Employers

Approximately 10,640 aerospace engineering and operations technicians, 21,280 avionics technicians, and 137,630 aircraft mechanics and service technicians are employed in the United States. Government agencies, commercial airlines, educational institutions, and aerospace manufacturing companies principally employ aeronautical and aerospace technicians and technologists. Most technicians employed by manufacturing companies engage in research, development, and design; the remainder work in production, sales, engineering, installation and maintenance, and other related fields. Those employed by government and educational institutions are normally assigned to do research and specific problem-solving tasks. Airlines employ technicians to supervise maintenance operations and the development of procedures for new equipment.

Starting Out

The best way for students to obtain an aeronautical or aerospace technicians job is through their college or universitys career services office. Many manufacturers maintain recruiting relationships with schools in their area. Jobs may also be obtained through state employment offices, newspaper advertisements, applications for government employment, job listings at employer Web sites, and industry work-study programs offered by many aircraft companies.

Aeronautical and aerospace technicians continue to learn on the job. As they gain experience in the specialized areas, employers turn to them as experts who can solve problems, create new techniques, devise new designs, or develop practice from theory.

Most advancement involves taking on additional responsibilities. For example, with experience, a technician may take on supervisory responsibilities, overseeing several trainees, assistant technicians, or others. Such a technician may also be assigned independent responsibility, especially on tasks usually assigned to an engineer. Technicians with a good working knowledge of the companys equipment and good personalities may become company sales or technical representatives. Technicians seeking further advancement are advised to continue their education. A technician may become an aeronautical or aerospace engineer with additional formal education or attain a supervisory position.

Read publications such as Aerospace America (https://aerospaceamerica.aiaa.org/) to learn more about the industry.

Visit the following Web sites for job listings:

• https://www.aia-aerospace.org/careers/
• https://www.avjobs.com/careers/
• https://careercenter.aiaa.org

Join professional associations such as the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics to access career, training, and networking resources, industry publications, and employment opportunities.

Join unions to increase your chances of landing a job and receiving fair pay for your work.

Participate in internships or part-time jobs arranged by your college’s career services office.