Sphere of Work
Aerospace engineers design,
develop, test, maintain, and assist in the manufacture of different types of
aircraft, missiles, spacecraft, and other technologically advanced modes of
transport. Aerospace engineers in the field of aeronautical engineering work on
civilian and military aircraft, which may include helicopters, airliners,
fighter jets, missiles, and other airborne craft. Aerospace engineers in the
field of astronautically engineering work with satellites, rockets, and similar
space-bound technologies. Aerospace engineers focus on aerodynamics,
propulsion, hull composition, communications networks, and electrical systems.
Work Environment
Aerospace engineers typically
work in government or business offices, where they manage administrative tasks,
design models and schematics, and write reports. They also spend time working
in laboratories, industrial plants, and manufacturing facilities, where they
work with other technicians to assemble systems and aircraft. Those engineers
who work in astronautically engineering also work at launch facilities, while
aeronautical engineering typically requires spending time at noisy airfields.
Aerospace engineers generally work in several complex and busy locations over
the course of a project, with many separate activities taking place
simultaneously. They work a regular forty-hour workweek, although longer hours
may be required as deadlines draw near.
Occupation Interest
Aerospace engineers are part
of an exciting industry, one that helps develop high-speed trains, deep-sea
vessels, missiles/rockets, commercial airliners, and many other large aircraft
and spacecraft. They use the most advanced technology to design, build, test,
and maintain these vehicles. Because they have expertise unique to their field
and area of specialization, aerospace engineers receive highly competitive
salaries. The job market for aerospace engineers is continuously growing,
thanks to the sales of new aircraft and missiles, as well as growth in the
commercial airline construction industry.
A Day in the Life—Duties and Responsibilities
There are two basic types of
aerospace engineers aeronautical engineers (who focus on aircraft, missiles,
and other “earthbound” technologies) and astronautically engineers (who focus
on spacecraft and space exploration technologies). Both aeronautical and astronautically
engineers further specialize in certain types of products or product features.
Aerospace engineers create conceptual designs of aeronautical or astronautically
vehicles, instrumentation, defence systems, guidance and navigation systems,
and propulsion systems according to the specifications of the client. They also
improve the structural design of existing aircraft and spacecraft. Some
engineers specialize in innovating more sophisticated production methods. All
of these design and development processes include practical steps such as
analyzing production costs, developing quality control standards, and testing
methodologies, as well as establishing timelines for project development and
completion. During the course of construction and/or assembly, aerospace
engineers travel to the production site and conduct inspections and tests on
the systems to ensure that they are operating efficiently and according to the
needs of the client. Many aerospace engineers assist in the production phase,
integrating systems and examining components as they are being built.
When production is complete,
the aerospace engineer creates performance and technical reports so that
customers have a full knowledge of the vehicle’s capabilities. He or she
retains copies of such reports for future reference. In the event that the
vehicle or a vehicular system malfunctions, aerospace engineers play an
important role in the investigation, examining damaged parts and reviewing
performance reports and other documentation to determine the cause of the
malfunction.
Work Environment
Immediate Physical
Environment. Aerospace
engineers spend long hours working at drawing boards in offices but also
spend significant amounts of time working in laboratories, manufacturing
facilities, test facilities, and airfields. These locations are generally
clean, very well organized, and well ventilated. There are physical risks when
working with or in close proximity to machines, electricity, manufacturing
chemicals, and engines, so safety protocols are strictly enforced.
Human Environment
Aerospace engineers work with
many other professionals, including engineers with different specialties. They
interact with electricians, technicians, construction personnel, forklift and
other heavy machinery operators, physicists, chemists, and project managers.
Technological Environment
Aerospace engineers use a
variety of analytical tools and sophisticated technology in their daily work.
Computer-aided design (CAD) and computer-aided manufacturing (CAM)
software, as well as a variety of computer modelling and design programs, are
used for planning and design. Analytical and scientific software help aerospace
engineers to examine thermal patterns, complex mathematical formulas, and other
aspects of systems engineering. At test facilities, engineers use such tools as
flow meters, lasers, and vibration testing equipment.
Education, Training, and Advancement
High School/Secondary. High
school students who intend to become aerospace engineers should study
mathematics, including algebra, applied mathematics, trigonometry, calculus,
and geometry. Physics, chemistry, and other laboratory sciences are equally
important. Computer science courses expose high school students to design and
analytical software, while industrial arts courses expose them to mechanical
equipment, such as engines and electrical systems. High school students
interested in the field of aerospace engineering must apply to related college
or university programs.
Postsecondary
All aerospace engineers must
have at least a bachelor’s degree in engineering. Most obtain a master’s degree
or a doctorate in engineering, mathematics, or natural sciences. Some
universities and colleges offer two- and four-year degrees in engineering
technology. These programs give students direct exposure to applied
engineering, which is useful for future design and production work.
