrastructure over defense.
Skills translation table (for your resume)
Stop writing "Fire Control Technician" on your resume. Civilians don't know what that means. Here's how to translate:
| Military Skill | Civilian Translation |
|---|---|
| Fire Control Technician (FT) | Electronics Systems Technician / Combat Systems Specialist |
| Operated submarine combat control systems | Operated and maintained advanced integrated electronics and computer systems |
| Maintained weapons systems | Performed preventive and corrective maintenance on mission-critical equipment valued at $50M+ |
| Troubleshot fire control electronics | Diagnosed and repaired complex electrical, electronic, and computer network faults |
| Submarine qualified | Worked in high-consequence environment requiring extreme attention to detail and reliability |
| Secret/TS clearance | Hold active DoD security clearance (specify level) |
| Technical documentation | Created and maintained detailed technical records and maintenance logs |
| Combat systems watchstander | Operated critical systems in 24/7 operations with zero-failure tolerance |
| System integration and testing | Performed acceptance testing, integration verification, and troubleshooting of multi-system platforms |
Use active verbs: Operated, Maintained, Diagnosed, Repaired, Troubleshot, Integrated, Tested, Documented.
Use numbers: "Maintained $50M+ combat systems," "Diagnosed 95% of electronic faults within 2 hours," "Performed 200+ system tests."
Drop the acronyms unless they're industry-standard (like SCADA, PLC, or LAN). No civilian knows what CCS, SWFTS, or OTH means. Spell it out: "Combat Control System," "Submarine Warfare Federated Tactical System."
Certifications that actually matter
Here's what's worth your time and GI Bill benefits:
High priority (get these):
Associate's degree in Electronics Engineering Technology - Opens doors in defense contracting, electronics, and technical roles. Many employers require or strongly prefer it. Cost: $0 with GI Bill. Time: 2 years. Value: Required or preferred for most technical roles paying $70K+.
Certified Electronics Technician (CET) - Associate Level - Entry-level certification proving electronics fundamentals. Recognized across industries. Cost: $155 exam. Time: Self-study 2-4 weeks. Value: Demonstrates baseline competency to civilian employers.
CompTIA Security+ - DoD baseline certification for many cleared contractor positions. Required for many jobs. Cost: $381 exam. Time: Self-study 1-2 months. Value: Essential for defense contractor roles.
Maintain your security clearance - If you have Secret or TS/SCI, keep it active. This alone is worth $20K-$30K+ in salary premium. Work with a cleared defense contractor within 2 years of separation to keep it current.
Medium priority (if it fits your path):
CompTIA A+ - Entry-level IT/electronics certification. Broader than CET, covers computers and networks. Cost: $506 (two exams). Time: 1-2 months study. Value: Recognized baseline cert, especially if pivoting to IT.
PLC programming certification (Rockwell or Siemens) - If going industrial automation route. Cost: $1,500-$3,000 for training + cert. Time: 1-2 week intensive or 3-6 months part-time. Value: High demand, direct path to $75K+ jobs.
Journeyman Electrician license - State-specific, requires 4-5 years including apprenticeship. Cost: $150-$400 for license (after completing apprenticeship). Value: High long-term earning potential ($70K-$95K+), strong job security.
Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering or Engineering Technology - For senior engineering roles in defense or industry. Cost: $0 with GI Bill + BAH. Time: 2-3 years if you have associate's. Value: Opens senior/management positions ($95K-$130K+).
Low priority (nice to have, not critical):
IPC certifications (for electronics assembly work) - Only if targeting manufacturing/assembly roles. Cost: $700-$3,000. Value: Niche but valued in electronics manufacturing.
Project Management Professional (PMP) - If pivoting to program management. Requires 3 years experience. Cost: $500-$3,000 for training + exam. Value: Senior roles in defense/engineering ($90K-$120K+).
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.
Business communication: Submarines run on technical briefs and watchbills. Civilian jobs require email etiquette, professional presentations, and customer communication. Practice translating technical concepts for non-technical people.
Commercial software and tools: You know submarine-specific systems inside and out. Learn industry-standard tools: CAD software, Microsoft Project, MATLAB, or whatever's common in your target field. Take online courses.
Customer service mindset: Submarine culture is mission-focused and direct. Civilian technical roles (especially field service) require customer-facing soft skills. You'll need to adjust your communication style—less "fix it now" and more "let me understand your issue."
Resume and interview skills: Writing a civilian resume and interviewing is different. Translate your experience into civilian terms. Use the Military Transition Toolkit to help convert your FT experience into language HR understands.
Non-military work culture: Civilian workplaces are less hierarchical and more collaborative. You won't have the same chain of command structure. Be ready to adapt to different management styles and work environments.
Real FT success stories
Ben R., former FT on USS Olympia → Software Engineer
Ben did 5 years as an FT on a fast attack out of Pearl Harbor, maintaining combat control systems. After transitioning, he used his GI Bill to get a computer science degree and now works as a software engineer. His systems-level thinking from submarine fire control translated well to software engineering.
Jason M., former FT (TS/SCI) → Combat Systems Engineer at Lockheed Martin
Jason separated after 8 years, maintaining his TS/SCI clearance. He applied directly to Lockheed Martin in Manassas, VA as a combat systems engineer supporting submarine programs. Started at $95K, now makes $130K after 4 years. He does similar work to his FT days but with better hours and pay.
Chris T., former FT → Electronics Technician at Siemens
Chris wanted out of defense work entirely. Got his CET certification and applied to industrial companies. Landed at Siemens doing factory automation and control systems. Started at $68K, now makes $85K after 5 years. He enjoys the stability and normal hours.
Mike S., former FT → Field Service Engineer at GE Healthcare
Mike liked troubleshooting but wanted to travel. Became a field service engineer for medical imaging equipment. The troubleshooting skills translated perfectly. Started at $72K plus travel per diem, now makes $98K after 6 years. Travels 60% but enjoys the variety.
Action plan: your first 90 days out
Here's what to actually do when you transition:
Month 1: Assessment and documentation
- Get your DD-214 and keep 10 copies
- Request copies of all training certificates and qualification records
- Document your clearance level and adjudication date
- Update your resume (use our transition toolkit)
- Set up LinkedIn profile with professional photo and submarine/FT experience
- Research 3-5 target companies (defense contractors, automation firms, utilities)
- Apply for VA disability (if applicable)
Month 2: Certifications and applications
- Enroll in associate's degree program if you don't have one (GI Bill covers it)
- Study for and take CompTIA Security+ (if targeting defense contractors)
- Study for and take CET Associate exam (if targeting electronics)
- Apply to 15+ jobs per week targeting your chosen path
- Tailor your resume for each application (don't spam generic resumes)
- Join veteran networking groups on LinkedIn
- Attend job fairs (especially cleared job fairs if you have clearance)
Month 3: Interview and network
- Practice interview answers (use STAR method: Situation, Task, Action, Result)
- Prepare stories about troubleshooting, working under pressure, team leadership
- Connect with other submarine veterans in your target industry
- Follow up on all applications within 1-2 weeks
- Consider contract/temporary work if full-time offers haven't materialized
- Research salaries in your area (use Glassdoor, Indeed, Salary.com)
- Negotiate offers (don't just accept the first number—your clearance and experience have value)
Bottom line for FTs
Your submarine fire control experience isn't too specialized. It's highly specialized in exactly the areas that matter—electronics, troubleshooting, high-reliability systems, and working under pressure.
You've proven you can maintain mission-critical equipment worth millions of dollars with zero tolerance for failure. You've held security clearances. You've worked in one of the most demanding technical environments on Earth.
Those skills translate directly to defense contracting, electronics engineering, industrial automation, field service, and power systems. Thousands of submarine FTs have transitioned successfully before you. You're not starting from zero.
First-year income of $55K-$75K is realistic. With a clearance and some certifications, $80K-$95K is achievable immediately. Within 5 years, cleared technical professionals regularly hit $100K-$130K+.
Defense contractors actively want you. If you have TS/SCI, you're looking at six-figure offers right out of the gate.
Don't listen to people who say submarine experience doesn't translate. They don't understand what you actually did. Target the right industries, get a few key certifications, and translate your experience properly. You'll do fine.
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.