An Aerospace Engineer designs aircraft, missiles, space crafts, and satellites. They test prototypes to make sure that the models function according to how they are designed. They are spacecraft/vehicle engineers that deal with related infrastructure of these things. There are many specialties within this job.
Aerospace Engineers are usually employed by industries whose workers build aircraft, and the engineers are primarily involved in the analysis and design, manufacturing, industries that perform research and development of such craft, and perhaps even the federal government.
One must hold at least a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or another related aerospace engineering field. They can often work on projects that are related to national defense or with the military and so they often require security clearances. As they gain more experience, they may train for a specialty.
This job requires high intelligence, problem solving, self-motivation, an ability to work independently and also as a team, to articulate complex ideas to a team, and to stay with projects through many variations and to sometimes lengthy fruition. They may recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques, and evaluate design and manufacture.
Undergraduate courses that lend themselves to this career include advanced mathematics, chemistry, physics and technology. Graduate programs might focus on stability and control systems, fluid mechanics, telecommunications, and wind tunnel testing.
There is possibility for advancement in this field. The first man on the moon, Neil Armstrong, was an aerospace engineer. If you have ever looked up at the sky and been inspired to imagine space exploration, you might consider taking the huge step toward becoming an Aerospace Engineer.
Aerospace Engineer Tasks
- May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture.
- May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.
- Perform a variety of engineering work in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft.