What Is It Like To Work in Aerospace Manufacturing

Aerospace is currently a $137 billion industry, employing over a million people nationwide, and is only expected to grow. For forward-thinking workers looking for fulfilling, long-term career opportunities, there’s no better time to look for a job in aerospace manufacturing. There are a plethora of career development and engineering training programs in the industry available today, helping you develop the skills you need for advanced industry work at little to no cost to you.

Hitchiner Manufacturing makes parts for the aerospace industry using the investment casting process and other techniques, and we've become known for our quality and ability to deliver ready-to-use parts. In 2018, Hitchiner announced an $80 million + expansion that will lead to up to 100 new jobs. Hitchiner is a leader in workforce development, placing a high value on education and training to help create the workforce of the future, including those jobs that result from our expansion.

Requirements & Education

A high school diploma or equivalent is usually required for aerospace manufacturing positions. For nearly a decade, Hitchiner has provided a high-school internship program allowing students still working on their degrees to learn alongside full-time Hitchiner Manufacturing employees in such industries as engineering, sales and marketing, and information technology. It's not only on-the-job skills, either. The program also covers business etiquette and management, graphic arts, accounting skills, and basic computer programming.

Hitchiner has created an Engineering Certificate Program in collaboration with Keene State College. These courses prepare students for entry-level salaried employment in aerospace manufacturing and provide them with the skills for long-term career advancement, including drafting, CAD, basic math and even communication and public speaking. This program is offered to Hitchiner Manufacturing employees at no cost to them and is something we have invested in to retain and advance our staff. For students and the employees in the Hitchiner Manufacturing engineering programs, their eyes are not only opened to the job opportunities in their community, but they are also provided with the skills to launch fulfilling, life-long careers.

Aerospace Manufacturing Working Conditions

A little over half of airline manufacturing workers are production workers – the employees who fabricate, assemble, install, test, and inspect the parts of the airplane. These jobs range from semi-skilled to highly skilled and include departments such as riveting, metal-processing and welding. Although there are hazards associated with any employment, aviation manufacturing facilities are safe places to work. The injury-frequency rate is less in the aerospace field than for manufacturing as a whole.

Salary Info & Opportunities for Advancement

In the aerospace manufacturing field, there is plenty of room for advancement. Workers can advance to positions that require more skills and experience such as inspectors, lead persons and supervisors, for example. By participating in the training programs, such as the one offered by Hitchiner, semi-skilled employees may prepare themselves for a skilled job such as quality inspector, welding, or maintenance mechanic.

One of the benefits of working in the aerospace industry is the pay. Because aerospace manufacturing is a competitive industry, salaries are generally higher than in other industries for similar work. Wages vary according to workers’ skills and experience, but industry averages can be viewed here on AVJobs.com.

The Future of the Industry

Aviation plays a significant role in our society, and employment opportunities in the aerospace manufacturing industry are expected to rise in the coming years. Job opportunities will be favorable for both entry-level semi-skilled positions as well as highly-trained workers like technicians and engineers.

Hitchiner Manufacturing currently has entry level positions available. Starting pay is $14.50 per hour. If interested, apply in person at 594 Elm Street in Milford, NH between the hours of 8:30am and 4pm, Monday-Friday.

The security of positions in the aerospace manufacturing industry is connected to growing demands for civilian aircraft products. Increased business and personal travel, as well as the development of rapid air taxi services between major urban centers, are fueling this growth. Expanded exports of aircraft to foreign nations are another factor. A portion of the aerospace industry is devoted to national defense as well.

Altogether, aerospace manufacturing is a growing industry with many great opportunities. Engineering training programs such as the ones offered by Hitchiner help to fulfill the high demand for employees who are highly trained and up-to-date on the newest industry developments.

Career Opportunities At Hitchiner Manufacturing

Hitchiner employees are our most valuable asset, and full-time careers are available now in New Hampshire.  We are dedicated to seeing that each team member is treated with fairness and respect, and we are proud to invest in your success by providing tuition assistance. Hitchiner is a leader in workforce development, placing a high value on education and training. Click here to learn why 60% of our employees have stayed with Hitchiner for over ten years.