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.
Common Job Titles
- Engineering Technician
- Instrumentation Technician
- Systems Test Technician
- Test Technician
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- Hands-onOperate integrated computer/communications systems and data acquisition instruments to launch, track, and evaluate air and space vehicles following established aerospace protocols.Proficient
- KnowledgeAnalyze test data and measurement results from aerospace vehicle systems using statistical and quality control methodologies to ensure compliance with performance specifications.Proficient
- KnowledgeEvaluate aerospace system performance against engineering specifications by interpreting complex test results and identifying deviations from established standards.Proficient
- Hands-onCalibrate precision measurement instruments and sensors including accelerometers, pressure gauges, and strain gauges, maintaining traceability standards.Developing
- Hands-onExecute installation and maintenance procedures for simulators and consoles in laboratory and field environments, adhering to safety and technical protocols.Developing
- KnowledgeDiagnose malfunctions in integrated aerospace systems using troubleshooting methodologies and diagnostic equipment under time-sensitive operational constraints.Developing
- KnowledgeApply mechanical, electrical, and physics principles to optimize operation of aerospace test and measurement equipment in complex technical environments.Developing
- MindsetEngage with interdisciplinary engineering teams and supervisors to coordinate testing activities and communicate technical findings effectively.Developing
- Hands-onPerform nondestructive testing procedures using ultrasonic, X-ray, and dye penetrant inspection equipment to verify structural integrity of aerospace components.Developing
- KnowledgeInterpret engineering drawings, technical specifications, and CAD models to guide equipment setup, testing operations, and quality assurance activities.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
9,060
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $53,730. 25th percentile: U.S. $64,570. 50th percentile: U.S. $79,830. 75th percentile: U.S. $102,220. 90th percentile: U.S. $120,440. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $53,730 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $120,440 |
| Workers on average earn | $86,330 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Mechanical4.5/5
- Engineering and Technology4.3/5
- Mathematics3.9/5
- Production and Processing3.8/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.7/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Apache Hadoop
- Atlassian JIRA
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- C++
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
- Extensible markup language XML
- JUnit
- JavaScript
- Linux
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft SQL Server
- Microsoft SharePoint
- Microsoft Visio
- Microsoft Word
- Oracle Database
- Oracle Java
- Python
- Red Hat Enterprise Linux
- SAP software
- Selenium
- Structured query language SQL
- UNIX
Technology Skills
- Apache JMeter
- Bugzilla
- Computer aided design CAD software
- Computerized numerical control CNC software
- Customer information control system CICS
- Dassault Systemes CATIA
- Data acquisition software
- Debugging software
Tools & Equipment
- Accelerometer sensors
- Accelerometers
- Adjustable wrenches
- Air drills
- Air-supplying respirators
- Aligning punches
- Alignment squares
- Allen wrenches