Picture this: A skilled professional meticulously calibrating sophisticated testing equipment for a prototype aircraft engine, ensuring every measurement meets exact specifications before the next round of testing begins.
Think about the last time you saw an aircraft take flight. Behind that seamless operation is an Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologist and Technician who work alongside engineers to ensure every component meets rigorous safety and performance standards.
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technologists 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. They serve as the crucial bridge between engineering design and practical implementation in the aerospace industry.
Total Employment: 10,640 (2023)
Common Names for Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians
- Avionics Installation Technician
- Avionics Test Technician
- Engineering Technician
- Engineering Test Technician
- Flight Test Instrument Technician
- Instrumentation Technician
- Systems Test Technician
- Test Technician
What Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologists and Technicians Do
Aerospace engineering and operations technologists and technicians support aerospace engineers in developing, testing, and producing aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems.
Core responsibilities include:
- Safety Compliance & Testing: Conduct and document safety inspections of aircraft systems and components to ensure compliance with FAA regulations and manufacturer specifications, directly impacting flight safety and operational reliability.
- Systems Operation & Monitoring: Operate test equipment, record performance data, and monitor aerospace systems during testing phases to verify that components and assemblies function according to design specifications.
- Technical Documentation: Prepare detailed technical reports and maintain comprehensive records of test procedures, results, and equipment modifications to support engineering decisions and maintain regulatory compliance.
- Equipment Maintenance: Perform regular calibration, maintenance, and repairs on aerospace testing equipment and instruments to ensure accuracy and reliability of test results.
- Quality Assurance: Inspect finished products and test procedures for defects or deviations from specifications, implementing quality control measures to maintain high standards in aerospace manufacturing.
- Engineering Support: Assist aerospace engineers in developing, testing, and evaluating new designs by providing technical expertise and hands-on support during prototype development and testing phases.
- Data Analysis: Collect, analyze, and interpret test data to identify patterns, anomalies, or potential issues that could affect aircraft performance or safety.
- Troubleshooting: Diagnose and resolve technical problems in aerospace systems and testing equipment, applying systematic problem-solving approaches to maintain operational efficiency.
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