Aerospace Engineers
What is an Aerospace Engineer?
Aerospace Engineers are specialized engineers who design, analyze, and test aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems and equipment. They apply the principles of engineering, physics, and material science to develop innovative solutions for challenges in aerodynamics, structural design, propulsion, and avionics. These professionals work on a variety of projects, from commercial aircraft and military jets to satellites and space exploration vessels. Their work often involves extensive mathematics and highly technical computer-aided design (CAD) tools to ensure safety, efficiency, and reliability in flight operations. Aerospace Engineers may also engage in research and development to push the boundaries of what's possible in air and space travel, often collaborating with scientists, technicians, and project managers to bring their concepts to life.
Tasks
- Formulate mathematical models or other methods of computer analysis to develop, evaluate, or modify design, according to customer engineering requirements.
- Plan or conduct experimental, environmental, operational, or stress tests on models or prototypes of aircraft or aerospace systems or equipment.
- Formulate conceptual design of aeronautical or aerospace products or systems to meet customer requirements or conform to environmental regulations.
- Plan or coordinate investigation and resolution of customers' reports of technical problems with aircraft or aerospace vehicles.
- Write technical reports or other documentation, such as handbooks or bulletins, for use by engineering staff, management, or customers.
Technology Skills
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Analytical or scientific software
- MathWorks Simulink
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- Universal Technical Systems TK Solver
- Wolfram Research Mathematica
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Presentation software
- Microsoft PowerPoint
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Development environment software
- C
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Microsoft Visual Studio
- National Instruments LabVIEW
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Computer aided design CAD software
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- Dassault Systemes CATIA
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
- PTC Creo Parametric
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Object or component oriented development software
- C#
- C++
- Oracle Java
- Perl
Tools Used
- Aircraft flight simulators or trainers
- High end computer servers
- Vibration testers
- Aerospace cockpit display panels
- Signal generators
Knowledge
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Engineering and Technology
Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.
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Mathematics
Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
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Design
Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.
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Physics
Knowledge and prediction of physical principles, laws, their interrelationships, and applications to understanding fluid, material, and atmospheric dynamics, and mechanical, electrical, atomic and sub-atomic structures and processes.
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Computers and Electronics
Knowledge of circuit boards, processors, chips, electronic equipment, and computer hardware and software, including applications and programming.
Skills
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Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
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Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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Science
Using scientific rules and methods to solve problems.
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Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
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Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Abilities
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Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
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Deductive Reasoning
The ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.
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Inductive Reasoning
The ability to combine pieces of information to form general rules or conclusions (includes finding a relationship among seemingly unrelated events).
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Information Ordering
The ability to arrange things or actions in a certain order or pattern according to a specific rule or set of rules (e.g., patterns of numbers, letters, words, pictures, mathematical operations).
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Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
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Bachelor's degree
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Master's degree
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Associate's degree
Work Activities
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Working with Computers
Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
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Processing Information
Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
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Analyzing Data or Information
Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
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Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
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Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Detailed Work Activities
- Create models of engineering designs or methods.
- Test performance of electrical, electronic, mechanical, or integrated systems or equipment.
- Design electromechanical equipment or systems.
- Direct quality control activities.
- Prepare procedural documents.
Work Interests
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Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
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Realistic
Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.
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Conventional
Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$81620.0 - $188910.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.