AEROSPACE Aerospace has taken off in Colorado, and if you’re looking for an out-of-this-world career, you might
• Engineering Managers
have just found it. Aerospace jobs launch rockets, send
• Aerospace/Systems Engineers
humans to the moon and search for alien life in space
• Computer Software Engineers,
– and this is just in the next few years! Besides space,
Applications • Industrial Engineers • Mechanical Engineers
our region’s aerospace industry focuses on earth science activities that support climate monitoring and extreme weather forecasting, helping our planet and people.
• Business Operations Specialists • Aerospace Engineering & Operations Technicians • Industrial Engineering Technicians • Computer Support Specialists • Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging & Systems Assemblers • Machinists • Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers & Weighers • Structural Metal Fabricators & Fitters
Did you know?
Aerospace isn’t just engineering! Machinists, Computer Specialists and Manufacturing Workers are employed in this industry as well.
Step 1: Identify your interests
Compare your interests, skills and work values with Aerospace occupations using Labor Market Information’s Career Explorer: Visit www.coworkforce.com/lmigateway • Click on “Services for Individuals” • Choose “Career Services” This will take you to “Career Explorer” where you can match your skills to occupations.
Step 2: Explore the Aerospace industry & careers Learn about high-growth, in-demand careers and what they pay on the LMI Gateway website: www.coworkforce.com/lmigateway For more information on a career in Aerospace, check out www.spacefoundation.org, www.incose.org and www.spacecolorado.org
Step 3: Find education, training & financial aid options Discover the best education or training institutions for your career goals and how to get money for school at www.collegeincolorado.org
Step 4: Find available job openings www.connectingcolorado.com
Matthew Dahl
Satellite Flight Controller at LASP in Boulder, CO Instead of checking email, like many workers’ days begin, Matthew starts out by checking spacecraft data. After reviewing the data and making sure everything is set for the day’s activities, he’ll sit down on-console with a student Command Controller and command a spacecraft to retrieve data collected since its last contact with the ground. After the contacts are done, he’ll send out a shift report, detailing the day’s activities. For Matthew, the best part of his job is knowing that when he goes into work that he’ll be in command of a spacecraft flying hundreds, in some cases thousands, of miles above the Earth, traveling at an incredible speed. Even better is that he is a part of cutting-edge science that improves human knowledge of the universe and our way of life.
Who do you want to be tomorrow? Occupation
Average Hourly/Annual Wage
Minimum Education/Training
Engineering Managers
$63.05 / $131,147
Work experience + Bachelor's Degree
Aerospace/Systems Engineers
$49.63 / $103,236
Computer Software Engineers, Applications
Plan, coordinate & direct engineering design, production & research & development activities. They may supervise engineers, scientists, technicians & support personnel.
Suggested Programs of Study Aerospace Management, Engineering & Technology Management
Bachelor's Degree
Aerospace Engineering, Astrophysics/Physics, Astrophysical & Planetary Sciences Systems engineers sometimes have education in other engineering disciplines.
$44.37 / $92,284
Bachelor's Degree
Applied Computing Technology, Computer Science, Electrical & Computer Engineering
Industrial Engineers
$39.46 / $82,080
Bachelor's Degree
Engineering & Applied Science, Engineering Physics
Mechanical Engineers
$45.55 / $94,751
Bachelor's Degree
Mechanical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering Technology
Business Operations Specialists
$33.99 / $70,694
Bachelor's Degree
Business
Aerospace Engineering & Operations Technicians
$30.08 / $62,558
Associate Degree
Aerospace Engineering, Aerospace Operations, Pre-Aerospace Engineering Technology
Industrial Engineering Technicians
$25.11 / $52,233
Associate Degree
Engineering Science, Industrial Maintenance Technology
Computer Support Specialists
$24.53 / $51,027
Associate Degree
End User Support Specialist, Computer Service/Network Technology, Computer Support Technician/Information Systems
$18.54 / $38,567
At least 1 year of on-the-job training
Airframe Mechanics, High Tech Manufacturing, Advanced Manufacturing/Machining
Machinists
$18.57 / $38,624
At least 1 year of on-the-job training
Machine Technologies, Advanced Manufacturing/Machining
Inspectors, Testers, Sorters, Samplers & Weighers
$17.70 / $36,826
Structural Metal Fabricators & Fitters
$17.86 / $37,145
Perform a variety of engineering work in designing, constructing & testing aircraft, missiles & spacecraft. May recommend improvements in testing equipment & techniques. Systems Engineers work with the “big picture,” making sure that all of the aerospace systems work together effectively. Develop, create & modify general computer applications software or specialized utility programs. Design or customize software for client use, optimizing operational efficiency. Design, develop, test & evaluate integrated systems for managing industrial production processes like quality/inventory control, logistics/material flow & cost analysis. Perform engineering tasks like planning/designing tools, engines, machines & other mechanical equipment. Supervise equipment installation, operation, maintenance & repair. Administer & manage a variety of business operations from human resources to financial services. Project managers are often in this job category. Operate, install, calibrate & maintain integrated computer/communications systems consoles, test/measurement instruments & equipment to launch, track & evaluate air & space vehicles. Apply engineering theory & principles to problems of industrial layout or manufacturing production, usually under the direction of engineering staff.
Provide technical assistance to computer system users.
Aircraft Structure, Surfaces, Rigging & Systems Assemblers Assemble, fit, fasten & install parts of airplanes, space vehicles or missiles.
Set up & operate a variety of machine tools to produce precision parts & instruments. Includes precision instrument makers who fabricate, modify or repair mechanical instruments.
1-12 months on-the-job training
Advanced Manufacturing/Machining, High Tech Manufacturing
1-12 months on-the-job training
Structural Engineering Technology
Inspect, test, sort, sample or weigh products, looking for defects, wear & deviations from specifications. May use complex test equipment & instruments.
Fabricate, lay out, position, align & fit parts of structural metal products.
Mari Gravlee
Advanced Programs Engineer for United Launch Alliance in Centennial, CO On any given day, Mari could be reviewing test results from a rocket engine thruster or traveling to NASA to discuss the development of a test setup for cryogenic propellants. Her days can be hectic, but they are never dull. Although she has a Bachelor’s Degree in Mechanical Engineering, Mari says that communication – oftentimes an Engineer’s weakest point – is one of the most important skills for her job. Being able to explain things to others and gain their support is very important. Although she enjoys her day to day duties, nothing is as exciting as launch day. Mari says it’s incredible to see all the rocket systems working together to deliver a satellite into space. To learn more about occupations & resources, visit www.MetroDenverCareers.com
www.metrodenver.org/wired www.metrodenver.org/wired
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The National Institute for Metalworking Skills (NIMS), Inc. has developed a competencybased metalworking apprenticeship to support career development in the advanced manufacturing areas of Aerospace. This apprenticeship can lead to a job as a Machinist. For more information, visit NIMS at:
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