Aerospace Engineers
Overview
Aerospace engineers design and build the aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles that help us explore the skies and space. They use advanced computer software and simulation tools to create prototypes, test their designs for safety and performance, and solve complex problems when things don't work as planned. This career combines creativity with cutting-edge technology, requiring strong math and science skills, and often involves collaborative teamwork in modern labs and offices. Many aerospace engineers start with a bachelor's degree in aerospace or mechanical engineering and get to work on projects that literally reach for the stars.
Did you know?
Many aerospace positions in the US require security clearances due to defense contracts, which involves background checks and citizenship requirements.
At a Glance
Median Wage
$126,292.62 Avg/yr
Growth
Fast Growing
Top Skill
Critical Thinking
Key Responsibilities
- Design or engineer filtration systems that reduce harmful emissions.
- Direct or coordinate activities of engineering or technical personnel involved in designing, fabricating, modifying, or testing of aircraft or aerospace products.
- Diagnose performance problems by reviewing reports or documentation from customers or field engineers or by inspecting malfunctioning or damaged products.
- Plan or conduct experimental, environmental, operational, or stress tests on models or prototypes of aircraft or aerospace systems or equipment.
- Plan or coordinate investigation and resolution of customers' reports of technical problems with aircraft or aerospace vehicles.
- Direct aerospace research and development programs.
- 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.
- Maintain records of performance reports for future reference.
- Develop design criteria for aeronautical or aerospace products or systems, including testing methods, production costs, quality standards, environmental standards, or completion dates.
- Design new or modify existing aerospace systems to reduce polluting emissions, such as nitrogen oxide, carbon monoxide, or smoke emissions.
- Formulate conceptual design of aeronautical or aerospace products or systems to meet customer requirements or conform to environmental regulations.
- Formulate mathematical models or other methods of computer analysis to develop, evaluate, or modify design, according to customer engineering requirements.
- Evaluate product data or design from inspections or reports for conformance to engineering principles, customer requirements, environmental regulations, or quality standards.
- Evaluate biofuel performance specifications to determine feasibility for aerospace applications.
- Write technical reports or other documentation, such as handbooks or bulletins, for use by engineering staff, management, or customers.
Career Considerations
Security Clearance Requirements
Many aerospace positions in the US require security clearances due to defense contracts, which involves background checks and citizenship requirements.
ABET-Accredited Education
A bachelor's degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program is typically required for entry-level positions and professional licensure in the United States.
Geographic Concentration
Aerospace jobs are concentrated in specific regions like California, Texas, Florida, and Washington, often requiring relocation for optimal career opportunities.