What is an Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician?
Job 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?
- Record and interpret test data on parts, assemblies, and mechanisms.
- Identify required data, data acquisition plans and test parameters, setting up equipment to conform to these specifications.
- Test aircraft systems under simulated operational conditions, performing systems readiness tests and pre- and post-operational checkouts, to establish design or fabrication parameters.
- 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.
Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician Required Skills
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
- Test Equipment Mechanic
- Engineering Operations Leader
- Systems Test Technician
- Flight Readiness Technician
- Engineering Test Specialist
Job Outlook for Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians
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. 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.
Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician Salary
The salary for Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians ranges between about $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 |
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
Becoming an Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician
Education needed to be an Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician:
How many years of work experience do I need?
Where do Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians Work?
The table below shows the approximate number of Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians employed by various industries.
References:
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More about our data sources and methodologies.
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