Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians play a crucial role in the development, testing, production, and maintenance of aircraft and spacecraft. Their work ensures the safety and precision of these vehicles and their components.

Job Description

Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians are responsible for a wide range of tasks, including:

• Collaboration and Planning: They meet with aerospace engineers to discuss test procedures and their implications.
• Facility and Equipment Management: These professionals build, maintain, and operate test facilities and equipment for aircraft systems. They also install, adjust, and maintain computer and communication systems, simulators, and data acquisition instruments.
• Testing and Data Collection: A key part of their role is testing aircraft systems under simulated operational conditions. They set up equipment, calibrate computer systems, and ensure that tests run smoothly and safely. They also record and interpret test data.
• Fabrication and Installation: They fabricate and install parts and systems for testing.
• Quality Control and Maintenance: They monitor and ensure the quality of systems that go into aircraft and inspect, diagnose, and repair test setups and equipment to detect malfunctions.

Essential Skills

To succeed in this field, individuals need a combination of technical and soft skills:

• Technical and Mechanical Skills: A strong aptitude for science, mathematics, and technology is essential. They need the technical skills to assist engineers in building what they design and to guide processes from design to production. This includes using analytical and scientific software, as well as computer-aided design (CAD) software.
• Problem-Solving and Critical Thinking: They must be able to troubleshoot design issues, identify problems, and find solutions. This involves using logic and reasoning to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of different approaches.
• Communication and Teamwork: Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians work closely with aerospace engineers and other professionals, so strong communication and teamwork skills are vital.
• Attention to Detail: The ability to concentrate on the details of their work is crucial for ensuring the safety and performance of aerospace vehicles.

Career Outlook

The career outlook for aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians is positive.

• Job Growth: Employment in this field is projected to grow 8 percent from 2023 to 2033, which is faster than the average for all occupations.
• Job Openings: About 1,100 job openings are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of these openings will be to replace workers who retire or move to other occupations.
• Salary: The median annual wage for aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians was $79,830 in May 2024.

Education and Training

Typically, an associate's degree in engineering technology or a related field is required to enter this profession. However, some employers may consider candidates with a high school diploma or a certificate from a vocational-technical school. For those interested in this career path, high school courses in math, science, drafting, and information technology are recommended. In some cases, particularly for projects related to national defense, a security clearance and U.S. citizenship may be required.