What They Do
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians install, run, and maintain equipment used to develop, test, produce, and sustain aircraft and spacecraft. Their work is critical to ensuring the safety and precision of key parts of these vehicles and systems.
Duties
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians typically do the following:
- Meet with aerospace engineers to discuss details and implications of test procedures
- Build and maintain test facilities for aircraft systems
- Make and install parts and systems to be tested in test equipment
- Operate and calibrate computer systems so that they comply with test and manufacturing requirements
- Make sure that test procedures are performed smoothly and safely
- Record data from test parts and assemblies
- Install instruments in aircraft and spacecraft
- Monitor and ensure quality in producing systems that go into the aircraft
New aircraft designs undergo years of testing before they are put into service. As part of the job, technologists and technicians often calibrate test equipment, such as wind tunnels, and determine the causes of equipment malfunctions. They also may program and run computer simulations that test the new designs.
Work Environment
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians held about 9,300 jobs in 2024. The largest employers of aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians were as follows:
| Aerospace product and parts manufacturing | 43% |
| Engineering services | 21 |
| Scientific research and development services | 10 |
| Computer and electronic product manufacturing | 5 |
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians who work in manufacturing or industrial plants are frequently involved in assembly.
Work Schedules
Most aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians work full time. Depending on the employer or project, they may work in shifts or be required to work overtime.
How to Become One
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians typically need an associate’s degree in engineering technology or a related field. Some employers consider candidates who have a high school diploma or have completed a certificate program.
Pay
The median annual wage for aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians was $79,830 in May 2024.
Job Outlook
Employment of aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians is projected to grow 8 percent from 2024 to 2034, much faster than the average for all occupations.
About 900 openings for aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.