Aerospace Engineering
AEROSPACE ENGINEERS design, develop, and test aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles and supervise the production of these products. Those who work with aircraft are called aeronautical engineers, and those working specifically with spacecraft are astronautical engineers. Aerospace engineers develop new technologies for use in aviation, defense systems, and space exploration, often specializing in areas such as structural design, guidance, navigation and control, instrumentation and communication, or production methods. They also may specialize in a particular type of aerospace product, such as commercial aircraft, military fighter jets, helicopters, spacecraft, or missiles and rockets, and may become experts in aerodynamics, thermodynamics, celestial mechanics, propulsion, acoustics, or guidance and control systems.
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Aerospace engineers are expected to have slower-than-average growth in employment over the projection period. Although increases in the number and scope of military aerospace projects likely will generate new jobs, increased efficiency will limit the number of new jobs in the design and production of commercial aircraft. Even with slow growth, the employment outlook for aerospace engineers through 2014 appears favorable: the number of degrees granted in aerospace engineering declined for many years because of a perceived lack of opportunities in this field, and, although this trend is reversing, new graduates continue to be needed to replace aerospace engineers who retire or leave the occupation for other reasons.
The work of an aerospace engineer could involve:
- research - to solve complex engineering problems caused by weight, altitude, temperature and engine performance
- design - turning ideas into the plans for a product. Design can range from producing a single component to a whole aircraft engine
- manufacture - making, modifying and assembling parts of an aircraft.
Salaries range from around £18,000 to £50,000 a year or more.
Aerospace engineers should:
- have a logical approach to solving problems
- have good numeracy and computing skills
- be able to read and interpret diagrams and drawings
- have good team-working and communication skills
- have an interest in aircraft and flight technology.
Most aerospace engineers work for aircraft manufacturing companies, airline operators and the Armed Forces. Other employers include Government departments and agencies, and regulatory authorities like the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
The construction of a Boeing |
Studying for an aeronautical engineering degree is the most usual route into the profession. Entry to a degree course is with at least five GCSEs/S grades and two or three A levels/three or four H grades, normally including maths and a science subject, or equivalent qualifications. Apprenticeships may be available. Adults with relevant experience are usually welcomed.
Experienced aerospace engineers are usually either Incorporated or Chartered engineers and it is worth getting as much training and as high a level of qualifications as possible.
Promotion could be to senior engineering posts or management roles. There are also opportunities overseas or to work independently as a consultant. |
