Becoming an Aerospace Engineer
Information for Those Planning to Work in Aeronautical Engineering
Dec 17, 2008
Aerospace engineering is a broad area covering work on fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, space vehicles, missiles and weapons, flight simulators, and flight components and instruments. Aerospace engineers may work in research and development, testing, or production and maintenance. Their duties vary widely, and there can be a lot of scope for individual interests.
What Qualifications are Required for Aerospace Engineering?
Someone wishing to work in this field will normally need a degree or BTEC HNC/HND in aeronautical or aerospace engineering, or in avionics or air transport engineering. However, employers may also accept other subjects such as electrical or electronic engineering, mechanical engineering, applied physics, software engineering, or mathematics.
Experience in flying or gliding, or involvement with clubs operating these activities, is not necessary, but is a useful way of making contacts within the industry. It also enables the prospective aeronautical engineer to learn more about aircraft.
Skills and Knowledge Required
The work of an aerospace engineer suits people who have good mathematical and IT skills and who enjoy problem-solving. Excellent technical knowledge is required, along with good communication skills. Engineers need to be able to plan, prioritise, and manage projects effectively, and also work as part of a team.
What Work is an Aerospace Engineer Likely to Do?
Duties vary greatly, but could include any of the following:-
- Developing avionics systems
- Researching ways to make fuel-efficient parts, such as wings, fuselages, and engines
- Using computer aided design (CAD) software to draw up project plans
- Collecting and analysing test data
- Planning and supervising the assembly and fitting of aircraft and components
- Signing off projects under strict licensing regulations
- Maintenance of aircraft
Aerospace engineers are also involved with estimating project costs and timescales. They attend meetings, write technical reports and manuals, and give presentations to managers and clients.
Engineers with several years experience may work for the AAIB (Air Accidents Investigation Bureau) on discovering the causes of aviation accidents. This is fascinating work for those with an interest in that area, and is the ultimate dream job for many aerospace engineers.
Working Conditions and Pay
Aerospace engineers tend to work regular hours, but this depends on the project and deadlines. While some work takes place in offices and factories, engineers may have to travel to inspect or test aircraft at different sites. Travelling abroad is a possibility, depending on the work involved.
Starting salaries are between £20,000 and £25,000. With experience, aerospace engineers can earn between £28,000 and £40,000, with income for senior staff rising to as much as £60,000. Naturally, these figures are only rough guidelines.
The work of an aerospace engineer suits many people who are interested in aviation and aircraft but are unable to become pilots, or those who prefer the more technical side of this area. For such individuals, it can provide a worthwhile and fulfilling career.
