Aerospace Jobs Key Terms

Understand a few of the career possibilities available within the aviation industry

By Michelle Cramer

If you love to fly or have an interest in working for airlines or NASA, then the aerospace industry may be the career path for you. While there are several career paths that may be obvious, such as that of a pilot, you may not know what the duties or education requirements those careers involve. Explore a few of the choices available to you through this article.

Avionics technician

Avionics technicians (also known as aircraft mechanics, airframe mechanics and power plant mechanics) inspect, maintain and repair aircraft in order to meet standards set by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). They have experience with different parts of the plane, such as the engine, landing gear or instruments.
Try: The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics provides details about the tasks, training and outlook for a career as an avionics technician.

Pilot

Pilots, as you may know, fly aircraft. However, there are several aspects to this career choice, such as airline captains, first (co-pilot) or second officer, flight instructor, corporate pilot, patrol or ferry pilot, agricultural pilot, test pilot or helicopter pilot.
Try: The Federal Aviation Administration provides information on the first steps to becoming a pilot.

Aerospace engineer

Aerospace engineers are responsible for the design, development and testing of missiles, spacecraft and aircraft. They also develop new technologies for use on aircraft, such as improved navigation and defense systems. Typically, an aerospace engineer specializes in one type of aircraft.
Try: Visit AVjobs for more information on the aerospace engineer position.

Configuration management engineer

A configuration management engineer implements programs and documents physical and functional characteristics of particular projects. The idea is to keep changes under control, evaluate how well the project works, make improvements as necessary and produce reviews of the same.
Try: Discover more details on various tasks for configuration management from The FAA Acquisition System Toolset website.

Meteorologist

A meteorologist studies the weather. This is crucial to the aerospace industry, because pilots must be aware of weather conditions to protect passengers and cargo and to work to help flights depart and arrive on time. Meteorologists that work in aerospace fields watch weather conditions in relation to flight patterns.
Try: Access Career Planner for more general information on a career in meteorology.

Linguist

Much of the aviation industry, especially in regard to international flights, deals with foreign countries. Sometimes this requires the translation of recorded messages, conference calls, meetings and written correspondence. That is where linguists or translators come in. They translate this correspondence and communication into English or other languages for the company they work for.
Try: State University has more information on a linguist's duties. For a list of other jobs within the aerospace or aviation industry, visit AVjobs Career Overviews.