Explore how your federal experience as a Aircraft Mechanical Parts Repairing (GS-8840) 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 | Entry-Level Aircraft Repair Technician, Junior Mechanical Technician, Apprentice Aircraft Mechanic | Assist in the repair and maintenance of aircraft mechanical parts; perform inspections under supervision; support senior technicians in troubleshooting and repairs; maintain tools and work areas. | $30,000 - $40,000 |
| 5-7 | Aircraft Maintenance Technician, Mechanical Repair Specialist, Mid-Level Aircraft Engineer | Perform regular maintenance on aircraft systems; diagnose mechanical issues with guidance; replace and repair parts under defined protocols; document repair activities and maintain compliance with safety regulations. | $45,000 - $65,000 |
| 8-9 | Senior Aircraft Repair Engineer, Lead Mechanical Technician, Aircraft Systems Analyst | Oversee repair and maintenance projects; lead a team of technicians to ensure high-quality standards; analyze mechanical performance metrics; develop and optimize repair processes; participate in training junior staff. | $70,000 - $90,000 |
| 10-11 | Aircraft Engineering Manager, Principal Mechanical Engineer, Aircraft Maintenance Supervisor | Manage aircraft repair operations and teams; develop maintenance schedules; ensure compliance with FAA regulations; provide technical expertise and strategic input for engineering projects; collaborate with other departments. | $90,000 - $120,000 |
| 12-13 | Senior Aviation Operations Manager, Director of Aircraft Maintenance, Chief Mechanical Officer | Develop and implement organizational maintenance strategies; oversee budget and resources for aircraft repair operations; drive continuous improvement and innovation in maintenance practices; liaise with executive management on strategic decisions. | $120,000 - $160,000 |
| 14-15 | Vice President of Aircraft Services, Senior Director of Maintenance Operations, Chief Engineer for Aircraft Repair | Set organizational vision for maintenance operations; establish partnerships with regulatory bodies; lead large-scale engineering projects; guide corporate policy on aircraft mechanical repairs; represent organization in industry forums. | $160,000 - $200,000 |
| SES | Executive Director of Aviation Engineering, Chief Operations Officer - Aircraft Division, Senior Vice President of Engineering | Oversee entire engineering and maintenance departments; shape strategic vision for the future of aviation services; ensure compliance with global standards; drive organizational effectiveness and efficiency; manage relationships with key stakeholders including government entities and industry leaders. | $200,000 - $300,000 |
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.
FAA Airframe and Powerplant (A&P) License
The FAA A&P License is essential for individuals looking to transition to civilian aviation maintenance roles. It demonstrates comprehensive knowledge and proficiency in aircraft systems and mechanics, making candidates more competitive in the job market.
AS9100 Lead Auditor Certification
Achieving an AS9100 Lead Auditor Certification indicates expertise in quality management systems specific to the aerospace industry. This credential is valuable for managing quality assurance processes in civilian aircraft repair settings, enhancing job prospects.
National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET) Certification in Mechanical Engineering Technology
NICET certification validates technical knowledge and skills in mechanical engineering tasks, which are applicable to the aircraft mechanical parts repairing field. Obtaining this certification can significantly enhance a resume, demonstrating commitment to the profession and improving job readiness.
Airframe Structural Repair and Material Certification
This certification focuses on the repair of aircraft structures and the knowledge of materials used in the aviation industry. Holding such a certification can differentiate candidates in civilian roles where structural integrity is critical, showcasing their specialized skills.
Lean Six Sigma Green Belt Certification
Lean Six Sigma training is advantageous for individuals in any mechanical repair position, including aircraft maintenance, as it emphasizes efficiency and quality improvement. This certification equips candidates with methodologies to reduce waste and enhance operational processes, making them attractive to civilian employers.
Bachelor’s Degree in Aviation Maintenance Management
A Bachelor’s degree in Aviation Maintenance Management provides a solid foundation in both the technical and managerial aspects of aviation operations. This educational credential prepares individuals for leadership roles in civilian maintenance organizations, elevating their career prospects.
Certified Aviation Manager (CAM)
The CAM certification is recognized in the aviation industry for those pursuing management roles within aviation maintenance or repair organizations. It highlights leadership capabilities and a strong understanding of aviation business practices, providing a competitive edge in the job market.
General Aviation and Business Aircraft Maintenance Technician Certification
This specialized certification covers various aspects of maintaining general aviation and business aircraft, making it highly relevant for transitioning to civilian roles. It demonstrates proper training and competency in handling diverse types of aircraft, attracting the attention of employers in the private sector.
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-8840 Aircraft Mechanical Parts Repairing role to a private-sector job can be both exciting and challenging. Below are comprehensive pieces of advice that encompass mindset shifts, resume and interview tips, networking strategies, and how to translate your valuable federal experience into language that resonates with private-sector employers. This guide aims to encourage you and provide practical steps to succeed in your transition.
Embrace the Change: Understand that moving from federal employment to the private sector involves a significant cultural shift. The pace may be quicker, expectations around performance may differ, and flexibility may be more pronounced. Embrace these changes as opportunities for growth.
Adopt a Growth Mindset: Be open to learning and developing new skills. Your background in aircraft mechanical repair can be a solid foundation, but be prepared to adapt and expand your knowledge to align with the needs of potential employers.
Confidence in Your Skills: It can be easy to undervalue your extensive training and experience in a federal role. Be confident in what you bring to the table. Your skills are not only applicable to government jobs but are in high demand across various industries.
Focus on Transferable Skills: Your technical skills in repairing aircraft parts are incredibly valuable. Highlight skills such as problem-solving, attention to detail, and mechanical knowledge, but also add soft skills like teamwork, communication, and time management.
Rewrite Job Titles: Private-sector employers might not be familiar with federal job classifications, so consider rephrasing your job title to something more widely recognized. For example, you could describe your role as "Aircraft Maintenance Technician" or "Mechanical Repair Specialist."
Quantify Achievements: Use numbers to illustrate your accomplishments (e.g., "Reduced repair time by 20% through improved workflow procedures"). This gives concrete examples of your contributions and makes your resume stand out.
Tailor Your Resume: Customize your resume for each job application. Research the position and the company, and incorporate relevant keywords from the job description into your resume. This demonstrates that you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in the opportunity.
Eliminate Federal Jargon: While your experience is incredibly relevant, ensure that your resume refrains from using overly technical federal language that may confuse potential employers. Instead, use clear, concise language that reflects the skills and results that hiring managers seek.
Practice Behavioral Questions: Many private-sector interviews focus on behavioral questions. Prepare by using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result). Frame your responses to showcase your problem-solving abilities and teamwork.
Show Enthusiasm for the Role: Express genuine interest in the company and the specific role. Research the company culture and its mission, and be ready to explain why you want to work there and what you can uniquely contribute.
Answer the "Why Leave Federal?" Question: Prepare a thoughtful answer for why you’re transitioning out of federal employment. Focus on your desire for new challenges, a willingness to work in a dynamic environment, and the opportunity to apply your skills in new ways.
Have Questions Ready: Engage with the interviewers by preparing insightful questions about the company or the role. This shows your eagerness and deepens the conversation.
Leverage Online Platforms: Create a solid LinkedIn profile that highlights your experience, skills, and interest in transitioning to the private sector. Use LinkedIn to connect with former colleagues, industry professionals, and hiring managers.
Join Industry Groups: Look for industry-specific groups on LinkedIn or other networking platforms. Participate in discussions and seek advice from others who have made similar transitions.
Attend Job Fairs and Events: Participate in job fairs targeted at military veterans or transitioning federal employees. Engage with recruiters and employers, and come prepared with copies of your resume.
Informational Interviews: Reach out to professionals in roles you aspire to and ask for informational interviews. Use these conversations to learn about their career paths, the skills needed, and potential job openings.
Networking is a Two-Way Street: When networking, focus on building relationships rather than just asking for jobs. Offer your help where you can, share insights, and contribute to conversations, fostering mutual benefits.
Understand Industry Language: Research the terminology and priorities of the private industry. Convert federal accomplishments into key terms commonly used in the private sector to make your experience relatable.
Create a Skills Match: Create a skills matrix that compares your federal accomplishments with potential private-sector demands. For instance, if you managed a project that saved taxpayer money, frame it as "Successfully managed cost-saving initiatives resulting in a substantial reduction of operational expenses."
Use Action Verbs: Start your bullet points with strong action verbs that indicate your contributions (e.g., "Engineered," "Led," "Developed") to portray your active role in past accomplishments.
Tailor Examples to Industry Needs: When discussing your experience in interviews, tailor your examples to demonstrate how they meet the specific needs of the employer. Show how your repair and maintenance work can translate to efficiency and safety in their operations.
In closing, transitioning from a federal GS-8840 Aircraft Mechanical Parts Repairing role to a private sector job is an achievable goal with the right strategy and mindset. Keep in mind that your skills are valuable and applicable in many contexts. Remember to promote your accomplishments effectively, connect with industry professionals, and approach the process with a positive attitude. With persistence and the right approach, you can find a fulfilling position in the private sector! You’ve got this!