Description
Set up, operate, and maintain wind tunnel facilities, balances, model supports, and data acquisition and flow-measurement instruments used to test and evaluate aerodynamic models and aircraft components. Record, quality-check, and interpret test data.
- • Inspect, operate, and troubleshoot wind tunnel drives, balances, controls, and test setups to diagnose malfunctions.
- • Record, validate, and interpret aerodynamic data (forces, moments, pressures, flow metrics) from tunnel runs.
- • Collaborate with aerodynamicists and test engineers on test plans, tunnel settings, and results.
- • Adjust, repair, or replace faulty sensors, cabling, balance components, model hardware, and facility systems.
- • Define required data and test matrices; configure DAQ channels, calibrations, and tunnel parameters to spec.
- • Build and maintain test sections, stings, model supports, and mounting fixtures per specifications.
- • Operate and calibrate DAQ systems, balances, pressure scanners, pitot/static probes, and flow visualization/diagnostic equipment.
- • Perform facility readiness, airflow quality, and balance tare checks; complete pre- and post-run checkouts.
- • Fabricate, instrument, and install models and coupons using hand/power tools and shop equipment.
- • Install and remove instrumentation (pressure taps, wiring, strain gauges, hot-wires) on models and fixtures.
- • Assist in designing and integrating mechanical mounts, wiring harnesses, and control interfaces for wind tunnel tests.
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O*NET occupational data (work activities, skills, knowledge).
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This site includes information from O*NET by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license. Career Clutch has modified some of this information for student readability. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
Last reviewed: Jan 2026
