Yes , it is ironic , as I stated earlier . It ' s not that hard to get . <| sep |> I suspect you may be looking at technicianmechanic jobs , which would generally require some kind of licensing . I recently completed a job search and having looked at dozens of AE positions across a range of companies and specializations I don ' t believe any had a maintenance license requirement . I do see from your post history that you are interested in Aircraft Maintenance Engineer positions , which I don ' t really know anything about but I suppose could require licensing . I feel that most anything involving maintenance , while potentially fulfilling and enjoyable , would not require 4 years of training in the theory of s t r ucturesthermoaerodynamics , etc . Therefore I would not expect the same level of pay in such a position as compared to one in a more technical specialization , but again I know very little about the details of that type of position . A BSAE or BSME and a level of relevant work experience fitting for the seniority of the position should be plenty to at least get some interviews and interest from companies when applying for more technical positions . I would be more concerned about citizenship . If you are not a US citizen defense jobs and many others within the industry will be difficult to obtain , but that is a separate issue .