What does an aerospace technician do?

What is an Aerospace Technician?

Who tests a part from an aircraft after a crash to find out why it failed? Who helps build an engine for a fighter jet? Who prototypes a communications satellite that will allow calls from anywhere on Earth? Who tests solid rocket boosters to help determine which one will perform the best at liftoff? The answer to all of these questions is: an aerospace technician.

Aerospace technicians build, install, test, and maintain what aerospace engineers design. They help engineers prepare technical drawings, diagrams, blueprints, and scale models of missiles, rockets, airplanes, and helicopters. They make calculations and computations and run computer simulations involving aerodynamics and structural design. They assemble and install components, equipment, and systems. They calibrate instruments. They evaluate flight tests. They program and run computer simulations that test new designs.

In short, the aerospace technician is a vital player in the aerospace industry, whose work is critical in preventing the failure of key parts of new aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles.

What does an Aerospace Technician do?

The tasks carried out by aerospace technicians can vary drastically depending upon their place of employment. A technician working for a commercial airline, for instance, will spend considerable time testing parts or gathering flight data. An aerospace tech employed by NASA, the National Aeronautics and Space Administration, on the other hand, will be involved in preparing a space shuttle for its next voyage or installing electronic systems to aid in flight control, communications, or navigation. The scope of the aerospace technology sector, as evidenced by these examples, brings us to the two aerospace specializations:

• Aerospace technicians who specialize in aeronautics assist aerospace engineers with the creation and testing of products and components used in airplanes, helicopters, and other types of aircraft.
• Aerospace technicians who specialize in astronautics assist aerospace engineers with the creation of products and components used in space travel and exploration, such as rockets, spacecraft and satellites.

Regardless of the focus of their role, the responsibilities of an aerospace technician generally involve:

• Overseeing manufacturing
• Researching and helping develop new technologies
• Testing systems
• Collaborating with project teams

The core day-to-day tasks of an aerospace technician typically include:

• Testing performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment
• Estimating technical or resource requirements for development or production projects
• Inspecting equipment or systems
• Conferring with engineering personnel regarding details and implications of tests procedures and results
• Inspecting, diagnosing, maintaining, and operating test setups and equipment to detect malfunctions
• Working with technical personnel to prepare designs or operational plans
• Documenting design or operational test results
• Interpreting design or operational test results
• Operating computer systems / performing computer simulations
• Calibrating scientific or technical equipment
• Installing production equipment, instruments, or systems
• Fabricating devices or components
• Assembling equipment or components
• Documenting technical design details
• Designing electrical equipment or systems
• Maintaining mechanical equipment

What is the workplace of an Aerospace Technician like?

Aerospace technicians usually work in manufacturing plants, laboratories and test facilities, and offices. They generally work a standard forty hours per week. Depending on the employer or project, however, they may work in shifts or be required to put in overtime during high production periods or to meet deadlines.

The largest employers of these technicians are:

• Aerospace product and parts manufacturers
• Engineering companies
• Scientific research and development firms
• Computer and electronic product manufacturers
• Government agencies

Aerospace technicians who work in manufacturing or industrial plants are frequently involved in assembly, using hand tools and power tools. Those employed in the research sector typically work in small teams and frequently use test instruments. Some roles may require traveling to test sites or other locations to troubleshoot systems. In general, the aerospace tech job entails collaborating with scientists, engineers – particularly aerospace engineers – and other technicians.

The aerospace industry places particularly strong emphasis on quality and safety, making the field a very safe workplace.