Aerospace Engineering Career Information
Introduction
Aerospace engineering is a branch of engineering that deals with the design, development, testing, and operation of aircraft, spacecraft, and their systems. Aerospace engineers use their knowledge of aerodynamics, thermodynamics, and other engineering disciplines to design and build vehicles that can fly, operate in space, or both.
Education and Training
Aerospace engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or a related field, such as mechanical engineering or physics. Some employers may also require a master’s degree or doctorate.
Aerospace engineering programs typically include coursework in the following areas:
- Aerodynamics
- Thermodynamics
- Fluid mechanics
- Structures
- Control systems
- Propulsion
Aerospace engineers may also need to complete training in specific areas, such as flight testing or spacecraft operations.
Job Duties
Aerospace engineers typically perform the following job duties:
- Design and develop aircraft, spacecraft, and their systems
- Conduct research and testing to improve aircraft and spacecraft performance
- Analyze data and make recommendations for improvements
- Supervise the construction and testing of aircraft and spacecraft
- Work with other engineers, scientists, and technicians
Work Environment
Aerospace engineers typically work in offices, laboratories, and other indoor environments. However, they may also work outdoors at aircraft or spacecraft testing sites.
Aerospace engineers typically work full time. They may work overtime to meet deadlines or to resolve problems.
Salary
The median annual salary for aerospace engineers was $111,510 in May 2021. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $74,410, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $162,980.
Aerospace engineers who work for the federal government earn a salary that is determined by the General Schedule (GS) pay scale. The GS pay scale is based on the employee’s grade and step. Aerospace engineers typically start at the GS-7 level and can advance to the GS-15 level or higher.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for aerospace engineers is expected to be good over the next few years. The demand for aerospace engineers is expected to grow as the aerospace industry continues to expand.
There are a number of factors that are expected to contribute to the growth of the aerospace industry, including:
- The increasing demand for air travel
- The development of new technologies, such as electric aircraft and reusable rockets
- The growing need for spacecraft for both scientific and commercial purposes
Conclusion
Aerospace engineering is a challenging and rewarding career. Aerospace engineers have the opportunity to work on cutting-edge technologies and to make a difference in the world. If you are interested in a career in aerospace engineering, you should have a strong interest in mathematics, science, and technology.
