Aerospace engineering technician
Aerospace engineering technicians build, test and maintain commercial and military aircraft, and satellites.
What you'll do
Day-to-day tasks
As an aerospace engineering technician, you could:
- inspect, service and maintain aircraft electrical, mechanical and electronic systems
- build and fit wings, engines and landing gear
- install and test navigation, communication and flight controls
- investigate faults and work with engineers to fix them
- assemble and install satellite instruments
- create 3D models of parts for manufacture, using computer-aided design (CAD) software
- complete safety documentation and maintenance logbooks
Working environment
You could work in an aircraft hangar, on an aircraft, in a factory, in an office or in a laboratory.
Your working environment may be cramped.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could:
- become a workshop supervisor or senior technician
- take further training to qualify as an aerospace engineer
- specialise in a particular area, like aircraft design, quality control or production management
What it takes
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- maths skills
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- the ability to work well with your hands
- the ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
- the ability to work well with others
- the ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
- the ability to analyse quality or performance
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
Restrictions and Requirements
You may need to apply for a UK Part 66 Aircraft Maintenance Licence (AML) for certain jobs, depending on your responsibilities.
How to become
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- the armed forces
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in engineering to get into this career.
Relevant subjects include:
- aeronautical engineering
- aerospace engineering
- mechanical engineering
- electrical or electronics engineering
- avionics
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and a science for a degree
More Information
You could do A levels or an engineering course that would give you some of the skills and knowledge needed to apply for a trainee technician job with an aerospace company.
Courses include:
- maths, physics and design and technology
- mechanical and electrical engineering
- aerospace and aviation engineering
- aircraft maintenance
- T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
More Information
You could apply to do an apprenticeship to train as a technician. Examples include:
- Aircraft Maintenance Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Engineering Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Mechatronics Maintenance Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship
- Engineering Manufacturing Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
- Space Engineering Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
These apprenticeships usually take between 3 and 4 years to complete and are a mix of on-the-job training and off-site study.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
More Information
You could train and gain qualification as an aircraft technician in the armed forces.
You can find out more through the:
Further information
You can get more information about working and training in aerospace engineering from Careers in Aerospace and Neon.
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