Military to Aerospace Industry: Complete Transition Guide for Veterans
How to transition from military service to the aerospace industry. Best MOS backgrounds, certifications needed, salary expectations, and top employers hiring veterans.
Bottom Line Up Front
The aerospace industry offers veterans exceptional career opportunities with entry-level positions at $55,000-$80,000 and experienced engineers/technicians earning $100,000-$150,000+. Your military technical experience, security clearances, and understanding of defense systems provide significant advantages. Aerospace companies actively recruit veterans—defense contractors have especially strong veteran hiring. Most veterans can transition within 3-6 months, with security clearances providing immediate value.
Why Veterans Excel in Aerospace
Military veterans, especially those with aviation, missile, or space backgrounds, have directly applicable aerospace experience. You've operated, maintained, or supported the systems these companies build.
Your understanding of military customer requirements is invaluable. Aerospace defense contractors need employees who understand military operations, requirements, and acquisition processes.
Security clearances open immediate doors. Defense aerospace requires cleared employees, and your existing clearance is a significant advantage.
Technical training from military service provides strong foundation. You've worked on complex aircraft, missile systems, and space assets—directly relevant aerospace experience.
Quality and safety discipline from military training aligns with aerospace's rigorous standards. You understand why procedures and quality matter in life-safety systems.
Your ability to work in structured, process-driven environments fits aerospace culture. AS9100 quality standards and regulatory requirements create environments similar to military operations.
Best Military Backgrounds for Aerospace
| MOS/Rating/AFSC | Why It Translates |
|---|---|
| Any Aviation Maintenance | Aircraft systems knowledge |
| 15 Series (Army Aviation) | Helicopter systems |
| 2A Series (Air Force Aircraft Maint) | Aircraft maintenance |
| AM/AD/AE (Navy Aviation Rates) | Aircraft systems |
| 6300/6400 Series (Marine Aviation) | Aviation maintenance |
| Any Missile/Space MOS | Direct aerospace systems |
| 13M (Army MLRS Crewmember) | Rocket systems |
| 1C6X1 (Air Force Space Systems Ops) | Space operations |
| Any Test Pilot/Engineer | Flight test experience |
| Any Avionics MOS | Electronics systems |
Entry Points: How to Break In
Engineering Path
Manufacturing Engineer
- Production process improvement
- May not require engineering degree
- Salary: $65,000-$95,000
Systems Engineer
- Systems integration
- Engineering degree typical
- Salary: $75,000-$110,000
Test Engineer
- Product verification
- Technical degree helpful
- Salary: $70,000-$100,000
Quality Engineer
- Quality assurance
- Process-focused
- Salary: $65,000-$95,000
Technical/Skilled Trades
Aircraft Mechanic
- Aircraft assembly and maintenance
- A&P certification helpful
- Salary: $55,000-$85,000
Avionics Technician
- Electronic systems
- Technical training
- Salary: $60,000-$90,000
Composite Technician
- Advanced materials
- Growing specialty
- Salary: $50,000-$75,000
NDT Technician
- Non-destructive testing
- Certification required
- Salary: $55,000-$85,000
Program/Business
Program Manager
- Manage aerospace programs
- Leadership background
- Salary: $90,000-$150,000
Contracts Administrator
- Government contracts
- Contracting experience valuable
- Salary: $60,000-$95,000
Education Path
Engineering Positions
- Engineering degree typically required
- Aerospace, Mechanical, Electrical, Systems Engineering
- Some positions accept experience in lieu of degree
Technician Positions
- Technical training or experience
- Military training often sufficient
- Certifications valuable (A&P, NDT, etc.)
Certification Path
Technical Certifications
- FAA A&P: Aircraft maintenance
- AS9100 Internal Auditor: Quality systems
- NDT Certifications (ASNT): Non-destructive testing
- IPC Certifications: Electronics assembly
- Composite Certifications: Advanced materials
Professional Certifications
- PMP: Project management
- INCOSE CSEP: Systems engineering
- Six Sigma: Process improvement
Salary Expectations
| Role | Entry Level | Mid-Career (5-8 yrs) | Senior (10+ yrs) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aircraft Mechanic | $50,000-$65,000 | $70,000-$85,000 | $88,000-$105,000 |
| Avionics Technician | $55,000-$70,000 | $75,000-$92,000 | $95,000-$115,000 |
| Manufacturing Engineer | $65,000-$82,000 | $88,000-$115,000 | $120,000-$150,000 |
| Systems Engineer | $75,000-$95,000 | $100,000-$135,000 | $140,000-$180,000 |
| Test Engineer | $70,000-$90,000 | $95,000-$125,000 | $130,000-$165,000 |
| Program Manager | $85,000-$115,000 | $125,000-$165,000 | $175,000-$250,000 |
| Quality Engineer | $62,000-$80,000 | $85,000-$110,000 | $115,000-$145,000 |
Defense aerospace in cleared positions often pays 10-20% premium.
Top 25 Aerospace Companies Hiring Veterans
Prime Contractors
- Boeing - Largest aerospace company, strong veteran programs
- Lockheed Martin - Defense leader, major veteran employer
- Northrop Grumman - Defense and space, veteran focus
- Raytheon Technologies - Defense systems
- General Dynamics - Defense conglomerate
- L3Harris Technologies - Defense electronics
- BAE Systems - Defense systems
Commercial Aerospace 8. Airbus Americas - Commercial aircraft 9. Spirit AeroSystems - Aerostructures 10. Textron Aviation - Business aviation 11. GE Aviation - Engines 12. Pratt & Whitney - Engines 13. Collins Aerospace - Systems
Space 14. SpaceX - Launch systems 15. Blue Origin - Space systems 16. United Launch Alliance - Launch services 17. Ball Aerospace - Space systems 18. Sierra Nevada Corporation - Space and defense
Defense Specialty 19. SAIC - Defense services 20. Leidos - Defense technology 21. Kratos - Defense systems 22. CACI - Defense services 23. Mercury Systems - Defense electronics
Suppliers 24. Honeywell Aerospace - Avionics and systems 25. Parker Aerospace - Components
Best Cities for Aerospace Careers
| City | Avg Salary | Cost of Living | Job Market | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Seattle, WA | $100,000 | High | Excellent | Boeing, space |
| Los Angeles/Long Beach, CA | $98,000 | High | Excellent | Major hub |
| Dallas-Fort Worth, TX | $90,000 | Medium | Excellent | Major hub |
| Phoenix/Mesa, AZ | $85,000 | Medium | Excellent | Boeing, Honeywell |
| Huntsville, AL | $88,000 | Low-Medium | Excellent | Defense and space |
| San Diego, CA | $95,000 | High | Very Good | Defense aerospace |
| Denver/Boulder, CO | $92,000 | High | Very Good | Space and defense |
| St. Louis, MO | $85,000 | Medium | Very Good | Boeing defense |
| Wichita, KS | $75,000 | Low | Very Good | Aviation manufacturing |
| Melbourne, FL | $80,000 | Medium | Good | Space Coast |
Day in the Life: What to Expect
Aerospace Manufacturing Engineer
Daily Activities
- Production floor support
- Process improvement projects
- Tooling and fixture work
- Quality issue resolution
- Cross-functional coordination
- Documentation and procedures
Work Environment
- Office and factory floor mix
- Clean manufacturing environments
- Shift support may be required
- Project-based work
Aircraft Mechanic/Technician
Daily Activities
- Aircraft assembly or maintenance
- Following work instructions
- Quality inspections
- Tool control
- Safety procedures
- Documentation
Work Environment
- Factory floor or hangar
- Physical work
- Often shift-based
- PPE requirements
Systems Engineer
Daily Activities
- Requirements analysis
- System design and integration
- Technical meetings
- Documentation
- Testing support
- Customer interface
Work Environment
- Primarily office-based
- Some laboratory or test facility
- Collaborative team environment
- Often cleared facilities
Common Transition Mistakes
1. Not Maintaining Clearance Your security clearance is extremely valuable in aerospace. Maintain it during transition.
2. Undervaluing Military Technical Experience Your hands-on experience with military systems is directly relevant. Translate it effectively.
3. Targeting Only Defense Contractors Commercial aerospace (Boeing commercial, Airbus) also offers excellent opportunities.
4. Ignoring Manufacturing Locations Aerospace jobs are where the factories are. Be prepared to consider locations beyond major cities.
5. Not Getting A&P If Applicable For aircraft mechanic roles, FAA A&P certification adds significant value.
6. Overlooking Technician Roles Aerospace technician roles offer excellent pay and advancement. Don't focus only on engineering if you don't have the degree.
7. Not Using SkillBridge Many aerospace companies participate in SkillBridge. Use this for hands-on transition experience.
Your 90-Day Action Plan
Days 1-30: Research & Prepare
Week 1: Industry Research
- Research aerospace sectors (commercial, defense, space)
- Identify relevant positions for your background
- Research target companies
- Connect with veterans in aerospace
Week 2: Credential Review
- Verify security clearance status
- Research A&P certification if applicable
- Document military technical training
- Research NDT or other specialty certifications
Week 3-4: Application Preparation
- Create aerospace-focused resume
- Translate military experience to industry terms
- Research SkillBridge opportunities
- Identify target positions
Days 31-60: Certification & Network
Week 5-6: Professional Development
- Begin any relevant certifications
- Research company-specific requirements
- Learn aerospace quality standards basics
- Study aerospace industry structure
Week 7-8: Active Networking
- Connect with aerospace professionals
- Attend aerospace career fairs
- Contact veteran hiring programs
- Apply to SkillBridge if eligible
Days 61-90: Apply & Interview
Week 9-10: Application Campaign
- Apply to aerospace positions
- Focus on cleared positions if applicable
- Highlight relevant military systems experience
- Apply to multiple companies
Week 11-12: Interview Preparation
- Research specific company products
- Prepare technical discussion of military experience
- Practice behavioral interviews
- Follow up on applications
Resources
Industry Associations
- AIAA (American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics)
- AIA (Aerospace Industries Association)
- SAE International
Veteran Programs
- Boeing Military Skills Translator
- Lockheed Martin Veterans
- Northrop Grumman Veterans
- Company-specific SkillBridge programs
Certifications
- FAA A&P: www.faa.gov
- ASNT NDT Certifications
- AS9100 training providers
- IPC certifications
Publications
- Aviation Week
- Aerospace Manufacturing & Design
- Defense News
Job Boards
- Aviation Week Jobs
- Aerospace Industries Association
- Company career pages
- ClearanceJobs
For more military transition resources, visit militarytransitiontoolkit.com