Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

Operate, install, adjust, 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 you'd actually do

• Test aircraft systems under simulated operational conditions, performing systems readiness tests and pre- and post-operational checkouts, to establish design or fabrication parameters.
• 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.
• Confer with engineering personnel regarding details and implications of test procedures and results.
• Operate and calibrate computer systems and devices to comply with test requirements and to perform data acquisition and analysis.
• Record and interpret test data on parts, assemblies, and mechanisms.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: Associate degree. Overall preparation: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).

The feel of the work

The work splits time indoors and out; much of the day is spent working solo; time pressure is a real part of the job; precision matters — small details carry weight. (Compared against the other 818 careers in the guide.)

Working for yourself

About 1.4% of aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are hands-on, organized and detail-focused and analytical.

Related careers

• Engineering Technologists and Technicians, Except Drafters, All Other
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians
• Surveyors
• Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
• Mechanical Drafters
• Architects, Except Landscape and Naval

Quick questions

How much does a aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technician make?

The median pay is $39.85 per hour — roughly $83,000 a year, with the real range running from about $28.39/hr (10th percentile) to $60.18/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technician?

The typical entry-level education is: Associate degree. Overall preparation level: medium preparation (Job Zone 3 of 5).

What does a aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technician actually do all day?

Test aircraft systems under simulated operational conditions, performing systems readiness tests and pre- and post-operational checkouts, to establish design or fabrication parameters. 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.