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Aerospace engineering technician
Aircraft maintenance technician
Aerospace engineering technicians build, test and maintain commercial and military aircraft, and satellites.
Average salary (a year)
£26000.0
Starter
£45000.0
Experienced
Typical hours (a week)
40.0 to 42.0 hours
a week
Work Hours
evenings / weekends
on shifts
How to become
Explore the different ways to get into this role
You can get into this job through:a university course; a college course; an apprenticeship; the armed forces
University
You could do a foundation degree, higher national diploma or degree in engineering to get into this career.
Relevant subjects include
aeronautical engineering, aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, electrical or electronics engineering, avionics
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
  • 1 or 2 A levels, or equivalent, for a foundation degree or higher national diploma
  • 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and a science for a degree
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
student finance for fees and living costs|https://www.gov.uk/student-finance
university courses and entry requirements|https://www.ucas.com/
College
You could do A levels or an engineering course that would give you some of the skills and knowledge needed to apply for a trainee technician job with an aerospace company.
Courses include
maths, physics and design and technology, mechanical and electrical engineering, aerospace and aviation engineering, aircraft maintenance, T Level in Engineering, Manufacturing, Processing and Control
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English and maths for a T Level
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
funding advice|https://www.gov.uk/further-education-courses/financial-help
guide to T Levels|https://www.tlevels.gov.uk/
search for courses|/find-a-course
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do an apprenticeship to train as a technician. Examples include
Aircraft Maintenance Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, Engineering Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, Mechatronics Maintenance Technician Level 3 Advanced Apprenticeship, Engineering Manufacturing Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship, Space Engineering Technician Level 4 Higher Apprenticeship
These apprenticeships usually take between 3 and 4 years to complete and are a mix of on-the-job training and off-site study.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C), or equivalent, including English, maths and science
  • 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
More Information
equivalent entry requirements|https://www.gov.uk/what-different-qualification-levels-mean/list-of-qualification-levels
guide to apprenticeships|https://www.gov.uk/apprenticeships-guide
Other Routes
You could train and gain qualification as an aircraft technician in the armed forces.
You can find out more through the:Royal Air Force, Royal Navy, Army
More Information
Further Information
You can get more information about working and training in aerospace engineering from Careers in Aerospace and Neon.
What it takes
Find out what skills you’ll use in this role
Skills and knowledge
You'll need:
    Knowledge of engineering science and technology
    Maths skills
    To be thorough and pay attention to detail
    The ability to work well with your hands
    The ability to use, repair and maintain machines and tools
    The ability to work well with others
    The ability to think clearly using logic and reasoning
    The ability to analyse quality or performance
Digital Skills Level
to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
Other Requirements
You may need to apply for a UK Part 66 Aircraft Maintenance Licence (AML) for certain jobs, depending on your responsibilities.
What you will do
Discover the day-to-day tasks you’ll do in this role
Day to day tasks
As an aerospace engineering technician, you could
inspect, service and maintain aircraft electrical, mechanical and electronic systems, build and fit wings, engines and landing gear, install and test navigation, communication and flight controls, investigate faults and work with engineers to fix them, assemble and install satellite instruments, create 3D models of parts for manufacture, using computer-aided design (CAD) software, complete safety documentation and maintenance logbooks
Working environment
You could work in an aircraft hangar, on an aircraft, in a factory, in an office or in a laboratory.
Your working environment may be cramped.
Career Path & Progression
Look at progression in this role and similar opportunities
With experience, you could
become a workshop supervisor or senior technician, take further training to qualify as an aerospace engineer, specialise in a particular area, like aircraft design, quality control or production management
Job profile data provided by The National Careers Service.
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