What is geotechnical engineering?
Aerospace engineering is the design, construction and maintenance of aircraft, spacecraft, missiles and weapons systems.
Aerospace engineers develop & integrate technology into aerospace vehicle systems for transportation, exploration, communication, & defense applications.
Specialization
Aeronautical engineers work with aircraft within the Earth’s atmosphere.
Astronautical engineers work with the science & technology of spacecraft & how they perform inside & outside Earth’s atmosphere
Aerospace engineers may become experts in:
- aerodynamics
- thermodynamics
- materials
- celestial mechanics
- flight mechanics
- propulsion
- acoustics
- control systems
Careers
Aerospace engineers work in industries that build aircraft, primarily in offices but may help oversee construction.
Aerospace engineers can work in many industries, including:
- Aerospace Product and Parts Manufacturing
- Navigational, Measuring, Electromedical, and Control Instruments Manufacturing
- Research and Development
- Air Transportation
- Architectural, Engineering, and Related Services
The median salary is $122,270 and the field is expected to grow 6% between 2021-2031.
Education
The typical background is a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or a related field, They may pursue a Professional Engineering (PE) license in mechanical or electrical engineering.
Aerospace engineers can take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) Exam after graduating from an EAC/ABET-accredited program. They may go on to earn their Professional Engineer license after 4 years of post-college work experience.
Duties and Skills
Aerospace engineers regular duties include:
- Testing & prototyping
- Design & assemble control panels, propulsion systems, guiding systems, computer systems
- Develop safety and quality control standards
- Ensure projects comply with regulations
Some valuable skills of aerospace engineers include:
- Project management
- Technical expertise
- Problem solving
- Critical thinking
- Analytical
- Math skills
- Innovation
- Team work
- Communication