Air Force AFSC · Engineering

3E5X1 Engineering

Overview

An Engineering specialist plans and manages construction projects for roads, buildings, facilities, and structures on Air Force bases. The specialist performs surveying, computer aided drafting, and soil testing to support these projects.

Minimum ASVAB: G 49

See if you would hit this score: free ASVAB practice test

Skill levels: 3E511 helper · 3E531 apprentice · 3E551 journeyman · 3E571 craftsman

Core Skills

  • surveying and site analysis
  • computer-aided drafting and design
  • construction planning
  • technical drawing interpretation
  • data collection and reporting
  • quality control and assurance
  • project coordination
  • requirements analysis
  • risk identification
  • stakeholder communication

Civilian Software & Tools

  • Autodesk AutoCAD
  • Autodesk AutoCAD Civil 3D
  • Bentley MicroStation
  • ESRI ArcGIS software
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Autodesk Revit

Civilian Career Paths

  • Civil Engineering
  • Construction Management
  • Facilities Management
  • Project Management

Training & Development

Getting Started

  • OSHA 30-Hour Construction
  • Engineer-in-Training (EIT/FE)
  • Certified Survey Technician (CST)

Career Growth

  • Professional Engineer (PE) License
  • Project Management Professional (PMP)
  • Autodesk Certified Professional in AutoCAD for Design and Drafting

What the Work Involves

  • Calculate dimensions, square footage, profile and component specifications, and material quantities, using calculator or computer.
  • Read and review project blueprints and structural specifications to determine dimensions of structure or system and material requirements.
  • Draft detailed dimensional drawings and design layouts for projects to ensure conformance to specifications.
  • Confer with supervisor to determine project details such as plan preparation, acceptance testing, and evaluation of field conditions.
  • Analyze proposed site factors and design maps, graphs, tracings, and diagrams to illustrate findings.

Related Occupations

  • Architectural and Civil Drafters
  • Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
  • Construction and Building Inspectors
  • Civil Engineers

Typical preparation for these civilian roles: vocational training or an associate degree.

Defense contractor jobs for 3E5X1

Formerly Known As (Legacy)

Retired codes that converted into 3E5X1. Each legacy page documents the cited history.

Descriptions may be summarized for clarity. Verify all information with your branch career counselor or official military documentation before making career decisions.

Report an error on this page