what is an aerospace engineer?
Have you ever dreamed of helping mankind soar through the stars or fly across the world in hours? An aerospace engineer job lets you turn this dream into a career. As an aerospace engineer, you are responsible for the products used for spacecraft or aircraft. This complex job allows you to create the systems and equipment people use for flight. Depending on your job, you may do things like design, test, or build aerospace equipment. Aerospace engineers work on items such as satellites, aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. They also make and use the systems and software used to guide these items.
This job is in demand in several different industries. Some aerospace engineers work for manufacturers who make aircraft. Others work for government agencies involved in space exploration. You can find jobs at companies that produce weapons, or you could even end up with a job in the military.
astronautical engineering vs. aeronautical engineering
The aerospace engineering field is divided into two subcategories. Astronautical engineering is engineering that focuses on spacecraft. Meanwhile, aeronautical engineering focuses on flights that take place inside the atmosphere. Many aerospace engineers participate in both categories, but some may specialize in a single field.
Would working as an aerospace engineer suit your interest? Then read on to find out what competencies and qualifications you need to thrive in an aerospace engineer role.
view jobs near youaverage aerospace engineer salary
Due to the high amount of training required to perform this job, it pays a fairly high amount of money. Aerospace engineers earn an average of $122,270 per year according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). There is some variation in salary, so some people make as low as $77,000 or as high as $168,000. Even if you're one of the lowest-paid aerospace engineers, you still end up making well above the national average.
factors that impact your salary
If you're interested in earning a higher salary, there are several things you can do. First of all, pay close attention to who is offering the job. Large corporations tend to pay quite a lot. You earn more if you have the extra training and education needed to take on larger projects. Aerospace engineers also earn a higher salary when they work in these fields:
- research and development
- aerospace product manufacturing
- arms and defense production
- federal government service
Wondering what you can earn as an aerospace engineer? Find out immediately with the Randstad salary checker! You can quickly and easily see what the average salary of an aerospace engineer is.
types of aerospace engineers
Different aerospace engineers specialize in different fields. The field you work in will have an impact on the type of job you can get and the industry you work in. Some common specializations for aerospace engineers include:
- aerodynamics and fluid mechanics
- aircraft control
- aircraft propulsion
- composite materials
- spacecraft engineer
- structural dynamics and aeroelasticity
- thermodynamics
People also categorize aerospace engineers based on whether they're junior or senior employees. Senior engineers often lead projects or work independently. Meanwhile, junior employees are aerospace engineers who work under a supervising engineer.
working as an aerospace engineer
This career can be both challenging and rewarding. Discover what you could expect if you work as an aerospace engineer.
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aerospace engineer job description
The answer to, "What does an aerospace engineer do?" will vary wildly depending on what job you work at. Almost every aerospace engineer's day consists of solving problems, analyzing project requirements, and coming up with solutions. However, the sorts of projects you're completing depend on your job. Here are some examples of the types of tasks you encounter as an aerospace engineer.
every aerospace engineer's day consists of solving problems, analyzing project requirements, and coming up with solutions. However, the sorts of projects you're completing depend on your job. Here are some examples of the types of tasks you encounter as an aerospace engineer.
- evaluating completed projects: You could perform stress tests on new products or examine them to see whether or not they meet product specifications. This can involve working with specialized equipment, running experiments, and testing items in real-world environments.
- providing technical support: Often, aerospace engineers are the ones who will be called when something goes wrong. Your employer could ask you to do things like see why a rocket launch failed or discover why an aircraft went in the wrong direction.
- collaborating with other teams: Aerospace engineers are usually just one small part of a large team working on a project. You'll do things like check up on other engineers to see whether they're complying with plans. Aerospace engineers provide a lot of technical guidance to less highly trained engineers.
- designing new products: Your skills help take items from concept to reality. Your employers might ask for things like a new system to guide missiles or a new component for a satellite. You'll then take this idea and figure out a practical way to implement it.
- producing new items: Engineers are often closely involved in the manufacturing process. You could use equipment and tools to build physical items yourself.
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aerospace engineer work environment
For many people, being an aerospace engineer is a desk job. A lot of your tasks are done on computers or with paperwork while sitting at a desk. Some aerospace engineers even work from home. However, some jobs involve some physical activity. Engineers often end up doing tests in fields, visiting busy factory floors, or working with equipment in lab environments. Expect to spend time moving around between different departments or even traveling to other branches. In some situations, you'll end up working in areas without HVAC or in environments that require protective gear.
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who are your colleagues?
Depending on your employer and the industry you work in, your colleagues can include other engineers like electrical engineers, civil engineers, and industrial engineers. You might also be working in close proximity to software developers, systems analysts, and other IT professionals. Aerospace engineers also work with other specialists who include, but are not limited to, data analysts, researchers, and meteorologists.
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work schedule
Being an aerospace engineer is a very busy job. Almost no one has a part-time aerospace engineer job. Instead, the majority of available positions are full-time. It's extremely common for aerospace engineers to work overtime as well. When you're trying to figure out a project before a deadline, you could end up working more than 12 hours a day.
During times when you're working overtime, your schedule can be quite varied. Many engineers end up working nights and weekends to get things finished. However, the standard aerospace engineer job is not a third-shift job. Your employers usually want you to come into the office during the day on weekdays. Jobs usually have some flexibility, so you don't have to clock in at specific times.
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job outlook for aerospace engineer
If you're looking for a job that still has a lot of opportunities in the future, this is a good choice. Aerospace engineers are responsible for a lot of major advancements in aviation and space exploration, so they're very in demand. The BLS predicts that aerospace engineer employment will grow by 6% in the next decade. You are likely to have more job growth than other engineering fields.
If you're interested in job advancement, you need to focus on getting education and training. Aerospace engineers who get promoted to managerial positions are typically those with a lot of expertise. Industry experts predict a growing interest in alternative fuel and automated spacecraft, so these may be promising areas to specialize in. Engineers with a working knowledge of sustainable energy and artificial intelligence will have a lot of jobs to choose from.
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benefits of working for randstad as an aerospace engineer
Working through Randstad offers you a range of benefits:
- being paid weekly
- flexibility
- always a contact person you can fall back on and ask for help from
- many training opportunities
- a range of jobs in your area
Want a permanent contract? But you wonder why it would be interesting for you to work with a staffing company? A temporary job as an aerospace engineer is often a stepping stone to an attractive permanent job. Every year, thousands of people earn a permanent contract with great employers thanks to a temporary job found through Randstad. What's more, many companies recruit their permanent employees through Randstad too!
aerospace engineer skills and education
This career requires a lot of training and education before you can get a job. The absolute minimum credential you will need is a bachelor's degree in engineering. However, it may be difficult to find jobs if you do not get a bachelor's specifically in aerospace engineering. Many aerospace engineering jobs even require candidates to have a master's degree or doctorate degree.
Having experience is also an important part of becoming an aerospace engineer. If you only have a general engineering degree, experience interning or working with an aerospace company can help you get more specialized knowledge. For senior-level positions, it's common for companies to require around five to ten years of experience as an aerospace engineer.
Licensing is not a requirement, but it's very useful. Aerospace engineers who have a bachelor's degree, have four years of experience, and pass several exams can get a professional engineer's (PE) license. Getting a license is important because it allows you to work independently. You could oversee others or complete projects without needing another PE to supervise you.
skills and competencies
Being an aerospace engineer involves a lot of mathematical, scientific, and technical skills. Depending on the job, your employer will need you to be skilled at several of these tasks:
- computer coding: Many employers request proficiency with computer programs like Python or Java.
- CAD software: Computer-assisted design programs, like AutoCAD, are essential tools for aerospace engineers.
- mathematics: Engineers use a lot of complex math, including differential equations, trigonometry, and calculus.
- physics: As an aerospace engineer, your employer may need you to do tasks that involve computational fluid dynamics or other types of physics and mechanics.
- team communication: Aerospace engineers usually work as a team, so you need to be able to communicate well with others. Good engineers explain their ideas to coworkers clearly, and they treat fellow employees in a polite and professional manner.
- problem-solving: Troubleshooting and bug-fixing are common tasks, so you need to be able to solve problems. Good aerospace engineers can stay calm, identify issues, and propose fixes.
- analysis: Strong analytical skills are essential for aerospace engineers. You need to be able to think conceptually and consider things logically.
FAQs about working as an aerospace engineer
Here you will find answers to the most frequently asked questions about aerospace engineers.
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do all aerospace engineers need security clearances?
The majority of aerospace engineers need to pass extensive background checks or maintain certain clearance levels with the U.S. Department of Defense. Avoiding criminal behavior or ties with problematic organizations will allow you to access more job options.
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can being an aerospace engineer get me a job at NASA?
If your career goal is to work at NASA, being an aerospace engineer is an excellent choice. They hire a lot of aerospace engineers to work on their projects. This prestigious institution usually only hires the best of the best, so you'll need a lot of training and experience.
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do aerospace engineers make six figures?
The majority of aerospace engineers make above $100,000 each year. You'll only make less than that if you're very new or work for a company that doesn't pay average wages.
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is being an aerospace engineer a hard job?
Being an aerospace engineer certainly requires a lot of effort. If you're willing to put in the work and study a lot, the job becomes much easier though. The right education prepares you for the complex tasks you'll do.
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what undergraduate degree is best for aerospace engineering?
If possible, you should aim for a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering. If no schools that you are interested in offer this degree, look for another engineering program. Mechanical engineering, computer engineering, and automotive engineering are all popular choices. You can also increase your ability to be hired with minors like astrophysics, computer science, or material sciences.
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how do I find a job as an aerospace engineer?
Applying for an aerospace engineer job is easy: create a Randstad profile and search our aerospace engineer jobs for vacancies in your area. Then simply send us your CV. If you do not have a resume, no worries. Just check out our resume builder. This state-of-the-art tool will help you to create your own resume. Need help with your application? Check out all our job-hunting tips!
submit your resume
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