The duty of designing and developing aircrafts, satellites, missiles, and spacecraft typically falls under the domain of aerospace engineers. These professionals dedicate significant time to training, developing the necessary expertise and understanding of complex systems that enable them to perform their duties at the required level.
Generally, becoming a successful aerospace engineer requires a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering. Candidates may also need security clearance if they are going to be working on national defense projects.
Below, we carefully break down all of the key considerations involved in entering this amazing career. We discuss job responsibilities, work environment, educational requirements, salary potential, and career outlook.
What are an Aerospace Engineer’s Responsibilities?
The major responsibilities of an aerospace engineer largely cover the development and testing of aircraft systems and components. Aerospace engineers are also adept at working with spacecraft, missiles, and satellites.
During the course of their job, they may be asked to create and test specific prototypes to ensure maximum functionality. These professionals also take on other responsibilities, including the following:
- Coordinating and directing the manufacturing and design of aircraft products,
- Assessing proposals to ensure technical feasibility,
- Determining safety according to established plans,
- Evaluating product designs to ensure customer requirements, technical principle adherence, and environmental regulations,
- Developing crucial infrastructure for optimal testing and delivery,
- Inspecting final products and identifying problems with malfunctioning and damaged prototypes.
Aerospace engineers can work with both commercial and military airplanes and helicopters.
Aerospace Engineer Work Environment
Aerospace engineers have a mix of work environments, including offices, work sites, airports, and, of course, laboratory settings. Particularly, those who work in research and development will most likely spend their time in a laboratory setting.
Professionals who work in equipment and instrument manufacturing will be found mostly in workshops, testing, and approving designs and products. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the majority of aerospace engineers work in products and parts manufacturing, followed by those who work for the federal government.
It is also common for aerospace engineers to travel a lot. This is done when they need to work on distant job sites or when it is time to meet with clients.
Data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that the majority of aerospace engineers work full-time, with a likely possibility of working more than 40 hours every week. Professionals can also be called upon to work extra hours, particularly when problems and unforeseen challenges arise.
How to Become an Aerospace Engineer
Below is the most effective framework to launch a successful career as an aerospace engineer.
Foundational Education & Transferable Skills
Individuals who would like to become successful aerospace engineers must have significant analytical and interpersonal skills. They must also be skilled at communicating, possess solid math skills, and be effective problem solvers.
High school students are advised to focus on mathematics, physics, and chemistry classes in preparation for their aerospace engineering education.
Earning a Bachelor’s Degree
Aerospace engineers need a bachelor’s degree at the very least to get started on the job. Usually, candidates are expected to attend an accredited training program and begin with classroom training.
Afterwards, they will be able to practice the theoretical principles they have been taught, firstly in a laboratory setting and eventually in a field setting. Courses that students should focus on include mechanics, stability and structure, composite materials, and more.
The best schools will also encourage students to participate in an internship for real-world experience. Most aerospace engineering bachelor’s programs take 4 years. Some schools offer a combined 5-year program where students can earn both a bachelor’s and a master’s degree.
Licensing
A license is not necessary to get started as an aerospace engineer in an entry-level position. Of course, those who have some experience under their belt can choose to pursue the Professional Engineer license.
To do this, they have to pass the Fundamentals of Engineering examination. Some states will also require students to possess a degree strictly from a program accredited by ABET.
Career Growth
Completing a graduate program is an excellent way to grow as an aerospace engineer. Not only does it give professionals the chance to take on more advanced duties, but it can also lead to positions in academia as well as research and development.
Specializations
There are two major specializations in aerospace engineering. These include aeronautical engineers and astronautical engineers.
Aeronautical Engineers work primarily with aircrafts. They are called upon to design aircraft and proportion systems, while also studying the aerodynamic performance and material integrity.
Astronautical engineers, on the other hand, primarily work with spacecraft. They have a robust understanding of the science and technology of spacecraft, and are able to leverage this knowledge to work on both small and large satellites.
Aerospace engineers can also choose to specialize in research, government services, and equipment manufacturing.
Salary & Career Outlook
Aerospace engineers typically make an annual average salary of $134,830. This is according to data released by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and shows the most common figure for candidates in the median cluster.
However, those who fall among the lowest-paid in the bottom 10% can earn at least $85,350, and those who are among the highest 10% can earn even more than $205,850.
Data also shows that candidates working in research and development are the highest-paid among aerospace engineers, with an annual average salary of $143,860. Professionals working with the federal government and those working in aerospace products and parts manufacturing follow with annual average salaries of $140,710 and $134,950, respectively.
Also notable are aerospace engineers who design, manufacture, and test navigation, measuring, and control instruments. Those in this category make an annual average salary of $131,990.
Career Outlook
The employment rate for aerospace engineers across the country is expected to improve by 6% in the coming decade. This average, as reported by the Bureau of Labor Statistics, is about as fast as the average for all occupations.
In this period, more than 4,000 new openings will arise for aerospace engineers. This will be driven by the need to replace retiring workers or those who transfer to other occupations. It will also be boosted by the need to redesign aircrafts for less pollution, and to keep up with technological advancements.
