Aviation ground systems engineer

Aviation ground systems engineers are in charge of supervising the maintenance of the equipment of the airport, for example, the visual aids, airport electrical systems, luggage systems, security systems, pavements, drainage, maintenance of unpaved areas and equipment and vehicles.

The following job titles also refer to aviation ground systems engineer:

airport ground systems engineer
aviation ground systems technician
engineer of aviation ground systems
airport ground systems technician

Bachelor’s degree is generally required to work as aviation ground systems engineer. However, this requirement may differ in some countries.

ISCO skill level is defined as a function of the complexity and range of tasks and duties to be performed in an occupation. It is measured on a scale from 1 to 4, with 1 the lowest level and 4 the highest, by considering:

• the nature of the work performed in an occupation in relation to the characteristic tasks and duties
• the level of formal education required for competent performance of the tasks and duties involved and
• the amount of informal on-the-job training and/or previous experience in a related occupation required for competent performance of these tasks and duties.

Aviation ground systems engineer is a Skill level 4 occupation.

These occupations, although different, require a lot of knowledge and skills similar to aviation ground systems engineer.

ICT system tester
airspace manager
digital games tester
ICT test analyst
airport planning engineer

These occupations require some skills and knowledge of aviation ground systems engineer. They also require other skills and knowledge, but at a higher ISCO skill level, meaning these occupations are accessible from a position of aviation ground systems engineer with a significant experience and/or extensive training.

This knowledge should be acquired through learning to fulfill the role of aviation ground systems engineer.

Global navigation satellite system performance parameters: Know the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) performance parameters, and the requirements that an GNSS system should possess in specific conditions.
Levels of software testing: The levels of testing in the software development process, such as unit testing, integration testing, system testing and acceptance testing.
Hardware architectures: The designs laying out the physical hardware components and their interconnections.
Ground segment: Know the ground-based infrastructure necessary to support the operation of satellites, including the operation of spacecraft in orbit; receive and process satellite data.

These skills are necessary for the role of aviation ground systems engineer.

Utilise computer-aided software engineering tools: Use software tools (CASE) to support the development lifecycle, design and implementation of software and applications of high-quality that can be easily maintained.
Possess visual literacy: Interpret charts, maps, graphics, and other pictorial presentations used in place of the written word. The graphics used vary from process to process; therefore, the professional must have sufficient knowledge of the field in order to follow and use the information presented.
Carry out research on ground systems: Conduct research on ground systems and hardware; research the fields of encryption, networking, and mass storage.
Test ground system performance: Develop test strategies for complex software and hardware products; include troubleshooting and system support; calculate system performance.
Work in an aviation team: Work confidently in a group in general aviation services, in which each individual operates in their own area of responsibility to reach a common goal, such as a good customer interaction, air safety, and aircraft maintenance.
Read 3d displays: Read 3D-displays and understand the information they provide on positions, distances, and other parameters.
Execute software tests: Perform tests to ensure that a software product will perform flawlessly under the specified customer requirements, using specialised software tools. Apply software testing techniques and tools in order to identify software defects (bugs) and malfunctions.
Solve ict system problems: Identify potential component malfunctions. Monitor, document and communicate about incidents. Deploy appropriate resources with minimal outage and deploy appropriate diagnostic tools.
Supervise maintenance activities in airports: Supervise airport staff during operational and maintenance activities such as aeroplane refuelling, flight communications, runway maintenance, etc.
Measure software usability: Check the convenience of the software product for the end user. Identify user problems and make adjustments to improve usability practice. Collect input data on how users evaluate software products.
Use ict equipment in maintenance activities: Maintain or fix equipment by using information technology equipment such as monitors, computer mice, keyboards, storage devices, printers or scanners.
Analyse software specifications: Assess the specifications of a software product or system to be developed by identifying functional and non-functional requirements, constraints and possible sets of use cases which illustrate interactions between the software and its users.

This knowledge is sometimes, but not always, required for the role of aviation ground systems engineer. However, mastering this knowledge allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

These skills and competences are sometimes, but not always, required for the role of aviation ground systems engineer. However, mastering these skills and competences allows you to have more opportunities for career development.

2149 – Engineering professionals not elsewhere classified

 

 

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References

1. Aviation ground systems engineer – ESCO