Also called: Aerospace Technologist, Test Technician
Builds test setups, installs sensors, and runs experiments that engineers design.
You wire strain gauges onto a wing panel, calibrate a data system, and then help run a test that bends the panel until it breaks. You know the hardware better than almost anyone.
Associate's degree (2-year), about 2 years after high school. Associate degree in engineering technology or military technical training.
Ways in: 2-year college, Military, On-the-job training. Training cost: Under $15k.
Majors to look at: Aerospace Engineering Technology, Electronics Technology, Mechanical Engineering Technology.
Growing much faster than average (about 8% over 10 years).
Low risk for 10 years. AI helps plan tests, but installing sensors and running hardware tests stays hands-on.
Classes: Physics, Electronics CTE, Shop class, Algebra II.
Official data: O*NET occupation 17-3021.
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