Aerospace and Defense Career Information

Career Pathway

Career pathways show you how to connect your educational choices – Career and Technical Education, Career Certifications, Two-Year Degrees, Four-Year Degrees and beyond – to work-based learning as you prepare for a host of careers in these 21st Century Industries. The pathways work both horizontally and vertically, showing you how far you need to go in your education and hands-on learning to be ready for the careers you want.

What Did We Learn Directly from Employers about the Careers at White Sands Missile Range, NASA, Jacobs Engineering, Virgin Galactic, Spaceport America, and Boeing?

If you want to become part of these amazing opportunities, following is more about the needed skills, degrees, and previous work experience that they are looking for. For a full report, click here.

These employers indicated that they hire people to fulfill a host of different roles in their organization. The following percentages indicate how many of them reported having jobs in these respective fields.

100%

Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics

50%

Transportation, Distribution, and Logistics

50%

Information Technology

50%

Finance

50%

Business Management and Administration

33%

Government and Public Administration

33%

Arts, A/V Technology and Communications

17%

Education and Training

17%

Hospitality and Tourism

17%

Other – Aerospace Operations

What is the average annual income for most employees in your business/company?

Most Requested Degrees

Bachelor Degrees:

  • Mechanical Engineering
  • Electrical Engineering
  • Computer Engineering
  • Computer Scientist
  • Business Management/Accounting
  • Aerospace Engineer
  • Cyber Security
  • Physicist

Associate Degrees:

  • Electrical Engineering/Electronics Technology
  • Computer Information Technology
  • Engineering Technology
  • Mechanical Technology
  • Manufacturing Technology
  • Computer Assisted Design
  • Chemical Technician
  • Web Design
  • Water Technician
  • Applied Technology
  • Welding Technician
  • Hospitality

Most Requested Trades and Certificates

  • Licensed Electricians
  • Welding
  • Airframe and Powerplant
  • Electricians
  • Water Systems Operator
  • Emergency Medical Technician
  • Mechanic
  • Drafting
  • Heavy Equipment Operator/Commercial Drivers License
  • Pilots for Manned and Unmanned Vehicles
  • Hospitality

Most Requested Experiences (No Degree Required)

  • Logistics/Supply Chain – Materials Handler/Inventory Clear
  • Administrative Assistants
  • Facilities
  • Mechanical Technicians
  • Chemical Technicians
  • Computer Technicians
  • Laborers
  • Baristas

Software Programming Languages Needed

  • C+ and C++ (3 members)
  • Python
  • PLC Ladder Logic
  • LabView
  • SQL

Now that you know what you need, you can start your roadmap with the education and training providers to help you reach your career destination. Check out your roadmap here.