Aerospace engineering technician

Aerospace engineering technicians build, test and maintain commercial and military aircraft, and satellites.

In this guide

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.

Most relevant

  • Physics - Aerospace engineering technicians need a strong understanding of forces, motion, aerodynamics, and how materials behave under stress. This knowledge is essential when building and fitting components like wings, engines, and landing gear, and when diagnosing faults in aircraft systems.
  • Mathematics - Aerospace engineering technicians use maths constantly – from calculating measurements and tolerances when assembling parts, to interpreting technical drawings and analysing test data. Precision is critical in aerospace, so strong numerical skills are essential for every aspect of the job.
  • Engineering - Aerospace engineering technicians work at the heart of engineering, building, maintaining, and troubleshooting complex aircraft and satellite systems. Understanding engineering principles, manufacturing processes, and how mechanical and electrical systems work together is central to the role.
  • Design and Technology - Aerospace engineering technicians read technical drawings, use CAD software to create 3D models of parts, and work hands-on with tools and materials to build and fit components. Understanding the design-to-manufacture process is a key part of their daily work.
  • Electronics - Aerospace engineering technicians install and test navigation, communication, and flight control systems, all of which rely on electronic circuits and components. Understanding how electronic systems work is essential for diagnosing faults and maintaining avionics equipment.

Also relevant

  • Computer Science - Aerospace engineering technicians use CAD software to create 3D models and may work with programmable control systems and diagnostic tools. Understanding how software and digital systems function helps when configuring and troubleshooting increasingly computerised aircraft systems.
  • Chemistry - Aerospace engineering technicians work with specialist materials like composites, alloys, and coatings that need to withstand extreme conditions. Understanding the properties of these materials and how they react to heat, corrosion, and stress helps when selecting and maintaining aircraft components.

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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