Vanderbilt University
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The Role of an Aerospace Engineer
These experts develop new technologies and may specialize in structural design, navigation, robotics, instrumentation, control, or aerodynamic fluid control. Some may spend the majority of their time working with specific types of equipment, such as military airplanes, commercial aircraft, helicopters, spacecraft, rockets, missiles or remotely piloted aircraft, also called drones. Some individuals are experts in celestial mechanics, acoustics, thermodynamics, aerodynamics, or flight mechanics.
Work in this field involves coordinating the design, testing and manufacturing of various aerospace products. Engineers will review project proposals for financial and technical feasibility. They inspect damaged or malfunctioning equipment to troubleshoot problems and suggest possible solutions.
Engineers spend a significant amount of time working in an office environment. They must be able to work with computers and sophisticated software tools to assist with design. These programs build virtual models and run test simulations for evaluation before the manufacturing process begins.
Skills Required for Aerospace Engineers
Good candidates for this type of work must have exceptional analytical skills because they must be able to identify design elements that are not working in specific environments and formulate alternative designs to improve performance. They must be able to work well with other professionals involved in the process of manufacturing for space and aircraft. Since much of the work requires meeting government standards, these professionals must be familiar with commercial law and standard practices for the Aeronautical and Astronautical industries.
Individuals who want to work in the industry should start preparing in high school by studying algebra, chemistry, physics, calculus, and trigonometry. Once enrolled in college it will take four years to earn a bachelor’s degree. Courses at this level include:
- Aerodynamics
- Structures
- Propulsion
- Mechanics
- Stability
- Control
Those who earn a master’s degree are eligible to work in research and development or teach at a university. Students should enroll in a program accredited by ABET.
Aerospace Engineers Wages & Salary
Wage and salary, plus employment growth projections from the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).Occupation Title | # Employed (in thousands) | Average Annual Salary | Employment Growth % - 2012-2022 | Employment Growth # Jobs - 2012-2022 (in thousands) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Aerospace Engineering and Operations Technicians | 11,230 | $64,310 | -0.4% | 2 |
| Aerospace Engineers | 69,080 | $107,700 | 7.3% | 25 |
| Airline Pilots, Copilots, and Flight Engineers | 75,760 | $131,760 | -6.6% | 19 |
| Marine Engineers and Naval Architects | 7,570 | $99,160 | 10.3% | 3 |
| Ship Engineers | 10,060 | $74,600 | 7.8% | 6 |
Aerospace Engineers Work Environment
The industries that employed the most aerospace engineers in 2012 were as follows:| Aerospace product and parts manufacturing | 38% |
| Scientific research and development services | 16% |
| Architectural, engineering, and related services | 12% |
| Federal government | 12% |
| Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing | 6% |
Licensing for Aerospace Engineering Graduates
Entry level engineers do not need a license to work in the field but those who want to qualify for jobs with more responsibility should earn a professional engineer, or PE, license. This requires passing the FE and PE exams in addition to gaining relevant work experience. Most states require engineers to continue their education to renew the license. Earning an aerospace engineering degree is the just the first step to starting a career in this exciting field.