All About Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians
Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician Definition 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?
- Test aircraft systems under simulated operational conditions, performing systems readiness tests and pre- and post-operational checkouts, to establish design or fabrication parameters.
- Record and interpret test data on parts, assemblies, and mechanisms.
- Inspect, diagnose, maintain, and operate test setups and equipment to detect malfunctions.
- Finish vehicle instrumentation and deinstrumentation.
- Construct and maintain test facilities for aircraft parts and systems, according to specifications.
- Operate and calibrate computer systems and devices to comply with test requirements and to perform data acquisition and analysis.
Featured schools near , edit
What an Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician Should Know
Below is a list of the skills most Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians say are important on the job.
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 Jobs
- Engineering Specialist
- Spacecraft Systems Engineer
- Aerospace Technician
- Flight Data Technician
- Test Equipment Mechanic
Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician Employment Estimates
There were about 12,100 jobs for Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician in 2016 (in the United States). 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.
Average Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians 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 each U.S. state?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $60,630 |
Arizona | $71,500 |
California | $68,410 |
Colorado | $84,190 |
Connecticut | $65,330 |
Florida | $62,050 |
Georgia | $50,930 |
Illinois | $58,500 |
Iowa | $57,170 |
Kansas | $66,870 |
Maryland | $71,760 |
Missouri | $76,630 |
New Jersey | $67,780 |
New Mexico | $73,570 |
New York | $75,070 |
Ohio | $67,210 |
Oklahoma | $66,120 |
Oregon | $65,440 |
Tennessee | $68,440 |
Texas | $66,960 |
Utah | $62,060 |
Virginia | $75,060 |
Washington | $93,740 |
What Tools 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 to Become an Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician
Are there Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians education requirements?

What work experience do I need to become an Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician?

Who Employs Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians?

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

References:
Image Credit:
More about our data sources and methodologies.
Featured Schools
![]() |
Southern New Hampshire University You have goals. Southern New Hampshire University can help you get there. Whether you need a bachelor's degree to get into a career or want a master's degree to move up in your current career, SNHU has an online program for you. Find your degree from over 200 online programs. Learn More > |