Overview
Aerospace engineering and operations technicians are the skilled professionals who help engineers design, build, and test aircraft, spacecraft, and defense systems. These technicians are essential to the aerospace industry, working behind the scenes to ensure the functionality and safety of complex systems. Their responsibilities typically may include operating and maintaining equipment used in developing, testing, and producing new aircraft and space systems.
Job Duties
- Operate and maintain computer systems and simulation equipment used in aerospace testing
- Record and analyze data from tests and simulations
- Assemble, calibrate, and maintain aerospace equipment
- Interpret engineering instructions and technical drawings
- Collaborate with engineers and other technicians to troubleshoot and solve technical problems
- Ensure that systems meet quality control standards and safety regulations
These technicians often work in laboratories, manufacturing facilities, or aerospace test sites. Depending on the employer, the work can involve handling delicate instruments, large-scale equipment, or virtual simulations.
Work Environment
Most aerospace engineering and operations technicians work in industries such as:
- Aerospace product and parts manufacturing
- Engineering services
- Scientific research and development
- Federal government (including NASA and defense contractors)
Work is generally full-time, and some technicians may work evening or weekend shifts, especially during critical testing phases.
The work environment can vary:
- In labs or manufacturing settings, technicians are surrounded by high-tech equipment.
- At test facilities, the job may involve working outdoors or in simulated conditions such as zero-gravity chambers.
Safety protocols are strictly followed, especially when handling hazardous materials or testing new systems.
Education and Training Requirements
To become an aerospace engineering and operations technician, most employers require at least an associate degree in engineering technology or a related field from a community college or technical school.
Some technicians learn through military training programs, apprenticeships, or on-the-job experience, although formal education is preferred due to the complex nature of modern aerospace systems.
Key courses and skills taught in programs often include:
- Mathematics and physics
- Computer-aided design (CAD)
- Aerospace materials and structures
- Instrumentation and calibration
- Quality control systems
Certification Tip: Earning certifications, such as from the National Institute for Certification in Engineering Technologies (NICET), can give job applicants a competitive edge.
Skills and Qualities Needed
- Attention to detail: Small errors can lead to large failures in aerospace systems.
- Analytical thinking: Technicians need to interpret test data and diagnose equipment issues.
- Mechanical aptitude: They must understand the tools and machines they work with.
- Computer literacy: Familiarity with simulation software, CAD tools, and programming is often necessary.
- Communication skills: Collaborating with engineers and reporting test results requires clarity.
Salary and Job Outlook
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS):
- Median annual wage (2023): $77,250
- Top 10% earn more than: $104,800
- Bottom 10% earn less than: $47,600
Job Outlook (2022-2032):
- Employment is expected to grow 6%, about as fast as the average for all occupations.
- About 1,200 job openings are projected each year, largely due to retirements and industry expansion.
Career Paths and Advancement
With experience, aerospace engineering and operations technicians can move into more advanced roles such as:
- Senior test technician
- Technical supervisor
- Systems integration specialist
- Field service engineer
Some may also choose to return to school to complete a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or systems engineering, which often opens more doors to engineering roles and project leadership.
Best Industries and Employers
The highest concentrations of aerospace technician jobs are found in:
- Aircraft and spacecraft manufacturing companies
- Space exploration agencies (like NASA or SpaceX)
- Defense contractors (Raytheon, Lockheed Martin)
- Commercial airline companies
- Satellite systems and launch services firms
With the rise of private aerospace and defense innovation, opportunities are growing in companies focused on:
- Satellite deployment
- Space tourism
- Commercial spaceflight
- Hypersonic and unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) systems
Using Career Assessments to Find Fit
Not everyone thrives in a technical, high-precision environment. If you’re not sure whether this role is right for you, a career tool like the MAPP Assessment from Assessment.com can help. The MAPP assessment analyzes your motivational profile, helping you understand if you’re more drawn to structured, detail-oriented work or something more creative or human-centered.
For example:
- If your MAPP results show you’re energized by problem-solving, structure, and hands-on tools, this career might be a great fit.
- But if you score higher on artistic freedom or human interaction, you may find aerospace engineering too rigid or isolating.
The MAPP report links your personal motivations to real career families, making it easier to choose a job you’ll enjoy, not just tolerate.
Related Jobs
If you’re interested in this field but not fully committed to aerospace, you might consider:
- Mechanical Engineering Technicians
- Electro-Mechanical Technicians
- Calibration Technologists
- Industrial Engineering Technicians
- Robotics Technicians
These roles have overlapping skills but may involve different industries like robotics, automotive systems, or manufacturing.
Tips to Get Started
- Start with STEM classes in high school, especially math, physics, and computer science.
- Apply to a 2-year associate program in aerospace technology or engineering technology.
- Join internships or co-ops with local manufacturers or aerospace labs.
- Use the MAPP assessment to confirm if your motivators align with this kind of role.
- Stay current with aerospace tech through YouTube, podcasts, and tech publications.
Closing Remarks
Aerospace engineering and operations technicians play a critical role in bringing the dreams of space travel, flight safety, and cutting-edge defense systems to life. For those with a sharp eye, strong logic, and love for all things mechanical, it’s a career full of innovation and impact.
If you're motivated by technical accuracy, problem-solving, and working on the frontier of science, this could be the perfect launchpad for your career. But start by exploring your core motivations with tools like the MAPP assessment, because success starts with self-awareness.
Is this career path right for you?
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- Take the MAPP Career Assessment (100 % free).
- See your top career matches, including 5 Free custom matches allowing you to see if this job is a good fit for you and likely one you will enjoy and thrive in.
- Get a personalized compatibility score and next-step guidance.
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