Life As an Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician

Position Description 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.

What do Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians do On a Daily Basis?

• Fabricate and install parts and systems to be tested in test equipment, using hand tools, power tools, and test instruments.
• Inspect, diagnose, maintain, and operate test setups and equipment to detect malfunctions.
• Test aircraft systems under simulated operational conditions, performing systems readiness tests and pre- and post-operational checkouts, to establish design or fabrication parameters.
• Construct and maintain test facilities for aircraft parts and systems, according to specifications.
• Record and interpret test data on parts, assemblies, and mechanisms.
• Exchange cooling system components in various vehicles.

Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician Required Skills

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.

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.

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

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

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.

Other Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician Job Titles

• Engineering Test Specialist
• Test Technician
• Engineering Operations Leader
• Engineering Technician
• Wind Tunnel Mechanic

Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician Employment Estimates

In the United States, there were 12,100 jobs for Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians in 2016.

New jobs are being produced at a rate of 6.6% which is lower than average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 800 new jobs for Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians 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 and Operations Technicians are California, Texas, and Florida.

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

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians Make between $42,610 and $100,310 a year. The median salary for this occupation is $67,010.

How much do Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians make in each U.S. state?

Annual Mean Salary by State

State	Annual Mean Salary
Washington	$93,740
Colorado	$84,190
Missouri	$76,630
New York	$75,070
Virginia	$75,060
New Mexico	$73,570
Maryland	$71,760
Arizona	$71,500
Tennessee	$68,440
California	$68,410
New Jersey	$67,780
Ohio	$67,210
Texas	$66,960
Kansas	$66,870
Oklahoma	$66,120
Oregon	$65,440
Connecticut	$65,330
Utah	$62,060
Florida	$62,050
Alabama	$60,630
Illinois	$58,500
Iowa	$57,170
Georgia	$50,930

Tools & Technologies Used by Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians may use on a daily basis:

• Microsoft Word
• Structured query language SQL
• Extensible markup language XML
• UNIX
• Microsoft Visio
• Microsoft SQL Server
• Computer aided design CAD software
• Microsoft Office
• Microsoft PowerPoint
• Oracle Java

How do I Become an Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician?

What education is needed to be an Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician?

How many years of work experience do I need?

Who Employs Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians?

References

Bureau of Labor Statistics

College Factual

O*NET Online

Image Credit: Via Wikimedia Commons