California CareerZone - Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians (17-3021.00)

Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians

Job Definition: Operate, install, calibrate, and maintain integrated computer/communications systems consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.

Job Zone

Job Zone Four: Considerable Preparation Needed

Most of these occupations require a four - year bachelor's degree, but some do not.

Interests: Investigative - Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.; Realistic - Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.; Conventional - Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Knowledge: Engineering and Technology - Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.; Computers and Electronics - Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.; Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.; Physics - Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub- atomic structures and processes.; Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

Skills: Science - Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.; Quality Control Analysis - Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.; Mathematics - Using mathematics to solve problems.; Installation - Installing equipment, machines, wiring, or programs to meet specifications.; Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.; Programming - Writing computer programs for various purposes.; Equipment Maintenance - Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.; Reading Comprehension - Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.; Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.; Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Tasks: Fabricate and install parts and systems to be tested in test equipment, using hand tools, power tools, and test instruments.; 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.; Operate and calibrate computer systems and devices to comply with test requirements and to perform data acquisition and analysis.; Test aircraft systems under simulated operational conditions, performing systems readiness tests and pre- and post-operational checkouts, to establish design or fabrication parameters.; Confer with engineering personnel regarding details and implications of test procedures and results.; Exchange cooling system components in various vehicles.; Finish vehicle instrumentation and deinstrumentation.; Record and interpret test data on parts, assemblies, and mechanisms.; Construct and maintain test facilities for aircraft parts and systems, according to specifications.; Adjust, repair or replace faulty components of test setups and equipment.

Wages

In 2008, the California average annual wage was $59,330.00.

Most people employed in this occupation were paid between $37,040.00 and $81,800.00.

Outlook: During 2006, there were approximately 1,100 people employed in this field in California. It is projected that there will be 1,100 employed in 2016. This occupation will have about 0 openings due to growth and about 20 replacement openings for approximately 20 total annual openings. This occupation .

Colleges and Training: Below are college programs that are generally associated with this occupation. To view colleges that offer these programs, click on the titles below.; Aeronautical/Aerospace Engineering Technology/Technician - A program that prepares individuals to apply basic engineering principles and technical skills in support of engineers and other professionals engaged in developing, manufacturing and testing aircraft, spacecraft and their systems. Includes instruction in aircraft/spacecraft systems technology, design and development testing, prototype and operational testing, inspection and maintenance procedures, instrument calibration, test equipment operation and maintenance, and report preparation.

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