Careers: so many ways to work in the sky.

Designs and tests the systems that make flight possible — from aerodynamics and propulsion to the software that flies the plane.

See the path

1. 1

   High school

   Advanced math and physics are essential; robotics club or a model rocketry team is a strong signal.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   A 4-year Aerospace or Mechanical Engineering degree, often with a specialization junior/senior year.

3. 3

   Internship

   Summer internships at an OEM (Boeing, Airbus) or supplier are the most common path to a first offer.

4. 4

   Junior design engineer

   Works on a specific subsystem — wings, engines, controls — under a senior engineer.

5. 5

   Systems / design lead

   After several years, leads a subsystem team or moves into flight test or program management.

Directs aircraft on the ground and in the air to keep everything moving safely — one of the most intense, high-focus jobs at an airport.

See the path

1. 1

   High school

   No required major, but comfort with fast decisions and multitasking helps; must be a U.S. citizen and under 31 to start training.

2. 2

   AT-CTI program

   An FAA-approved college aviation degree, or apply straight to the FAA with relevant experience.

3. 3

   FAA Academy

   Months of training and simulator testing in Oklahoma City.

4. 4

   Trainee at a facility

   On-the-job training at an airport tower or radar center, checked out on one position at a time.

5. 5

   Certified Professional Controller

   Fully certified on all positions at your facility, with pay rising sharply.

Focuses specifically on how an airframe holds together under stress — the math behind why a wing doesn't snap off.

See the path

1. 1

   High school

   Strong in calculus and physics; CAD software (even free tools like Fusion 360) is worth learning early.

2. 2

   Bachelor's degree

   Engineering degree with coursework in structural analysis and materials science.

3. 3

   CAD/structures internship

   Hands-on internship modeling parts and running stress analysis under an experienced engineer.

4. 4

   Junior structures engineer

   Analyzes and models specific components against FAA structural requirements.

5. 5

   Lead structures engineer

   Owns a major structural component or leads certification testing for a new aircraft.

Inspects, repairs, and maintains aircraft engines and airframes — the people who sign off that a plane is safe to fly.

See the path

1. 1

   High school

   Shop class, physics, and hands-on tinkering (cars, engines, anything mechanical) are great prep.

2. 2

   A&P school

   An 18-24 month FAA-approved Airframe & Powerplant program at a trade school or community college.

3. 3

   A&P certification exams

   Written, oral, and practical tests to earn the Airframe and Powerplant licenses.

4. 4

   Line or base maintenance tech

   Entry-level role doing scheduled inspections and repairs for an airline or MRO shop.

5. 5

   Lead technician / inspector

   Senior techs can become inspectors, crew leads, or specialize in engines or avionics.

Keeps an airport running — runway inspections, wildlife control, emergency response coordination, and everything in between.

See the path

1. 1

   High school

   No specific requirement, though an interest in logistics or emergency response is a good fit.

2. 2

   Ramp or ops agent

   Entry-level airside role learning airport procedures, radios, and safety rules.

3. 3

   Aviation management degree (optional)

   A 2- or 4-year degree accelerates the move into supervisory operations roles.

4. 4

   Duty manager

   Oversees shift operations, coordinating between airlines, security, and maintenance.

5. 5

   Airport operations manager

   Runs a full operations department, reporting to airport leadership.

Installs and repairs the electronics that let a plane navigate, communicate, and fly on autopilot — part electrician, part computer tech.

See the path

1. 1

   High school

   Electronics, computer science, or amateur radio clubs are a natural on-ramp.

2. 2

   Avionics program

   A 1-2 year certificate or associate degree in avionics or electronics technology.

3. 3

   FCC certification

   Some employers require a General Radiotelephone Operator License.

4. 4

   Bench technician

   Entry role testing and repairing avionics units in a shop before working on installed aircraft.

5. 5

   Certified avionics tech

   Works directly on aircraft, eventually leading upgrades and new installations.

Flies passengers and cargo for a regional or major airline, working up from small planes to jets over years of accumulated flight hours.

See the path

1. 1

   High school

   Strong math and physics; many pilots also join a flight club, Civil Air Patrol, or Young Eagles program.

2. 2

   Private Pilot License

   40+ hours of flight training at a local flight school, usually starting around age 17.

3. 3

   Commercial + instrument ratings

   More flight hours and exams to fly for pay and in poor weather.

4. 4

   Build hours

   Many fly as a flight instructor (CFI) or in the military to reach the 1,500 hours airlines require.

5. 5

   Regional airline First Officer

   Hired as a co-pilot, then upgrades to Captain and eventually a major airline.

Plans each flight's route, fuel, and weather picture, and shares legal responsibility for the flight alongside the captain.

See the path

1. 1

   High school

   Good with data, weather, and geography; no flying experience required to start.

2. 2

   Dispatcher course

   A ~200-hour FAA-approved certificate program, often 4-8 weeks.

3. 3

   FAA exam

   Written and oral/practical exams to earn the Aircraft Dispatcher Certificate.

4. 4

   Assistant dispatcher

   Entry role supporting certified dispatchers at an airline or dispatch service.

5. 5

   Certified dispatcher

   Releases flights independently; senior dispatchers can become chief dispatcher.

Builds the physical aircraft — riveting fuselage panels, wiring harnesses, and assembling the parts engineers design.

See the path

1. 1

   High school

   Shop class and attention to precise, repeatable work; no degree required to start.

2. 2

   Manufacturing certificate

   A short trade-school or community college program in aerospace manufacturing or machining.

3. 3

   Assembly technician

   Entry-level role on a production line, often with paid on-the-job training from day one.

4. 4

   Quality / production lead

   Experienced techs move into quality inspection or lead a section of the production line.

The crew you see on the tarmac — loading bags, marshaling planes to the gate, and turning a flight around in under an hour.

See the path

1. 1

   High school

   No degree needed; a driver's license and comfort working outdoors in all weather are the main requirements.

2. 2

   On-the-job training

   Airlines train new hires directly on ramp safety, equipment, and procedures over a few weeks.

3. 3

   Ramp agent

   Loads bags and cargo, drives ground equipment, and marshals aircraft in and out of the gate.

4. 4

   Ramp supervisor

   Coordinates a full ramp crew across multiple flights during a shift.

5. 5

   Station manager

   Runs an airline's entire ground operation at an airport.