Engineering and architecture
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.
Median pay
$82,890
Growth to 2035
+12%
faster than average
Openings a year
1,100
Time to qualify*
2 years
* From a bachelor's degree in an unrelated field.
Pay
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians
Getting in
- Typical entry education
- Associate's degree
- On-the-job training
- None
- Prior experience
- None
Calculate your switch to aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians
What the work is like
Dealing with the public
Unpleasant or angry people
Time pressure
Cost of a mistake
Freedom to make decisions
Repeating the same tasks
Time sitting
Time standing
Outdoors in all weather
Hazardous conditions
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians: 95% usually work over 40 hours a week
Core tasks
- 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.
- Adjust, repair, or replace faulty components of test setups and equipment.
- Fabricate and install parts and systems to be tested in test equipment, using hand tools, power tools, and test instruments.
Also called: Avionics Installation Technician · Avionics Test Technician · Engineering Technician · Engineering Test Technician · Flight Test Instrument Technician · Instrumentation Technician · Systems Test Technician · Test Technician
Outlook and AI
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians held 11,600 jobs in 2025. BLS projects 12,900 by 2035 (+12%, faster than average; all jobs: +3.5%).
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