Aerospace engineering technician

Aerospace engineering technicians design, build and test all types of aircraft, its parts and systems. They also repair and service aircraft between flights.

Also known as:

Aeronautical engineering technician
Aircraft engineering technician
Aircraft maintenance engineer
Aircraft mechanic

Work Activities

Some aerospace engineering technicians are involved with the research and design of new aircraft, or the improvement of existing aircraft. They try to find new ways of solving engineering problems faced by the aviation industry. They turn their ideas into plans, using computer aided design (CAD) and computer aided manufacture (CAM) software. They build and put together the parts that make up the aircraft and its systems. They produce prototypes which can be tested and adapted, if necessary. Aerospace engineering technicians usually specialise in avionics or mechanical engineering.

In avionics work, aerospace engineering technicians maintain the aircraft’s electrical, instrumental, automatic pilot, compass, radar and radio systems. In mechanical work, they inspect, service and overhaul the aircraft’s engine, structure and outside covering. This work includes hydraulic and pneumatic systems, landing gear and doors. They use special equipment to detect the wear and tear of parts and X-ray machines to search for cracks not visible to the human eye. Aerospace engineering technicians might specialise in different types of aircraft, such as small aircraft, helicopters or large passenger jets.

Some aerospace engineering technicians carry out maintenance checks on aircraft between flights. This is known as line maintenance. It also involves refuelling the aircraft and minor tasks, and usually takes place out on an airfield. Once an aircraft has completed a specified number of flying hours, it is due for base maintenance. This involves more in-depth tests, fault diagnosis and repairs, and takes place in an aircraft hangar.

Personal Qualities and Skills

As an aerospace engineering technician, you need:

A high level of technical knowledge, and the ability to read and understand technical information.
Good concentration skills.
To pay attention to detail.
A strong sense of responsibility.
Good communication skills to explain faults to others.
The ability to work quickly and accurately.
Physical fitness.
A logical and methodical approach to solving problems.
Manual dexterity.
Good teamworking skills.
A willingness to keep your knowledge and skills up to date.
An awareness of changes in technology and safety regulations.
To enjoy working both indoors and outdoors, as well as in all types of weather conditions.
It’s likely that your colour vision will be tested.

The main skills gaps for the industry are:

Materials requirement planning.
Computer aided engineering (CAE).
Assembly line/production robotics.
CNC machine operation.
Electronics DELETE.

Pay and Opportunities

Salaries for aerospace engineering technicians vary depending on the company, role and level of responsibility. Aerospace engineering technicians earn in the range of £24,500 a year, rising to £43,000.

Most aerospace engineering technicians work around 40-42 hours a week, Monday to Friday. You may need to start early, finish late or do some weekend work on a rota system.

Employers throughout the UK include manufacturing companies, commercial airlines, air-taxi operators and flying schools. Openings also exist with the armed forces, the Ministry of Defence (Defence Equipment and Support) and with commercial airlines on long haul flights. Opportunities for aerospace engineering technicians occur in airports in towns and cities throughout the UK.

Self-employment opportunities occur for aerospace engineering technicians to work as self-employed sub-contractors.

Where are vacancies advertised?

Vacancies are advertised in local/national newspapers, trade industry publications, and on the Government’s Find a Job service. Vacancies can also be found through specialist engineering recruitment agencies, internet job boards and the websites of professional engineering bodies.

Entry Routes and Training

You could enter this career path through a level 3 (advanced) apprenticeship in the role of:

Engineering technician, or
Engineering manufacturing technician.

Whether or not you do an apprenticeship, you may also be able to enter employment as a trainee, receiving day- or block-release to go to college part-time.

Another entry route is to take a full-time college course, leading to a relevant qualification, before looking for employment. Courses include:

Level 2 or 3 diploma in aerospace and aviation engineering.
Level 3 diploma in aircraft maintenance.

You may be able to work towards a relevant work-based qualification. Professional registration – known as EngTech – is available for those who have joined a professional engineering institution licensed by the Engineering Council. If you are responsible for aircraft maintenance, you will need to hold a relevant licence issued by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), under European Aviation Safety Agency regulations.

With further education and training, aerospace engineering technicians can go on to register at Incorporated Engineer (IEng) and Chartered Engineer (CEng) level.

Qualifications

To get onto an advanced apprenticeship in this industry, you will need GCSEs in English and maths, although you may be able to complete these alongside your programme.

Adult Opportunities

Age limits: It is illegal for any organisation to set age limits for entry to employment, education or training, unless they can show there is a real need to have these limits.

Relevant skills gained as a fitter or craftsperson are an advantage.

Numerous institutions offer undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications, in aerospace/aeronautical-related subjects, by part-time study. People who lack the usual academic qualifications may be able to achieve registration as an Engineering Technician (EngTech), through their professional body, via the Technical Report Route.

Related careers

Aeronautical engineer
Airline pilot
Armed forces pilot
Engineer
Mechanical engineering technician
Production engineering technician
RAF officer