What is an Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician?
Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician Example 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.
Daily Life Of an Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician
- Fabricate and install parts and systems to be tested in test equipment, using hand tools, power tools, and test instruments.
- Test aircraft systems under simulated operational conditions, performing systems readiness tests and pre- and post-operational checkouts, to establish design or fabrication parameters.
- Inspect, diagnose, maintain, and operate test setups and equipment to detect malfunctions.
- Confer with engineering personnel regarding details and implications of test procedures and results.
- Adjust, repair or replace faulty components of test setups and equipment.
- Construct and maintain test facilities for aircraft parts and systems, according to specifications.
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Things an Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician Should Know How to Do
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.
Related Job Titles
- Certified Technician Specialist
- Flight Data Technician
- Aerospace Physiological Technician
- Research Mechanic
- Spacecraft Systems Engineer
Is There Going to be Demand 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. The BLS estimates 1,100 yearly job openings in this field.

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.
Salary for an Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians make between $42,610 and $100,310 a year.

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians who work in Washington, Colorado, or Missouri, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians in different U.S. states.
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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians
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
Becoming an Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician
What kind of Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician requirements are there?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Who Employs Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians?

Below are examples of industries where Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians work:

References:
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