Aeronautical and Aerospace Technicians

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 technician's job is through their college or university's 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.