aerospace engineering and operations technicians
$66,020
Median Annual Wage
10,500
Number of Jobs
4%
Job Outlook
What do aerospace engineering and operations technicians do?
There is a great deal of work that goes into testing and producing equipment for new aircraft, and that’s where aerospace engineering and operations technicians come in (whew, that’s a mouthful)! They operate and maintain equipment used in developing, testing, producing, and sustaining new aircraft and spacecraft. Rockets, missiles, airplanes – you name it! Interestingly enough, aerospace engineering and operations technicians are being required more and more to program and run computer simulations tools in their work, including advanced automation and robotics. Their work is critical in preventing the failure of key parts of new aircraft, so it’s a good thing they know what they’re doing!
Meet
Meet with aerospace engineers to discuss details and implications of test procedures
Build
Build and maintain test facilities for aircraft systems
Make
Make and install parts and systems to be tested in test equipment
Operate
Operate and calibrate computer systems so that they comply with test and manufacturing requirements
Ensure
Ensure that test procedures are performed smoothly and safely
Record
Record data from test parts and assemblies
Install
Install instruments in aircraft and spacecraft
Monitor
Monitor and ensure quality in producing systems that go into the aircraft
Work Environment
Aerospace engineering and operations technicians held about 10,500 jobs in 2018. The largest employers of aerospace engineering and operations technicians are shown on the right.
You’ll find these guys and gals working in manufacturing or industrial plants, laboratories, and offices. If you catch one of them working in a manufacturing or industrial plant, chances are they’re directly involved in assembling aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. But if you think their work is all handy-dandy, think again! Many are exposed to hazards from equipment or from toxic materials, but incidents are rare as long as proper procedures are followed.
- Aerospace product and parts manufacturing – 35%
- Engineering services – 18%
- Computer and electronic product manufacturing – 13%
- Scientific research and development services – 10%
Work Schedule
Aerospace engineering and operations technicians are employed throughout the private sector (the part of the economy that isn’t directly controlled by the government), with large and small manufacturing organizations, as well as with engineering services firms. Most of them work full time, ’cause they’ve got a lot to do! The good news is that their schedules tend to parallel those of the other engineering and operations staff members, so they get to hang out with their engineering buddies at work!
PAY
$41,680
$67,020
$99,970
Low
The maximum annual wage for the lowest ten percent of aerospace engineering and operations technicians in 2019.
Median
The median annual pay wage for aerospace engineering and operations technicians in 2019.
High
The minimum annual wage for the top ten percent of aerospace engineering and operations technicians in 2019.
Median annual wages in top industries
- Computer and electronic product manufacturing – $69,270
- Aerospace product and parts manufacturing – $67,850
- Engineering services – $65,490
- Scientific research and development services – $59,320
Job Outlook
Employment of aerospace engineering and operations technicians is projected to grow 4% from 2018 to 2028 (about as fast as the average for all jobs). That means there will be about 500 more jobs available for aerospace engineering and operations technicians throughout this next decade! Many of them work on projects related to national defense, so they need to have security clearances (convicted felons, you’re outta luck!). But that’s not all – aircraft may be redesigned to cut down on noise pollution and to raise fuel efficiency, creating more demand for research and development in support of air transportation. So for aerspace engineering and operations technicians, the future is looking good!
How do I become an aerospace engineering and operations technician?
Associate's Degree
Many employers prefer to hire aerospace engineering and operations technicians who have earned an associate’s degree in engineering technology. Community colleges usually offer a degree in engineering technology, although some only offer a certificate.
Vocational-technical Education
If going to college isn’t on your path, many employers prefer to hire aerospace engineering and operations technicians who have completed vocational-technical education in computer programming or robotics, and machining. Students may also earn certificates or diplomas offered by vocational or technical schools!
For High School Students
If you’re interested in becoming an aerospace engineering and operations technician, you don’t have to wait until college to prepare! High school students can prepare for this career by taking classes in math, science, drafting, and computer skills (if available). Any classes that help students develop skills with machinery will be valuable as well! A basic understanding of computers and software is also recommended.
IMPORTANT Qualities
Communication Skills
Aerospace engineering and operations technicians receive instructions from aerospace engineers. Therefore, they must be able to understand and follow those instructions, as well as communicate any problems to their supervisors.
Critical-thinking Skills
Aerospace engineering and operations technicians must be able to help aerospace engineers troubleshoot particular design issues. They must be able to help evaluate system capabilities, identify problems, formulate the right question, and then find the right answer.
Detail Oriented
Aerospace engineering and operations technicians make and keep precise measurements needed by aerospace engineers. In addition, they keep accurate records of these measurements.
Interpersonal Skills
Aerospace engineering and operations technicians receive instructions from aerospace engineers. Therefore, they must be able to understand and follow those instructions, as well as communicate any problems to their supervisors.
Math Skills
Aerospace engineering and operations technicians must be able to help aerospace engineers troubleshoot particular design issues. They must be able to help evaluate system capabilities, identify problems, formulate the right question, and then find the right answer.
Mechanical Skills
Aerospace engineering and operations technicians must be able to assist aerospace engineers by building what the engineers design. Mechanical skills are needed to help with the processes and directions required to move from design to production.
Is there anything else I need to know in order to become an aerospace engineering and operations technician?
We’ve covered almost everything about aerospace engineering and operations technicians including their salary, work schedule, job outlook, work environment, and education! Here are some common questions that one might ask about what it takes to become an aerospace engineering and operations technician!
How long does it take to become an aerospace engineering and operations technician?
Many employers prefer to hire aerospace engineering and operations technicians who have earned an associate’s degree in engineering technology. This college degree typically takes about 2 years for full-time students to earn. After you have completed your education, you can go directly into the workforce as an aerospace engineering and operations technician! Although, it may take time to gain the necessary experience that is usually required for higher-paying jobs.
What are the best colleges to go to if I want to become an aerospage engineering and operations technician?
There are many colleges that offer great programs for students that are interested in becoming aerospace engineering and operations technicians including the following;
- Georgia Institute of Technology
- Massachusettes Institute of Technology
- Stanford University
- California Institute of Technology
- Purdue University – West Lafayette
- University of Michigan – Ann Arbor
- University of Texas – Austin (Cockrell)
- University of Colorado – Boulder
Do I have to have an associate's degree in order to become an aerospace engineering and operations technician?
Although having an associate’s degree is recommended, it isn’t required! Many employers prefer to hire aerospace engineering and operations technicians who have completed vocational-technical education in computer programming or robotics, and machining. Students may also earn certificates or diplomas offered by vocational or technical schools! So if college isn’t on your path for the future, your next best option is to get an education from a vocational or technical school.
How many women are aerospace engineering and operations technicians compared to men?
Although the exact ratio of men to women for this occupation is uncertain, a similar occupation (engineering technicians) was found to have 19.8% women and 80.2% men. Although this occupation is definitely dominated by men, the number of women aerospace engineering and operations technicians is generally high in this industry.
How do I know if becoming an aerospace engineering and operations technician is right for me?
As exciting as this job may seem, it is a lot of work – just like any other career in the workforce! If you are unsure if becoming an aerospace engineer and operations technician is right for you, learn about it as much as you can! This career typically favors those who are interested in mathamatics, science, and mechanics. Although, you are in control of your future so it is up to you what you’d like to become!
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