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Aerospace Connect

Careers in Aerospace

Ready to find your career in Aerospace?

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About Aerospace

The aerospace industry encompasses the design, development, and production of aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems and equipment. It is a dynamic field that integrates advances in engineering, technology, and materials to achieve innovations in aviation and space exploration. The industry is crucial for global connectivity, defense, and scientific research, driving economic growth and fostering technological progress.
Aerospace Manufacturing
Aerospace manufacturing covers the production of aircraft, spacecraft, and related components, including engines, avionics, and structural parts. This sector requires precision engineering and advanced materials to meet rigorous safety and performance standards. Key companies operate globally, providing essential components to both commercial and military aerospace sectors.
Commercial Aviation
Commercial aviation involves the manufacturing, maintenance, and operation of aircraft used for transporting passengers and cargo. This sector includes airlines, airports, and supporting services like air traffic control. It is pivotal for global trade and tourism, facilitating international travel and economic interaction.
Defense & Military
This sector focuses on the development and production of military aircraft, drones, missiles, and defense systems. It plays a critical role in national security, providing advanced technology for surveillance, reconnaissance, and combat operations. Major players include government defense departments and specialized defense contractors.
Space Exploration
Space exploration involves the development of spacecraft, satellites, and space stations for scientific research, commercial purposes, and human spaceflight. This sector is driven by both governmental space agencies like NASA and private companies like SpaceX. It aims to advance our understanding of the universe, explore new frontiers, and develop space-based technologies.
Research & Development
R&D in aerospace focuses on innovation and the advancement of new technologies and methodologies to improve aircraft and spacecraft performance, safety, and efficiency. This includes aerodynamics, propulsion systems, materials science, and automation. Universities, private research institutions, and corporate R&D labs are crucial contributors to this sector.
Maintenance, Repair, and Overhaul
The MRO sector ensures that aircraft and spacecraft remain safe, reliable, and operational through regular maintenance, repairs, and upgrades. This includes routine inspections, part replacements, and system overhauls. MRO services are critical for extending the lifespan of aerospace vehicles and ensuring regulatory compliance.
Avionics
Avionics involves the electronic systems used in aircraft and spacecraft, including navigation, communication, and monitoring systems. This sector is integral to the functionality and safety of aerospace vehicles, enabling precise control and data management. Innovations in avionics enhance flight capabilities and operational efficiency.
Unmanned Aerial Vehicles
UAVs, commonly known as drones, are aircraft systems that operate without an onboard human pilot. This sector covers a wide range of applications from military surveillance to commercial deliveries and recreational use. UAV technology is rapidly evolving, offering new possibilities for data collection, logistics, and remote operations.

Why Work in Aerospace?

Innovation

Be at the forefront of technological advancement and work with state-of-the-art equipment.

Cutting Edge

Push the boundaries of what is possible, from advanced avionics to space exploration technologies.

Career Growth

From engineering and design to fabrication and manufacturing, the industry's dynamic nature encourages continuous learning and advancement.

Exciting Work

Collaborate across various disciplines, tackle complex problems and challenging projects to create innovative solutions.

Global Impact

Play a critical role in connecting the world, driving economic growth, and fostering international collaboration.

Career Guides

Learn About The Many Aerospace Career Paths Waiting For You

Want to Make Engine Parts, Aircraft Frames, Aerospace Prototypes and Tools?

Become a CNC Machinist:

Operates and maintains CNC (computer numerical control) machines to produce precision parts and components according to engineering specifications.

Want to Design Tail Assemblies, Combustion Chambers, and Satellite Structures?

Become an Aerospace CAD Technician:

Uses Computer Aided Design (CAD) software to create technical drawings and models for aerospace components and systems.

Want to Make Turbine Blades, Carbon Fiber Parts, and Fuselage Sections?

Become an Aerospace Fabricator:

Manufactures and assembles parts and structures for aerospace applications, ensuring they meet strict quality and safety standards.

Want to Inspect Aircraft Parts, Review Blueprints, and Maintain Safety Standards?

Become a Quality Control Technician:

Ensures that aerospace products and processes meet regulatory and quality standards through inspection and testing.

Want to Coordinate Shipments, Manage Inventory Levels, Build Relationships with Suppliers?

Become a Logistics Coordinator:

Manage the movement and storage of aerospace materials and components, ensuring timely delivery and efficient inventory management.

Looking for a Mentor?

Mentors play a vital role in personal and professional growth by offering guidance, sharing expertise, and providing valuable insights from their own experiences.

The Aerospace Community is full of diverse, supportive, and collaborative leaders eager to help you carve your own unique path into Aerospace.

We'll Help You Get Connected

Academic Programs

Lake Washington Insitute of Technology
Kirkland, WA

North Seattle College
Seattle, WA

Renton Technical College
Renton, WA

Shoreline Community College
Seattle, WA

Bates Technical College
Tacoma, WA

Clover Park Technical College
Lakewood, WA

Edmonds College
Lynnwood, WA

Everett Community College
Everett, WA

Cascadia College
Bothell, WA

Spokane Community College
Spokane, WA

Clark College
Vancouver, WA

South Puget Sound Community College
Olympia, WA

Olympic College
Bremerton, WA

Bellingham Technical College
Bellingham, WA

Columbia Basin College
Pasco, WA

Skagit Valley College
Mount Vernon, WA

Lower Columbia College
Longview, WA

Peninsula College
Port Angeles, WA

Wenatchee Valley College
Wenatchee, WA

Core Plus Aerospace

Core Plus Aerospace is a two-year high school advanced manufacturing curriculum that prepares students for high-demand jobs through hands-on learning. Students learn real-world skills that open doors to good-paying manufacturing jobs and give them a clear advantage when pursuing apprenticeships, post-high school certificates, or college degrees.

Developed and supported by industry leaders like Boeing, Core Plus Aerospace is designed to be delivered in an engaging classroom setting and provide opportunities for students to explore careers in industries that they might be of interest while still in high school.

Comprehensive High Schools:

  • Options High School
  • Sedro-Wooley High School
  • Arlington High School
  • Marysville-Pilchuck High School
  • Granite Falls High School
  • Cascade High School
  • Snohomish High School
  • Monroe High School
  • Lynnwood High School

Skills Centers:

  • Northwest Career Tech
  • Sno-Isle TECH Skills Center

Comprehensive High Schools:

  • Foster High School
  • Renton High School
  • Hazen High School
  • Lindbergh High School
  • Federal Way High School
  • Todd Beamer High School
  • Auburn High School
  • Enumclaw High School

Skills Centers:

  • Seattle Skills Center
  • Puget Sound Skills Center

Comprehensive High Schools:

  • Frankling Pierce High School
  • Washington High School
  • Sumn High School
  • Puyallup High School
  • Rogers High School
  • Emerald Ridge High School
  • Walker High School 
  • White River High School
  • Lakes High School

Skills Centers:

  • Pierce County Skills Center

Comprehensive High Schools:

  • Central Kitsap High School
  • Olympic High School
  • Bremerton High School
  • South Kitsap High School
  • Elma High School
  • Hoquiam High School
  • Capital High School
  • Black Hills High School
  • Centralia High School
  • Fort Vancouver High School

Skills Centers:

  • West Sound Tech
  • Envision Career Academy

Comprehensive High Schools:

  • West Valley High School
  • Cheney High School
  • Shadle Park High School
  • Central Valley High School
  • University High School

Skills Centers:

  • Yakima Valley Tech
  • SEATech Skills Center
  • Spokane Valley Tech
  • NEWTECH Skill Center

Apprenticeships

As a whole, AJAC is an industry-driven, statewide 501(c)(3) non-profit apprenticeship organization founded on the belief that mastery occurs on the job. Through pre-apprenticeship, youth apprenticeship and adult apprenticeship, all people have the opportunity to earn competitive wages, find meaningful work, and pursue lifelong learning.

AJAC’s Suite of Programs
How Apprenticeship Works

The Machinists Institute is a nonprofit educational institution serving the aerospace, manufacturing, and automotive machinists industries. Established by the International Association of Machinists District 751, the Machinists Institute proudly serves current and future workers to reach their career goals and provides cutting edge education and training to build a highly skilled and diverse workforce to meet employer demand.

Apprenticeship Programs
Pre-Employment Training 
Summer Programs

An IAM/Boeing apprenticeship is a combination of real world, on-the-job work assignments under the instruction of qualified employees. It includes unpaid off-hour trade related classroom instruction in specific highly skilled trades. Apprenticeship differs from other training by not limiting the training to a single objective. The program instructs the apprentice in a wide range of equipment, processes, and operations.

Learn More Here

Scholarships

More coming soon!

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