Employment Spot

Aerospace Jobs - Engineering and Aviation

According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics, the aerospace industry “comprises companies producing aircraft, guided missiles, space vehicles, aircraft engines, propulsion units and related parts. Aircraft overhaul, rebuilding and conversion also are included.” 

There are many different types of aerospace jobs for people who find that industry interesting.  Many college students have heard that careers in the aerospace industry offer many rewards.  The number of aerospace jobs is expected to grow at a rate of almost 10 percent through 2014. 

To find which aerospace job may be right for you depending on your education, interests and particular skills, read on for some of the different opportunities within the aerospace industry.

• Aerospace Engineer Jobs – These professionals do much of the research, design and testing that goes into the production of aerospace products.  Many aerospace engineers specialize in one aspect of the development of products.  For example, aerospace structural design engineers may focus their attention and expertise on the external bodies of airplanes.  Other types of aerospace engineers include mechanical engineers.
• Aerospace Engineer Technician Jobs – Many aerospace engineers need support and assistance.  These aerospace technicians perform a wide variety of duties, including building prototypes of newly designed products, setting up and running tests and finishing many of the more technical engineering tasks. 
• Aerospace Computer Scientist Jobs – The aerospace industry was one of the first to embrace and incorporate computer technology.  There are a wide variety of computer science jobs available in the aerospace industry.  For example, jobs include computer systems analysts, database administrators, computer software engineers, computer programmers and computer support specialists.  Since many aerospace companies have developed extensive networks to help build aerospace products, there is also a need for skilled network and computer systems administrators.
• Aerospace Manager, Buyer, Purchasing Agent, Cost Estimator, Accountant and Auditor Jobs – Like any other industry, the aerospace industry employs managers, business people and financial experts to help streamline and drive operations.  The best way to access these employment opportunities is with a technical or engineering background.  Industry specific positions are common.
• Aerospace Production Jobs – Unlike other positions within the industry, many of the aerospace production jobs, such as installers, maintenance workers and repairers are not specific to the aerospace industry, though additional training in aerospace technology is an asset.  Some production jobs are open to people with only a high school degree.  If possible, vocational and skilled labor training should be pursued to maximize employment opportunities.
• Aerospace Assembler Jobs – Aerospace products such as aircrafts require workers who can assemble the structure, surfaces, rigging and internal systems.  These workers often specialize in one area of the assembly of a product.  These workers are skilled and trained in interpreting engineering specifications and instructions.
• Aerospace Machinist Jobs – Aerospace machinists create the components of an aerospace product that are too small to be produced en masse.  They must follow the instructions or blueprints created by aerospace engineers.  Machinist jobs include tool and die makers.  These workers are highly skilled and have extensive knowledge of electronic blueprints and computer-run machines.
• Aerospace Inspector Jobs – Every aerospace product must have many quality-control inspections and tests before it is used.  The production cycle incorporates these tests into the process.  Positions include product testers, sorters, samplers and weighers.
   
• Aerospace Administrative Support Jobs – These non-industry specific positions are numerous and are essential to keep the entire aerospace industry running smoothly.  Administrative support jobs include office support, service positions and sales jobs.  Duties of people in these support positions include ordering, record keeping and general paperwork associated with running a business.  Service positions include security, cleaning and maintenance jobs.

These are only some of the aerospace jobs that are possible for people who hope to work in the aerospace industry. To find aerospace jobs that fit your skill set and training background, consult the Bureau of Labor Statistics’ Occupation Outlook Handbook for more information.

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