Jobs, Careers and Occupations

Aerospace Engineers

Aerospace Engineers Nature of Work

Aerospace engineers research, design and develop aerospace vehicles, aerospace systems and their components, and perform duties related to the testing, evaluation, installation, operation and maintenance. Aerospace engineers are employed by aircraft and spacecraft manufacturers, air transport carriers, and in government and educational and research

Aerospace Engineers Work Conditions

The majority of aerospace engineering work involves aircraft modification and assessment of damage. However, there is also a significant industry engaged in manufacture.

Aerospace Engineers Personal Requirements

• enjoy technical and engineering work
• analytical and problem-solving ability
• good oral and written communication skills
• practical and creative
• able to work without supervision
• able to accept responsibility
• able to work as part of a team
• normal color vision may be required

Aerospace Engineers Employment Requirements

• A bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or in a related engineering discipline, such as mechanical engineering or engineering physics, is required
• A master's degree or doctorate in a related engineering discipline may be required
• Licensing usually is required to approve engineering drawings and reports, and to practice as a Professional Engineer
• Engineers are eligible for registration following graduation from an accredited educational program, and after three or four years of supervised work experience in engineering and passing a professional practice examination
• Supervisory and senior positions in this unit group require experience.

Aerospace Engineers Duties and Tasks

Aerospace engineers may perform the following tasks:

• plan and design aircraft, aircraft parts and support equipment by preparing drawings and making mathematical calculations, often aided by computer systems
• design modifications to systems such as fuel or air conditioning and outline installation procedures
• conduct tests to measure the performance of an aircraft or part, or to make sure that design specifications and airworthiness requirements are met
• supervise and co-ordinate the manufacturing, assembly modification, repair and overhaul of aircraft and spacecraft investigate failed engines or other aviation components
• develop procedures for the repair of aviation components
• work out and manage schedules for repairs and maintenance
• assess mechanical systems, flight characteristics and aircraft performance
• evaluate new and used aircraft and advise the potential purchaser
• investigate and report on structural or other component or system failures, accidents or incidents and prepare recommendations for corrective action.

Aerospace Engineers Example Titles

• Aerodynamics Engineer
• Aeronautical Engineer
• Aircraft Design Engineer
• Stress Engineer, Aerospace
• Structural Engineer, Aerospace
• Systems Engineer, Aerospace
• Test Engineer, Aerospace

Aerospace Engineers Related Occupations

• Civil Engineer
• Mechanical Engineer
• Production Manager
• Production or Plant Engineer
• Aircraft Maintenance Engineer
• Avionics Mechanic
• Avionics Engineer
• Engineering Manager
• Metallurgical and Materials Engineers

Aerospace Related Industries

• Engineering
• Transport

Wichita a center for aerospace engineers, and they're cheaper here, too Wichita Business Journal In Wichita, the typical aerospace engineer makes $43.54 per hour, or about $90500 a year. That's well shy of some other centers for the occupation. In the Washington, DC, area, 4170 aerospace engineers average $58.34 per hour, or $121340 annually.