What Does it Take to Be an 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.
What Do Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians Do On a Daily Basis?
- Exchange cooling system components in various vehicles.
- Operate and calibrate computer systems and devices to comply with test requirements and to perform data acquisition and analysis.
- Identify required data, data acquisition plans and test parameters, setting up equipment to conform to these specifications.
- Inspect, diagnose, maintain, and operate test setups and equipment to detect malfunctions.
- Adjust, repair or replace faulty components of test setups and equipment.
- Record and interpret test data on parts, assemblies, and mechanisms.
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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
- Certified Technician Specialist
- Spacecraft Systems Engineer
- Altitude Chamber Technician
- Engineering Test Specialist
- Flight Data Technician
Job Opportunities for Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians
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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 1,100 job openings in this field each year.

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.
Do Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians Make A Lot Of Money?
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.
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 |
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 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
Learn what Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician education requirements there are.

How Long Does it Take to Become an Aerospace Engineering or Operations Technician?

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians Sector

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

References:
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