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Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician

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What You Need to Know About Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician

Career 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.

A Day in the Life of an Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician

  • Adjust, repair or replace faulty components of test setups and equipment.
  • Inspect, diagnose, maintain, and operate test setups and equipment to detect malfunctions.
  • Exchange cooling system components in various vehicles.
  • 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.

Qualities of an Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician

These are the skills Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians say are the most useful in their careers:

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

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.

Quality Control Analysis: Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.

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.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Types of Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician Jobs

  • Engineering Specialist
  • Aerospace Technician
  • Test Equipment Mechanic
  • Aerospace Physiological Technician
  • Avionics Test Technician

What Kind of Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician Job Opportunities Are There?

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

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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.

How Much Does an Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician Make?

The average yearly salary of an Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician ranges between $42,610 and $100,310.

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Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians who work in Washington, Colorado, or Missouri, make the highest salaries.

How much do Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians make 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 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 SharePoint
  • Microsoft Visio
  • Structured query language SQL
  • Linux
  • Extensible markup language XML
  • Microsoft SQL Server
  • UNIX
  • Computer aided design CAD software
  • National Instruments LabVIEW
  • Oracle software

How do I Become an Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician?

Learn what Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician education requirements there are.

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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Who Employs Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians?

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

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References:

Image Credit: via Creative Commons CC0

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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