About This Career

Operates, installs, adjusts, and maintains integrated computer/communications systems, consoles, simulators, and other data acquisition, test, and measurement instruments and equipment, which are used to launch, track, position, and evaluate air and space vehicles. May record and interpret test data.

This career is part of the Manufacturing cluster Manufacturing Production Process Development pathway.

A person in this career:

• Tests aircraft systems under simulated operational conditions, performing systems readiness tests and pre- and post-operational checkouts, to establish design or fabrication parameters.
• Identifies required data, data acquisition plans, and test parameters, setting up equipment to conform to these specifications.
• Inspects, diagnoses, maintains, and operates test setups and equipment to detect malfunctions.
• Confers with engineering personnel regarding details and implications of test procedures and results.
• Records and interprets test data on parts, assemblies, and mechanisms.
• Operates and calibrates computer systems and devices to comply with test requirements and to perform data acquisition and analysis.
• Adjusts, repairs, or replaces faulty components of test setups and equipment.
• Fabricates and installs parts and systems to be tested in test equipment, using hand tools, power tools, and test instruments.
• Finishes vehicle instrumentation and deinstrumentation.
• Constructs and maintains test facilities for aircraft parts and systems, according to specifications.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

People who do this job report that:

• You would often handle loads up to 20 lbs., sometimes up to 50 lbs. You might do a lot of lifting, carrying, pushing or pulling.
• Work in this occupation involves use of protective items such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, a hard hat, or personal flotation devices
• Work in this occupation involves using your hands to hold, control, and feel objects more than one-third of the time
• Exposed to conditions such as high voltage electricity, combustibles, explosives, and chemicals more than once a month
• Work in this occupation requires being inside most of the time
• Sound and noise levels are loud and distracting

Working in this career involves (physical activities):

• Seeing clearly up close
• Speaking clearly enough to be able to be understood by others
• Identifying and understanding the speech of another person

Work Hours and Travel

• Regular working hours and limited travel