Also called: Laser Tracker Operator, CMM Programmer
Measures giant aircraft structures and tiny parts with lasers and robot probes, sometimes to a fraction of a hair.
You set up a laser tracker in a hangar and measure hundreds of points on a fuselage section to check it's aligned within a few thousandths of an inch.
Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.
Associate's degree (2-year), about 2 years after high school. Associate in engineering or quality technology; on-the-job training.
Ways in: 2-year college, On-the-job training, Military. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Quality Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology.
Growing about average (about 2% over 10 years).
Medium risk for 10 years. Automated laser scanners and robots measure more parts on their own; setup and odd jobs still need techs.
Classes: Geometry, Physics, Shop class, Computer science.
Official data: O*NET occupation 17-3029.
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