Missile and Space Facilities

What does the Missile and Space Facilities career field do?

Maintains, operates, services, and repairs power generation and distribution systems, and environmental control and associated support systems and equipment for missile, space lift, and research and development (R&D) facilities. Related DoD Occupational Subgroup: 163300.

Duties and responsibilities

• Performs or supervises preventative and operator maintenance on missile, space lift, and R&D facilities. Troubleshoots, repairs, and services missile weapon systems, space lift and R&D equipment, facilities, and support equipment (SE). Included are power generation and distribution systems such as diesel generators, automatic switching units, fiber optic lines, manual switching gear, distribution and control panels, battery systems, and associated controls; environmental control systems; air conditioning, heating, ventilation, and refrigerant systems; and space lift support systems and associated equipment. Services SE dealing with fuel, lubricants, hydraulic fluids, and air. Analyzes support facility and equipment malfunctions and determines operational readiness. Solves interface problems between electrical and electronic equipment. Repairs or supervises maintenance of accessories and components of direct support and real- property installed equipment. Supervises space lift booster, and payload systems maintenance and launch processing. Coordinates and oversees activities of contractor personnel during space launch activities. Performs acquisition and activation activities.
• Performs priority maintenance on systems/subsystems to assure launch capability. Performs facility and support equipment tests, adjustments, and maintenance. Diagnoses malfunctions and repairs mechanical, electrical and electronic circuitry, and heating, ventilation, and air conditioning equipment using visual and auditory senses, test equipment, systems knowledge, and technical publications. Monitors, repairs, and operates missile, space lift, and R&D SE. Monitors or operates fault display, checkout panels, and test stands to detect system and component malfunctions. Tests electrical circuits and security, gas detection and fire warning systems, and auxiliary power equipment for readiness. Performs inspections and operates special vehicles.

Specialty qualifications

Knowledge. Knowledge is mandatory of: electrical, mechanical, and pneumatic principles; and interpreting technical orders, workflow diagrams, blueprints, and schematics.

Education. For entry into this specialty, completion of high school or General Education Development (GED) equivalency is mandatory. Courses in mechanics, physics, or basic electricity are desirable.

Training. For the award of AFSC 2M033, completion of the basic 3 level missile and space facilities course is mandatory.

Experience. The following experience is mandatory for award of the AFSC indicated:

• 2M053. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 2M033. Also, experience in functions such as maintaining and operating missile and space facilities, R&D facilities, or related support equipment.
• 2M073. Qualification in and possession of AFSC 2M053. Also, experience performing or supervising power maintenance on generation, environmental control system, missile, space lift, or R&D facilities.

Other. The following are mandatory as indicated:

• For entry into this specialty, the following are mandatory:
• Screened for eligibility and meet requirements of the Personnel Reliability Program (PRP) as outlined in HQ AETC PRP Prescreening guidance.
• Passing color vision, as defined by correctly identifying at least 10 of 14 Ishihara Plates.
• Within 12 months of arrival at first duty station obtain civilian driver’s license and operate government vehicles according to AFI 24-301, Ground Transportation.
• Freedom from fear of heights and claustrophobia.
• See attachment 4 for additional entry requirements.
• For award of AFSC 2M033:
• Must be Administratively Qualified IAW PRP standards outlines in the DoDM 5200.02, AFMAN 13-501, Nuclear Weapons Personnel Reliability Program (PRP) prior to leaving technical Training.
• For award of AFSCs 2M053/73 and retention of AFSCs 2M033/53/73, the following are mandatory:
• Must meet eligibility requirements to fill control PRP positions IAW DoDM 5200.02, AFMAN 13-501.
• Must maintain local network access IAW AFI 17-130, Cybersecurity Program Management and AFMAN 17-1301, Computer Security.
• Specialty requires routine access to Tier 3 (T3) information, systems, or similar classified environment.
• For award and retention of AFSCs 2M033/53/73:
• Completion of a current T3 Investigation required IAW DoDM 5200.02, AFMAN 16-1405, Air Force Personnel Security Program, is mandatory.

Civilian career paths

Comparable civilian careers for this field pay roughly $36,390–$107,540 per year (median salaries; varies by role and location):

• Computer, Automated Teller, and Office Machine Repairers: $41,090
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians: $67,550
• Electrical and Electronic Equipment Assembler:  $36,390
• Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipmen: $62,010
• Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians: $59,800
• Electronics Engineers: $107,540
• First-Line Supervisors of Mechanics, Installers, and Repairer: $70,240
• General and Operations Managers: $103,650
• Heating, Air Conditioning, and Refrigeration Mechanics and Installers: $50,590
• Industrial Machinery Mechanics: $55,490
• Maintenance and Repair Workers, General: $40,850
• Maintenance Workers, Machinery: $50,100
• Power Plant Operators: $84,650
• Stationary Engineers and Boiler Operators: $64,680
• Telecommunications Equipment Installers and Repairers: $61,470
• Transportation Vehicle, Equipment and Systems Inspectors: $78,400