job description: aerospace engineering technician

flying to the very edge of the Earth's atmosphere even to outer space itself is the field of aerospace engineering.

Aerospace engineering and operations technicians help design and develop systems and vehicles for commercial aviation, national defense and space exploration.

They assist engineers and scientists, doing many of the hands-on tasks involved in aerospace production and quality control.

For example technicians assemble and maintain systems that launch, guide and land aircraft and space vehicles.

Technicians often assemble prototypes, in addition, they may develop testing techniques to ensure that the prototypes function properly and meet quality standards.

Precision tools, computers and other highly sophisticated instruments are used. Most work is done indoors in labs, offices or manufacturing sites.

Occasionally, the job requires technicians to work outdoors.

Most employers prefer to hire people with at least a two-year associate degree in engineering technology.

Programs are available at colleges, vocational schools, and through the armed forces.

Additional training comes on the job.

Most technicians work as part of a team, so good communication skills are important as is the ability to handle deadline pressure.

This is a job that demands attention to detail as well as the ability to understand technical manuals and blueprints.

Lives depend upon meticulous and methodical work.

It's been more than a century since man learned to fly, yet it's still awe-inspiring to watch a spacecraft take to the skies.

As an aerospace engineering and operation technician, you could be an important part of the ground crew that ensures its safe and successful journey.