Explore how your federal experience as a Aircrew Technician (GS-2185) translates into civilian opportunities — including salary comparisons, transferable skills, certifications, and top employers.
Understand how your GS level aligns with common corporate roles, responsibilities, and compensation. This helps frame your experience in terms that civilian employers recognize.
| GS Level Group | Corporate Titles | Responsibilities | Salary Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1-4 | Junior Aircraft Mechanic, Entry-Level Aircrew Technician, Aircraft Maintenance Trainee | Assist in the maintenance and repair of aircraft systems, perform inspections under supervision, and learn proper procedures and safety regulations in aviation maintenance. | $35,000 - $50,000 |
| 5-7 | Aircraft Maintenance Technician, Aircrew Maintenance Specialist, Aviation Maintenance Technician | Conduct preventative maintenance checks, troubleshoot aircraft systems issues, carry out repairs, and maintain detailed reports of maintenance activities. | $50,000 - $70,000 |
| 8-9 | Senior Aircrew Technician, Lead Aircraft Mechanic, Aviation Systems Specialist | Oversee the maintenance tasks performed by junior technicians, ensure compliance with safety standards, diagnose complex issues, and coordinate maintenance schedules with flight operations. | $70,000 - $90,000 |
| 10-11 | Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor, Aircrew Operations Supervisor, Senior Aviation Technician | Manage aircraft maintenance teams, develop training programs for staff, ensure adherence to federal regulations, and liaise with management on operational efficiency and safety improvements. | $90,000 - $115,000 |
| 12-13 | Aviation Maintenance Manager, Air Operations Manager, Technical Operations Manager | Lead major maintenance projects, develop and implement maintenance programs, oversee budget management, and ensure compliance with regulations and industry standards. | $115,000 - $140,000 |
| 14-15 | Director of Aircraft Maintenance, Senior Aircrew Operations Director, Vice President of Aviation Operations | Set strategic direction for all maintenance and safety operations, represent the organization in regulatory matters, manage multi-million dollar budgets, and oversee personnel management across various maintenance teams. | $140,000 - $180,000 |
| SES | Chief Aviation Officer, Senior Executive Director of Maintenance Operations, Vice President of Engineering and Maintenance | Provide executive leadership in aviation maintenance practices, drive company-wide safety initiatives, develop long-term strategies for fleet management, and ensure alignment with corporate goals and compliance with aviation regulations. | $180,000 - $250,000 |
Highlight the skills you've developed in federal service that directly apply to private sector roles. These core strengths help you stand out in interviews and on resumes.
Explore certifications and academic paths that enhance your value in the civilian job market. These credentials can bridge gaps and validate your expertise to employers.
Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) License
The A&P license is essential for those who work on aircraft maintenance and repair. Having this certification allows an Aircrew Technician to demonstrate their qualifications and technical expertise in maintaining aircraft, making them more attractive to civilian aviation employers.
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Certification
Gaining additional FAA certifications (like Inspection Authorization) enhances an individual's credibility within the aviation industry. This status not only highlights a technician's understanding of federal regulations but also portrays their commitment to safety and compliance, which are highly valued by civilian organizations.
National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Certification
NICET certifications in areas like Transportation or Fire Alarm Systems validate technical knowledge and skills in engineering technologies related to aviation systems. This certification can improve job prospects by showcasing proficiency in analyzing and troubleshooting complex systems commonly encountered in civilian aviation.
Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification
The PMP certification showcases the ability to effectively lead and manage projects, a useful skill in any aviation organization. This certification positions an applicant as a leader who can oversee aircraft maintenance projects, ensuring they are completed on time and within budget.
CompTIA Aviation Technician Certification
This certification provides foundational knowledge in aviation technology and maintenance, helping technicians transition their skills from military to civilian sectors. It enhances employability by validating the technician's capabilities in handling modern communication and navigation systems utilized in civilian aircraft.
Technical Institute or Associate's Degree in Aviation Maintenance Technology
Pursuing an aviation maintenance technology degree provides comprehensive training covering various aspects of aircraft operation and maintenance. This educational credential is recognized nationally and gives an edge in the job market, demonstrating formal training and commitment to the field.
Quality Management Certification (like Six Sigma)
Qualifying in Quality Management helps technicians understand standardized processes to enhance the reliability of aircraft maintenance. This is particularly valuable in the civilian sector, where precision and quality can significantly affect operational efficiency and safety.
Safety Management Systems (SMS) Training Certification
SMS training certification equips Aircrew Technicians with essential skills to uphold safety protocols and procedures in civilian environments. This knowledge is increasingly important for aviation companies focused on reducing risks and improving safety outcomes.
See which companies and industries commonly hire professionals with your background. Use this insight to focus your job search and tailor your applications.
Get practical strategies to navigate the shift from federal to private sector work. Learn how to present your experience and avoid common transition pitfalls.
Stay informed on how your field is evolving and where opportunities are growing. These trends can guide your next steps and help you future-proof your career.
Transitioning from a federal GS-2185 Aircrew Technician role to a position in the private sector can be an exciting yet daunting journey. This guide will provide you with insights and strategies to make your transition smoother, helping you to effectively translate your skills and experiences into a language that resonates with potential private sector employers.
Recognize Your Value: Federal roles often come with specific duties and a structured environment, but the skills you have developed are highly transferable. Understand that your experience managing critical systems and performing detailed technical work is valuable in the private sector. Recognizing your worth is the first step towards confidently applying to private sector positions.
Embrace Flexibility: The private sector often values adaptability and creativity. Acknowledge that while your experience in the federal government provided a strong foundation, private companies may require different approaches to problem-solving. Be open to learning and adjusting how you apply your knowledge in a new setting.
Cultural Awareness: Every workplace has its distinct culture. Federal employment tends to be more rigid, while the private sector can vary largely from formal to very casual environments. Be prepared to navigate this and understand that fitting into a company culture is as important as having the right skills.
Tailor Your Resume: Craft a resume that speaks the language of the private sector. Use common industry terms and jargon relevant to the role you’re aspiring to. Replace acronyms specific to federal employment with their commonly understood counterparts in the industry. For example, instead of "GS-2185", you might describe your role in terms of Aircrew Maintenance or Aviation Technician.
Highlight Technical Skills and Accomplishments: Focus on your technical competencies, such as maintenance, inspection, and safety protocols. Use quantifiable achievements — “reduced maintenance downtime by 20% through implementing new testing procedures” — to give potential employers a clear picture of your impact.
Utilize a Skills Section: Include a skills section that lists both hard and soft skills. This could include technical proficiencies in specific aircraft systems and soft skills like teamwork, communication, and leadership.
Use a Functional Format: Consider a functional resume format that highlights transferable skills and relevant experiences, especially if they don’t cleanly fit into your employment chronology. This can be effective in filling any gaps from your federal service that may not directly relate to the civilian sector.
Prepare for Behavioral Questions: Private sector interviews often include behavioral-based questions such as, “Tell me about a time you faced a challenge at work.” Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to structure your responses. Prepare examples from your federal experience that showcase how you solved problems and worked collaboratively.
Focus on Impact: When discussing your previous roles, emphasize the results and impact of your actions. Speak about how your contributions led to improved safety, efficiency, or compliance in aircrew operations, providing specific metrics where possible.
Research the Company: Show potential employers that you’re genuinely interested in their organization. Familiarize yourself with their products, culture, and challenges in the industry. Tailor your answers to show how your background aligns with their goals.
Ask Insightful Questions: Prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate your interest and curiosity about the company. Ask about team dynamics, company culture, or upcoming projects. This not only gives you insights but also positions you as a serious candidate.
Leverage Online Platforms: Create a strong presence on LinkedIn and other professional networks. Connect with former colleagues, industry contacts, and recruitment professionals. Regularly share insights or articles related to the aviation industry to establish your thought leadership.
Attend Industry Events: Participate actively in industry conferences, workshops, and seminars. These events can help you meet potential employers and learn about job openings. Consider joining professional associations or organizations related to aviation and maintenance.
Informational Interviews: Request informational interviews with professionals whose careers you admire. This not only broadens your network but also enhances your understanding of the private sector, including salary expectations and industry demands.
Utilize Alumni Networks: If you attended a university or technical school, reach out through alumni networks. Many institutions have resources for helping graduates transition into new roles.
Convert Titles and Duties: Adjust the terminology to be more relatable in the private sector. For example, instead of referring to your role as an "Aircrew Technician, GS-2185", you can describe it as an "Aviation Maintenance Technician with expertise in airframe and powerplant operations".
Focus on Universal Skills: Market your skills that are universal across industries: problem-solving, project management, communication, and leadership.
Create a Skills Matrix: Develop a skills matrix where you outline your federal duties on one side and their private sector equivalents on the other. This will help you navigate how to describe your experiences effectively.
Utilize Online Resources: Websites like O*NET and the Occupational Information Network can help you find equivalent civilian job titles and common skills needed in various industries.
Transitioning from a federal role to the private sector is not only possible but also brimming with potential. By recognizing your value, tailoring your resume, embracing a flexible mindset, and building a robust network, you can make a positive impact in your job search. Remember to celebrate your accomplishments and be confident in the unique skills you bring to the table. With determination and preparation, you will successfully navigate this transition to an exciting new chapter in your career.