Aerospace Engineers
Aerospace engineers perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. They conduct basic and applied research to evaluate the adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. They also recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.
If you are curious and passionate about designing and building machines that fly, a career as an aerospace engineer may just be the right choice for you!
An aerospace engineer drafts, surveys, and supervises the manufacturing of aircraft, satellites, missiles and spacecraft. They test the performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment to make sure they function properly according to design and develop new technologies to be used in space exploration, aviation, and defence systems.
To enter the space of aerospace engineering, a bachelor's degree in engineering is a must. Some universities offer 5-year programs that allow students to earn both bachelor's and master's degrees together. All aerospace engineering programs are licensed by the ABET. Aerospace engineers can specialize in a specific aerospace product, such as missiles, military fighter jets, spacecraft, helicopters, fighter jets or commercial aircraft from an aerospace engineering school.
Entry-level aerospace engineer positions do not require licensure. They work with a team of experienced staff members to structure and develop an aircraft or spacecraft, depending on their concentration.
To be a successful aerospace engineer, one should possess knowledge of aerospace systems and manufacturing procedures. Technical expertise and innovation are the key crucial elements in this industry.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- M.E. Aeronautical Engineering
- M.Tech Aeronautical Engineering
- B.Tech Aeronautical Engineering
- B.E. Aeronautical Engineering
Tasks
- Direct or coordinate activities of engineering or technical personnel involved in designing, fabricating, modifying, or testing of aircraft or aerospace products.
- Plan or conduct experimental, environmental, operational, or stress tests on models or prototypes of aircraft or aerospace systems or equipment.
- Formulate mathematical models or other methods of computer analysis to develop, evaluate, or modify design, according to customer engineering requirements.
- Write technical reports or other documentation, such as handbooks or bulletins, for use by engineering staff, management, or customers.
- Analyze project requests, proposals, or engineering data to determine feasibility, productibility, cost, or production time of aerospace or aeronautical products.
- Evaluate and approve selection of vendors by studying past performance or new advertisements.
- Plan or coordinate investigation and resolution of customers' reports of technical problems with aircraft or aerospace vehicles.
- Maintain records of performance reports for future reference.
- Design new or modify existing aerospace systems to reduce polluting emissions, such as nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, or smoke emissions.
- Design or engineer filtration systems that reduce harmful emissions.
Progression Routes
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