Occupation · SOC 17-3021
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 wage
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Projected growth
—
—
Annual openings
—
per year
Employed (US)
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Job Zone 3
Typical preparation
Medium preparation
Stackable credential programs
462 mapped
Core skills
Critical ThinkingReading ComprehensionOperations MonitoringQuality Control AnalysisActive ListeningSpeakingComplex Problem SolvingTroubleshooting
Knowledge areas
MechanicalEngineering and TechnologyMathematicsProduction and ProcessingCustomer and Personal Service
Technology & tools
Data base management system softwareObject or component oriented development softwareProject management softwareComputer aided design CAD softwareProgram testing software
Representative 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.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.
Competency framework
Skill expectations by proficiency level.
emerging
Pre-operational checkout procedures — execute under direct supervision to verify aircraft system readiness before scheduled test runs in a controlled lab environment.Test equipment and instrumentation — identify and configure according to written setup specifications provided by senior technicians on the test floor.Hand tools and power tools — use under supervision to fabricate and install basic parts into test fixtures on entry-level aerospace assembly tasks.Test data on parts and assemblies — record manually or digitally using standardized forms and data sheets during routine inspection activities.Equipment malfunctions — recognize visual and audible indicators of faults in test setups during monitored operations and report findings to a supervisor.Technical manuals and engineering drawings — read and interpret to identify correct test parameters and component specifications on assigned tasks.Calibration procedures for measurement instruments — follow step-by-step written protocols under guidance to maintain compliance with test requirements.Engineering and technical terminology — apply foundational vocabulary when listening to and summarizing instructions from engineering staff during team briefings.Faulty components in test equipment — identify and flag for replacement by following diagnostic checklists under direct technician supervision.Data acquisition software interfaces — navigate and enter required inputs under instruction to support basic computer-based test data collection activities.
developing
Aircraft systems readiness tests — conduct pre- and post-operational checkouts with reduced oversight, following established test protocols in a production test environment.Test parameters and data acquisition plans — identify and document required specifications independently, configuring equipment to conform before initiating test runs.Computer systems and data acquisition devices — operate and calibrate routinely to meet test requirements, applying standard procedures across multiple test campaigns.Test setup malfunctions — diagnose using systematic inspection techniques and instrument readings, determining corrective action within familiar equipment types.Faulty test equipment components — adjust, repair, or replace using hand and power tools, restoring operational status with minimal guidance from senior staff.Test results on parts, assemblies, and mechanisms — interpret recorded data against design specifications and flag out-of-tolerance findings for engineering review.Engineering personnel — confer with to clarify test procedure details and communicate preliminary findings using accurate technical language in routine project meetings.Fabrication and installation of test components — perform using appropriate tooling and test instruments, following engineering drawings with limited supervision.Quality control checklists and inspection criteria — apply consistently during component and system evaluations to ensure compliance with aerospace standards.Project management and scheduling tools — use to track task progress and manage personal time commitments across concurrent test assignments.
proficient
Simulated operational conditions for aircraft systems — design and execute comprehensive readiness tests autonomously, establishing critical design or fabrication parameters for engineering review.Complex data acquisition plans — develop end-to-end, selecting instrumentation, defining test parameters, and configuring multi-channel data systems for non-routine aerospace test programs.Test setup and equipment health — diagnose and maintain across the full system lifecycle, resolving ambiguous malfunctions through systematic troubleshooting without supervisory input.Engineering implications of test results — analyze and communicate in technical reports and cross-functional meetings, translating data into actionable design feedback for engineering teams.Calibration compliance and measurement traceability — ensure across all test instruments and computer systems, independently resolving discrepancies against applicable aerospace standards.Non-standard or out-of-tolerance test data — evaluate using deductive and inductive reasoning to identify root causes, recommending corrective actions to engineering and quality teams.Fabrication and installation of complex test assemblies — execute with precision using advanced tooling and test instruments, interpreting ambiguous drawings to determine best-fit solutions.CAD and analytical software tools — use proficiently to review component geometry, model test configurations, and support quantitative analysis of experimental aerospace data.Test documentation and technical writing — produce detailed, clear, and accurate records of procedures, results, and anomalies that meet regulatory and program quality requirements.Systems analysis of integrated test environments — perform to evaluate overall test capability, identify gaps, and recommend improvements to test architecture for increased reliability.
advanced
Test program strategy and scope — define at the program or facility level, setting technical direction for aircraft systems verification campaigns aligned with organizational and customer objectives.Junior and mid-level technicians — mentor and develop through structured on-the-job coaching, knowledge transfer sessions, and performance feedback in an active aerospace test environment.Data acquisition architectures and test infrastructure — evaluate and lead upgrades to, selecting technologies and driving implementation to advance organizational test capability.Cross-functional engineering and operations teams — lead coordination with, translating complex test findings into strategic recommendations that influence design decisions at the program level.Test safety and quality standards — champion and enforce across the department, establishing protocols and conducting audits to ensure compliance with aerospace regulatory requirements.Complex, organization-wide test anomalies — resolve by applying advanced systems evaluation and judgment, integrating inputs from engineering, quality, and operations stakeholders.Enterprise resource planning and data management systems — oversee deployment and use within the test organization to ensure accurate configuration control and traceability of test assets.Technical documentation standards and reporting frameworks — establish for the team, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and regulatory compliance across all test program deliverables.Workforce planning and skill gap analysis — conduct for the technician organization, identifying training needs and partnering with leadership to build long-term competency pipelines.Emerging aerospace test technologies and methods — evaluate and integrate into existing operations, positioning the organization to meet evolving program demands and industry standards.
Also known as
465 alternate job titles map to this occupation.
Fixed-Wing Aircraft Flight Engineer, KC-130 (Marine Corps 6242)Flight Readiness TechnicianBattle Management Operations Apprentice (Air Force 1C531)Airborne Mission Systems Specialist Apprentice, HC-130P/N (Air Force 1A331G)Refuel/Bomber Aircraft Maintenance Journeyman, Any C-135/E-3/E-8 (Air Force 2A554A)Avionics Test Station, Components, And Electronic Warfare Systems Helper (Air Force 2A011)Fighter Aircraft Integrated Avionics Helper, F-16 Avionics (Air Force 2A314C)Missile And Space Systems Electronic Maintenance Helper, ALCM (Air Force 2M011B)Space Operations, ABM (Air Force 13S1N)Test SpecialistAviation Maintenance Engineering Officer (Navy 8118)Aircraft Electronic Identification (IFF) IMA Technician (Navy I15A)Space Operations, Airlift (Air Force 13S1T)Refuel/Bomber Aircraft Maintenance Helper, B-52 (Air Force 2A514D)Space Projects Technologist (Navy 2098)MH-60R Electronics Systems Organizational Career Maintenance Technician (Navy E25A)Aircraft Communications/Navigation/Radar System Technician, EA-6 (Marine Corps 6313)E-6 System Organizational Career Maintenance Technician (Navy E21A)Space Operations, Bomber (Air Force 13S4R)Missile And Space Systems Maintenance Helper (Air Force 2M012)Tactical Aircraft Maintenance (5th Generation) Journeyman, F-35 (Air Force 2A357B)Aircraft Electrical Systems Technician, KC-130 (Marine Corps 6336)Space Operations (Air Force 13S1)Systems Test TechnicianElectronic Inspection and Survey Officer (Navy 5960)Avionics Test Station, Components, And Electronic Warfare Systems Apprentice, B-1/E-8/F-15 Avionics Systems (Air Force 2A031M)Space Operations, Tanker (Air Force 13S3S)Airborne Mission Systems Specialist Journeyman, MC-130P (Air Force 1A351T)Helicopter/Tiltrotor Dynamic Components Mechanic (Marine Corps 6132)Missile And Space Systems Electronic Maintenance Apprentice (Air Force 2M031)PATRIOT Launching Station Enhanced Operator/Maintainer (Army 14T)Aerospace Maintenance Helper, C-18/C-135/E-3/VC-25/VC-137 (Air Force 2A511G)Aviation Tactical Readiness Officer (Navy 8950)Missile And Space Systems Electronic Maintenance Journeyman, ALCM (Air Force 2M051B)Airborne Mission Systems Specialist Craftsman, EC-130J (Air Force 1A371H)Fixed-Wing Aircraft Power Plants Mechanic, F-404 (Marine Corps 6227)Avionics Test Station, Components, And Electronic Warfare Systems Apprentice, Avionics Sensor Systems and ElectronicWarfare Systems (Air Force 2A031P)Avionics Test Station, Components, And Electronic Warfare Systems Helper, Avionics Sensor Systems and ElectronicWarfare Systems (Air Force 2A011P)Precision Measurement Equipment Laboratory Journeyman (Air Force 2P051)Airborne Mission Systems Specialist Apprentice, E-3 (Air Force 1A331I)