Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians

What the job really is

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.

At a glance

• Sector: Architecture & Engineering
• O*NET-SOC code: 17-3021
• O*NET job zone: 3 — medium preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 11
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.
• Finish vehicle instrumentation and deinstrumentation.
• Construct and maintain test facilities for aircraft parts and systems, according to specifications.
• Design electrical and mechanical systems for avionic instrumentation applications.

Tools and technology

Apache Hadoop, Atlassian JIRA, Autodesk AutoCAD, C++, Dassault Systemes SolidWorks, Extensible markup language XML, JUnit, JavaScript, Linux, Microsoft Access, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Calibration Technologists and Technicians
• Avionics Technicians
• Electro-Mechanical and Mechatronics Technologists and Technicians
• Mechanical Engineering Technologists and Technicians
• Automotive Engineering Technicians
• Robotics Technicians
• Electrical and Electronics Repairers, Commercial and Industrial Equipment
• Electrical and Electronic Engineering Technologists and Technicians

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 3 (medium preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.