Aerospace Engineering Career
Aerospace engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the design, development, testing, and operation of aircraft, spacecraft, and other aerospace vehicles. Aerospace engineers use their knowledge of aerodynamics, thermodynamics, materials science, and other engineering disciplines to create vehicles that can fly in the Earth’s atmosphere or in space.
Education and Training
Most aerospace engineers have a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or a related field. Some employers may also require a master’s degree or doctorate in aerospace engineering.
Aerospace engineering programs typically include coursework in aerodynamics, thermodynamics, materials science, and other engineering disciplines. Students also learn about the design, development, testing, and operation of aircraft and spacecraft.
Skills and Abilities
Aerospace engineers need to have strong analytical and problem-solving skills. They also need to be able to work independently and as part of a team. Other important skills include:
- Computer-aided design (CAD)
- Finite element analysis (FEA)
- Computational fluid dynamics (CFD)
- Wind tunnel testing
- Flight testing
Career Outlook
The job outlook for aerospace engineers is expected to be good over the next few years. This is due to the increasing demand for new aircraft and spacecraft, as well as the need to replace aging aircraft and spacecraft.
Aerospace engineers can work in a variety of industries, including:
- Aircraft manufacturing
- Spacecraft manufacturing
- Aerospace research and development
- Airline industry
- Government agencies
Salary
The median annual salary for aerospace engineers is $115,840. The top 10% of earners make more than $168,270 per year. Salaries for aerospace engineers can vary depending on their experience, education, and employer.
Conclusion
Aerospace engineering is a challenging and rewarding career. Aerospace engineers play a vital role in the design, development, testing, and operation of aircraft and spacecraft. With the increasing demand for new aircraft and spacecraft, the job outlook for aerospace engineers is expected to be good over the next few years.
