How to Be Aerospace Engineer Technician - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Jan 1, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The demand for Aerospace Engineer Technicians has increased significantly in recent years due to the ever growing aerospace industry. As a result, organizations have been forced to hire more technicians in order to keep up with the industry demands. This has resulted in an increased need for highly skilled technicians who possess knowledge and expertise in the field of aerospace engineering.

These technicians are responsible for performing a variety of tasks such as conducting tests and inspections on aircraft, overseeing the maintenance of aircraft, and helping to ensure that the aircraft meets all safety regulations. Technicians also work to ensure that the aircraft is properly serviced and maintained, and that it meets all regulatory requirements. In addition, they often help to develop new technologies and processes that improve the efficiency and safety of the aircraft.

As a result of their critical role in the aerospace industry, Aerospace Engineer Technicians are highly sought after and can expect to find a wide range of job opportunities with competitive salaries.

Steps How to Become

Earn a High School Diploma or GED. Most employers require aerospace engineer technicians to hold at least a high school diploma or equivalent. Therefore, students should focus on taking mathematics and science courses in order to prepare for this career.
Complete an Associates Degree Program. Aerospace engineer technicians typically hold an associates degree in engineering technology, although some employers may prefer applicants who have a bachelors degree. Associates degree programs in engineering technology provide students with the basic knowledge of principles of engineering, physics, and mathematics. Additionally, these programs also teach students how to use computer-aided design software, as well as how to design and construct aircraft components.
Obtain Certification. Although certification is not required to become an aerospace engineer technician, some employers may prefer candidates who hold a certification in a specific specialty. Certifications are available from the National Institute for Aerospace Technology Education and Training (NIATET).
Get On-the-Job Training. Most aerospace engineer technicians obtain on-the-job training from experienced technicians or engineers. During this training period, technicians learn about the specific processes and procedures used in their workplace.
Advancement Opportunities. Aerospace engineer technicians can advance their careers by obtaining a bachelors degree in engineering technology or a related field. Additionally, technicians can also pursue certification in a specific specialty and gain experience in the field in order to become supervisors or engineers.

In order for aerospace engineer technicians to remain up-to-date and capable, they must stay abreast of new developments in their field. This means regularly reading technical articles and research papers, attending conferences, and participating in continuing education courses. All of these activities are necessary to stay current on the latest advances in aircraft design and engineering, as well as to gain the necessary skills and knowledge required to remain competitive.

those who commit to a lifelong learning process will be better prepared to adapt to the ever-changing nature of the industry, as well as to take advantage of new opportunities that arise. As such, aerospace engineer technicians must continuously strive to improve their skillset and knowledge base in order to remain successful and capable in their chosen profession.

You may want to check Aerospace Program Manager, Aerospace Program Administrator, and Aerospace Product Manager for alternative.

Job Description

Design, develop and test aerospace components, systems and equipment.
Monitor and maintain aerospace systems, components and equipment in accordance with established procedures.
Assist in the assembly and installation of aerospace components, systems, and equipment.
Troubleshoot and repair system malfunctions and defects.
Perform tests and inspections to ensure components, systems and equipment are functioning properly.
Analyze, interpret and report test results.
Prepare technical reports, documentation, and other related materials.
Liaise with suppliers for the procurement of materials, components and equipment.
Manage the maintenance, repair and installation of components, systems and equipment.
Keep up-to-date with the latest trends and technologies in the aerospace industry.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of aeronautical engineering principles and practices
Familiarity with aircraft systems, components, and characteristics
Ability to read and interpret blueprints, diagrams, and technical documents
Proficiency in aircraft assembly, installation, troubleshooting, and maintenance procedures
Excellent problem-solving, troubleshooting, and critical thinking skills
Strong organizational and time management abilities
Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
Proficiency in computer-aided design (CAD) and other software tools
Ability to adhere to strict safety protocols
Knowledge of FAA regulations and standards

Aerospace engineering technicians must possess a variety of skills in order to be successful. One of the most important skills is the ability to analyze complex technical data and draw accurate conclusions. This requires a deep understanding of the principles of aerodynamic design, thermodynamics, and other areas of aerospace engineering.

The technician must also be able to read engineering drawings and schematics, interpret test results, and use specialized computer software to analyze problems. the technician must have excellent problem-solving skills and be able to work independently with minimal supervision. Having good communication and interpersonal skills are also essential for an aerospace engineering technician, as they will be interacting regularly with other technicians, engineers, and customers.

With all of these skills, aerospace engineering technicians can help to create safe and reliable aircraft for the world.

Aerospace Mechanical Engineer, Aerospace Process Technician, and Aerospace Test Pilot are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in Aerospace Engineering?
How have you applied your knowledge of Aerospace Engineering to solve complex problems?
What challenges have you faced while working with Aerospace Engineering?
What safety protocols do you follow when working with Aerospace Engineering?
Describe a difficult Aerospace Engineering project you completed and how you achieved success.
What tools and technologies are necessary for successful Aerospace Engineering?
How do you stay current with the latest advancements in Aerospace Engineering?
What strategies do you use to stay organized when working on Aerospace Engineering projects?
What methods do you use to troubleshoot issues related to Aerospace Engineering?
How would you handle a situation where an Aerospace Engineering project exceeds expectations in terms of complexity and cost?

Common Tools in Industry

Soldering Iron. Used to join two pieces of metal together by melting a filler metal (example: soldering wires to a circuit board).
Torque Wrench. Used to apply a specific amount of torque to a fastener (example: tightening a nut on a bolt).
Calipers. Used to measure the internal and external dimensions of an object (example: measuring the diameter of a shaft).
Oscilloscope. Used to view electrical signals over time (example: monitoring the voltage of a power supply).
Micrometer. Used to measure small distances (example: measuring the thickness of a sheet metal part).
CAD Software. Computer-aided design software used to create 2D and 3D drawings (example: designing an aircraft wing).
Stress Analysis Software. Computer software used for structural analysis to determine the strength of a material under various loads (example: analyzing the stress on an aircraft fuselage).
CNC Machine. Computer numerical control machine used to create parts from materials such as metal, plastic, and wood (example: machining an aircraft engine part).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
National Aeronautical Association (NAA)
Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS)
International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences (ICAS)
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
International Astronautical Federation (IAF)
International Federation of Air Traffic Controllers Associations (IFATCA)
International Air Transport Association (IATA)
National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA)
Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)

We also have Aerospace Technician, Aerospace Production Supervisor, and Aerospace Quality Inspector jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Aerodynamics. The study of forces and the resulting motion of objects as they move through a fluid, typically air.
Aerospace Engineering. The field of engineering that deals with the design, development, testing, and production of aircraft and spacecraft.
Avionics. The technology and systems used in aircraft and spacecraft, such as navigation, communication, and instrumentation.
Propulsion. The application of force to move an object through a fluid or gas, such as the engines used on aircraft and spacecraft.
Structural Analysis. The study of the behavior of structures when subjected to forces or loads.
Fluid Dynamics. The study of the behavior of fluids when subjected to forces or loads.
Flight Testing. The practice of testing aircraft for performance, safety, reliability, and other characteristics prior to use.
Manufacturing. The process of producing goods from raw materials or components.
Quality Control. The practice of ensuring that products or services meet a set of predetermined standards.
System Integration. The process of combining multiple components into a single functioning system.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the typical educational requirement for an Aerospace Engineer Technician?

Most Aerospace Engineer Technicians need an Associate's degree in Aerospace Engineering Technology or a related field.

What type of environment does an Aerospace Engineer Technician typically work in?

Aerospace Engineer Technicians usually work in laboratories or offices, as well as occasionally visiting manufacturing plants or test sites.

What are some of the duties of an Aerospace Engineer Technician?

Duties of an Aerospace Engineer Technician include testing, monitoring and troubleshooting aerospace systems; designing and fabricating components; and performing inspections, maintenance and repairs.

What skills are needed to be an effective Aerospace Engineer Technician?

To be effective, Aerospace Engineer Technicians should have strong technical, analytical and problem-solving skills, as well as excellent communication and interpersonal skills.