Aerospace Engineer
What's it like to be an Aerospace Engineer?
Aerospace Engineers use their engineering skills to design and build both aircraft and spacecraft for commercial, civilian, or military purposes. They are responsible for conceptualising, drafting, and planning how these aerial vehicles are built.
Tasks and duties
- Conceptualising, designing, and drafting plans for air vehicles.
- Assessing materials needed to ensure structural integrity.
- Recommending manufacturing guidelines for production efficiency.
- Working with other engineering disciplines and stakeholders in planning the manufacturing process.
- Staying updated on the advancements of flight technology in both air and space environments.
Their role in the design stage considers factors that can affect the flight. They use their knowledge of aerodynamics, avionics, materials science and structural analysis in the manufacturing process.
How to become an Aerospace Engineer
Becoming an Aerospace Engineer requires a strong understanding of mathematics and engineering. A comprehensive understanding of materials science may also be required if the role involves manufacturing. There are a number of specialised disciplines involved in aerospace engineering which may require additional advanced studies.
Complete an engineering degree in mechanical or aerospace engineering. This degree requires four years of study from a recognised university.
Take postgraduate studies such as a masters degree or a PhD in engineering. Having advanced credentials can improve your employability. This can take two to four years to complete.
Gain experience as an entry-level Aerospace Engineer and work your way up. Having experience planning, designing, and building UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicles) is a good way to build experience and utilise it in the production of larger vehicles.
Complement your engineering skill set with related sciences. These studies can involve fields of study such as general or applied physics, astronomy, meteorology and material science.
