Aerospace Careers - Industry Overview
The aerospace industry reflects the spirit and courage of America.
Born in the early years of the last century, the U.S. aerospace industry is today the world's leader.
From origins with the Wright brothers' 1903 flights at Kitty Hawk to the contemporary world of sophisticated jet, rocket, and missile technology - U.S. aerospace continues to be diverse, fast-paced, and cutting-edge.
Today, hundreds of high technology American companies along with NASA (the National Aeronautics and Space Administration) and other federal agencies work collaboratively in the major sectors of aerospace including commercial air, space exploration, national defense, and research and development.
U.S. aerospace employment currently totals over a million professionals working in good-paying jobs. With about a quarter of all current aerospace workers reaching retirement age in the next few years, there will be many new high wage career opportunities. What kind of opportunities? To name a few:
- electronics and other scientists and engineers;
- computer programmers and network systems specialists;
- avionics and engineering technicians;
- aircraft and spacecraft structural, surface, and systems assemblers; and
- engine and aircraft assemblers and mechanics.
In addition to these aerospace specific occupations, there will be demand for business managers, administrative support specialists, accountants, technical writers, and others!