Employers

According to the U. S. Department of Labor, in May 2019 nearly 40 percent of the 66,400 aerospace engineers employed in the United States worked in the aerospace product and parts manufacturing industries. About 16 percent are employed in federal government agencies, primarily the Department of Defense and NASA, and 15 percent work in engineering services. Other employers include research and development, and navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing firms.

Starting Out

Those entering the field of avionics must first obtain the necessary training in electronics. Following that training, the school's career services department can help locate prospective employers, arrange interviews, and advise about an employment search. Other possibilities are to contact an employment agency or to approach a prospective employer directly. Service in the military is an excellent way to gain education, training, and experience in avionics; many companies are eager to hire engineers with a military background.

Avionics engineers are already at an advanced position but may move up to become engineering supervisors or managers. Some engineers may teach at universities and write books and articles about the field.

Participate in the National Society of Professional Engineers’ mentoring program (https://www.nspe.org/resources/career-center).

To learn more about trends in the industry and potential employers, read publications such as

• Aerospace America (https://aerospaceamerica.aiaa.org)
• Aerospace & Defense Technology (https://www.sae.org/publications/magazines/aerospace-engineering-aerospace-defense-technology)
• PE Magazine (https://www.nspe.org/resources/pe-magazine)

Visit the following Web sites for job listings:

• https://www.avjobs.com/careers
• https://www.aiaa.org
• https://careers.nspe.org/jobs
• https://www.linkedin.com/jobs/avionics-engineer-jobs

Conduct information interviews with avionics engineers and ask them for advice on preparing for and entering the field.