How to Find a Career in Aerospace Engineering
Overview
Aerospace engineering is a rewarding and challenging field that offers a variety of exciting opportunities. If you’re interested in a career in aerospace engineering, there are a few things you need to do to get started.
First, you need to earn a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from an accredited university. Once you have your degree, you can start looking for entry-level jobs in the field. Entry-level positions typically involve working on design, development, or testing of aerospace systems.
As you gain experience, you can move up to more senior positions, such as lead engineer or project manager. You may also choose to specialize in a particular area of aerospace engineering, such as aerodynamics, propulsion, or avionics.
Education
The first step to a career in aerospace engineering is to earn a bachelor’s degree in the field. There are many accredited aerospace engineering programs available at universities across the country.
In an aerospace engineering program, you will learn about the design, development, and testing of aerospace systems. You will also gain experience in aerodynamics, propulsion, and avionics.
Once you have completed your bachelor’s degree, you may choose to pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in aerospace engineering. A master’s degree can help you qualify for more advanced positions in the field, and a doctoral degree can prepare you for a career in research or teaching.
Experience
Once you have your degree, the next step is to gain experience in the field of aerospace engineering. Entry-level jobs typically involve working on design, development, or testing of aerospace systems.
You can gain experience through internships, co-ops, or entry-level positions. Internships and co-ops can provide you with valuable hands-on experience, and entry-level positions can help you build your skills and knowledge in the field.
As you gain experience, you can move up to more senior positions, such as lead engineer or project manager. You may also choose to specialize in a particular area of aerospace engineering, such as aerodynamics, propulsion, or avionics.
Job Outlook
The job outlook for aerospace engineers is bright. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of aerospace engineers will grow by 8% from 2019 to 2029, faster than the average for all occupations.
This growth is expected to be driven by the increasing demand for aerospace products and services, such as new aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles. Aerospace engineers will also be needed to maintain and upgrade existing aerospace systems.
Salary
The median annual salary for aerospace engineers was $111,830 in May 2020. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $70,430, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $167,220.
Salaries for aerospace engineers can vary depending on their experience, education, and location. Aerospace engineers working in the private sector typically earn higher salaries than those working in the government.
Conclusion
If you’re interested in a career in aerospace engineering, there are a few things you need to do to get started.
First, you need to earn a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering from an accredited university. Once you have your degree, you can start looking for entry-level jobs in the field. Entry-level positions typically involve working on design, development, or testing of aerospace systems.
As you gain experience, you can move up to more senior positions, such as lead engineer or project manager. You may also choose to specialize in a particular area of aerospace engineering, such as aerodynamics, propulsion, or avionics.
The job outlook for aerospace engineers is bright, and salaries are competitive. If you’re interested in a challenging and rewarding career, aerospace engineering may be the right field for you.
