What Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians Do

Aerospace engineering and operations technicians operate and maintain equipment used in testing new aircraft and spacecraft. Increasingly, their job requires programming and running computer simulations that test new designs. Their work is critical in preventing the failure of key parts of new aircraft, spacecraft, or missiles. They also help in quality assurance, testing, and operation of high-technology equipment used in producing aircraft and the systems that go into the aircraft.

Duties

Aerospace engineering and operations technicians typically do the following:

• Make sure that test procedures go smoothly and safely
• Operate and calibrate computer systems to comply with test requirements
• Record data from test parts and assemblies
• 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
• Install instruments in aircraft and spacecraft              
• Monitor and assure quality in producing systems that go into the aircraft           

New aircraft designs undergo years of testing before they are put into service because the failure of key parts during flight can be fatal. As part of the job, technicians often calibrate test equipment, such as wind tunnels, and determine causes of equipment malfunctions. They also may program and run computer simulations that test new designs.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2012-13 Edition