All About Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians

Example of Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician Job Operate, install, calibrate, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.

Life As an Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician: What Do They Do?

• Identify required data, data acquisition plans and test parameters, setting up equipment to conform to these specifications.
• Confer with engineering personnel regarding details and implications of test procedures and results.
• Fabricate and install parts and systems to be tested in test equipment, using hand tools, power tools, and test instruments.
• Construct and maintain test facilities for aircraft parts and systems, according to specifications.
• Finish vehicle instrumentation and deinstrumentation.
• Test aircraft systems under simulated operational conditions, performing systems readiness tests and pre- and post-operational checkouts, to establish design or fabrication parameters.

Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician Skills

When polled, Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians say the following skills are most frequently used in their jobs:

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

Operation Monitoring: Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

Types of Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician

• Radar Technician
• Engineering Technician
• Electronics Technician
• Aerospace Mechanic
• Certified Technician Specialist

Job Outlook for Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 12,100 jobs in the United States for Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.6% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 800 new jobs for Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician by 2026. There will be an estimated 1,100 positions for Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician per year.

The states with the most job growth for Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician are Utah, Georgia, and Alabama. Watch out if you plan on working in Washington, Kansas, or North Dakota. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.

Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician Salary

The average yearly salary of an Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician ranges between $42,610 and $100,310.

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians who work in Washington, Colorado, or Missouri, make the highest salaries.

How much do Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians make in different U.S. states?

What Tools & Technology do Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians Use?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians:

• Microsoft Excel
• Microsoft Word
• Microsoft Office
• JavaScript
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Python
• Microsoft Access
• Word processing software
• Microsoft Project
• Autodesk AutoCAD
• Microsoft Visio
• Microsoft SharePoint
• Structured query language SQL
• Linux
• Extensible markup language XML
• UNIX
• Microsoft SQL Server
• Computer aided design CAD software
• National Instruments LabVIEW
• Dassault Systemes CATIA

How do I Become an Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician?

Individuals working as an Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician have obtained the following education levels:

How Long Does it Take to Become an Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician?

References:

• Bureau of Labor Statistics
• College Factual
• O*NET Online

Image Credit: via Creative Commons CC0

More about our data sources and methodologies.