Become An Engineering Operations Technician

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Working As An Engineering Operations Technician

Interacting With Computers
Getting Information
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates

Mostly Sitting
Repetitive
$90,050
Average Salary

What Does An Engineering Operations Technician Do

Aerospace engineering and operations technicians operate and maintain equipment used in testing new aircraft and spacecraft. Increasingly, these workers are being required to program and run computer simulations that test new designs. Their work is critical in preventing the failure of key parts of new aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles. They also help in the quality assurance, testing, and operation of advanced technology equipment used in producing aircraft and the systems that go into the aircraft.

Duties

Aerospace engineering and operations technicians typically do the following:

Meet with aerospace engineers to discuss details and implications of test procedures
Build and maintain test facilities for aircraft systems
Make and install parts and systems to be tested in test equipment
Operate and calibrate computer systems so that they comply with test requirements
Ensure that test procedures are performed smoothly and safely
Record data from test parts and assemblies
Install instruments in aircraft and spacecraft
Monitor and ensure quality in producing systems that go into the aircraft

New aircraft designs undergo years of testing before they are put into service, because the failure of key parts during flight can be fatal. As part of the job, technicians often calibrate test equipment, such as wind tunnels, and determine the causes of equipment malfunctions. They also may program and run computer simulations that test the new designs.

Some aerospace engineering and operations technicians are beginning to specialize in three-dimensional printing, or additive manufacturing, as this technology becomes more common in the work they do.

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How To Become An Engineering Operations Technician

Many employers prefer to hire aerospace engineering and operations technicians who have earned an associate’s degree in engineering technology. Prospective technicians also may earn certificates or diplomas offered by vocational or technical schools. Some aerospace engineering and operations technicians must have security clearances to work on projects related to national defense. U.S. citizenship may be required for certain types and levels of clearances.

Education

High school students interested in becoming aerospace engineering and operations technicians should take classes in math, science, and, if available, drafting and computer skills. Courses that help students develop skills working with their hands also are valuable, because these technicians build what aerospace engineers design. In addition, technicians should have a basic understanding of computers and programs in order to model or simulate products.

Aerospace engineering and operations technicians typically need to earn an associate’s degree or a graduate certificate from a community college or vocational–technical school. Community colleges offer programs similar to those in technical institutes but include more theory-based and liberal arts coursework and programs. Community colleges typically award an associate’s degree. Vocational–technical schools include postsecondary public institutions that emphasize training needed by local employers. Students who complete these programs typically receive a diploma or certificate.

The Engineering Technology Accreditation Commission of ABET accredits programs that include at least college algebra, trigonometry, and basic science courses.

Many vocational and community colleges offer cooperative programs with work experience built into the curriculum.

Important Qualities

Communication skills. Aerospace engineering and operations technicians receive instructions from aerospace engineers. Therefore, they must be able to understand and follow those instructions, as well as communicate any problems to their supervisors.

Critical-thinking skills. Aerospace engineering and operations technicians must be able to help aerospace engineers troubleshoot particular design issues. They must be able to help evaluate system capabilities, identify problems, formulate the right question, and then find the right answer.

Detail oriented. Aerospace engineering and operations technicians make and keep precise measurements needed by aerospace engineers. Consequently, they must make correct measurements and keep accurate records.

Interpersonal skills. Aerospace engineering and operations technicians must be able to take instructions and offer advice. The ability to work well with supervising engineers, other technicians, and mechanics is essential because technicians interact with people from other divisions, businesses, and governments.

Math skills. Aerospace engineering and operations technicians use the principles of mathematics for analysis, design, and troubleshooting tasks in their work.

Mechanical skills. Aerospace engineering and operations technicians must be able to assist aerospace engineers by building what the engineers design. Mechanical skills are needed to help with the processes and directions required to move from design to production.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations

Although not required for the job, certification is offered by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Certification may be beneficial because it shows employers that a technician can carry out the theoretical designs of aerospace engineers.

Both companies and the FAA seek to ensure the highest standards for the safety of the aircraft. SpaceTEC, the National Science Foundation’s Center for Aerospace Technical Education, coordinates a nationwide program through community and technical colleges to help students prepare for certification.

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Engineering Operations Technician jobs

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Engineering Operations Technician Typical Career Paths

Average Length of Employment

Engineering Specialist Technician 7.0 years
Senior Process Engineering Technician 6.2 years
Electronics Engineering Technician 4.8 years
Operations And Maintenance Technician 4.2 years
Engineering Technician 3.9 years
Field Operations Technician 3.8 years
Operations Technician 3.6 years
Operations Engineer 3.5 years
Lead Operations Engineer 3.5 years
Engineering Associate 3.1 years
Engineering Operations Technician 3.0 years
Contract Engineering Technician 2.2 years

Top Careers Before Engineering Operations Technician

Top Careers After Engineering Operations Technician

Engineering Operations Technician Demographics

Gender

Male
82.6%
Female
15.7%
Unknown
1.7%

Ethnicity

White
75.7%
Hispanic or Latino
11.5%
Asian
10.2%
Unknown
1.7%
Black or African American
0.8%

Languages Spoken

Spanish
36.4%
Chinese
9.1%
Romanian
9.1%
Cantonese
9.1%
French
9.1%
Carrier
9.1%
Mandarin
9.1%
Arabic
9.1%

Engineering Operations Technician

Unfortunately we don’t have enough data for this section.

Engineering Operations Technician Education

Schools

Michigan Technological University
8.1%
Community College of the Air Force
8.1%
University of Phoenix
8.1%
Northeastern University
8.1%
Purdue University
8.1%
University of Texas at Arlington
5.4%
Ohio State University
5.4%
Drexel University
5.4%
Rochester Institute of Technology
5.4%
Metropolitan Community College
5.4%
Northwestern University
5.4%
George Mason University
5.4%
University of Florida
2.7%
Texas A&M University
2.7%
City University of Seattle
2.7%
College of Lake County
2.7%
Eastern Michigan University
2.7%
West Kentucky Community and Technical College
2.7%
University of Memphis
2.7%
University of Arkansas, Fayetteville
2.7%

Majors

Business 22.9%
Mechanical Engineering 16.7%
Electrical Engineering 13.5%
Electrical Engineering Technology 7.3%
Chemical Engineering 5.2%
Journalism 3.1%
Biomedical Engineering 3.1%
Computer Science 3.1%
Audiovisual Communications Technologies 2.1%
Civil Engineering Technologies 2.1%
Photography 2.1%
Engineering And Industrial Management 2.1%
Project Management 2.1%
Civil Engineering 2.1%
Environmental Science 2.1%
Electrical And Power Transmission Installers 2.1%
General Studies 2.1%
Automotive Technology 2.1%
Communication 2.1%
Materials Science And Engineering 2.1%

Degrees

Bachelors
33.3%
Masters
24.4%
Other
24.4%
Associate
11.1%
Certificate
5.2%
Doctorate
1.5%

Engineering Operations Technician

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Real Engineering Operations Technician Salaries

Job Title	Company	Location	Start Date	Salary
Process Safety Eng/Operations Readiness Technical Safety ENG	Shell Global Solutions (Us) Inc.	Houston, TX	Jan 19, 2015	$147,200
Software Engineer, Operations & Technology	Mastercard International Incorporated	San Carlos, CA	Nov 11, 2015	$140,000
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians	SES Engineering (U.S.), Inc.	VA	Feb 21, 2012	$120,000
Senior Engineer-Operations Technology	Arcelormittal USA LLC	East Chicago, IN	May 10, 2015	$102,170
Tech Yahoo, Serivce Engineer OPS	Yahoo! Inc.	Sunnyvale, CA	Mar 23, 2015	$101,076 - $134,100
Senior Engineer-Operations Technology	Arcelormittal USA LLC	East Chicago, IN	Jan 12, 2015	$98,325
Senior Engineer-Operations Technology	Arcelormittal USA LLC	East Chicago, IN	Apr 21, 2014	$98,325
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians	Rolls-Royce North America Inc.	Fort Worth, TX	Jan 07, 2010	$85,905
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians	SES Engineering (U.S.), Inc.	VA	May 01, 2013	$85,000 - $120,000
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians	SGT, Inc.	Sioux Falls, SD	Apr 01, 2010	$78,000
Engineer-Operating Technology	Arcelormittal USA LLC	Burns Harbor, IN	Aug 03, 2015	$76,875
Engineer-Operating Technology	Arcelormittal USA LLC	Burns Harbor, IN	Dec 31, 2012	$75,421 - $129,153
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technician	Goodrich Aerostructures Division	Chula Vista, CA	Aug 03, 2011	$71,115
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians	Continental Airlines, Inc.	Houston, TX	Oct 15, 2010	$68,000 - $72,000
Project Engineer-Operating Technology	Arcelormittal USA LLC	East Chicago, IN	Dec 31, 2012	$60,870
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technician	Teledyne Technologies Incorporated	El Segundo, CA	Jan 14, 2010	$60,085
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technician	Teledyne Technologies Incorporated	El Segundo, CA	May 20, 2010	$60,085
Aerospace Engineering and Operation Technician	Medical Care Development International	Silver Spring, MD	Nov 15, 2010	$54,080
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians	Aeroframe Services, LLC	Lake Charles, LA	Dec 07, 2012	$53,186
Aerospace Engineer and Operations Technician	Moller International	Davis, CA	Jan 04, 2016	$48,001
Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technologist	Ar-Tech International, Inc.	Setauket-East Setauket, NY	Aug 20, 2015	$42,000
Aerospace Engineer and Operations Technician	Superior Air Parts, Inc.	Coppell, TX	Sep 30, 2013	$40,133

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Top Skills for An Engineering Operations Technician

Top Engineering Operations Technician Skills

Safety Procedures
Technical Support
Hardware

You can check out examples of real life uses of top skills on resumes here:

Complied with all applicable standards, policies and procedures, including safety procedures and the maintenance of a clean work area.
Provide technical support to Purchasing and Materials personnel.
Diagnosed, designed and implemented hardware, firmware and software changes.
Lead the NASA Wallops Flight Facility Mobile Range HVAC preventative maintenance program.
Experience using Remedy Action Request System application to generate and manage network trouble tickets, reports, and records.