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Aerospace Engineer

Do you want to become a Aerospace Engineer? Here is some information to help point you in the right direction:

Job Description - Print Page

Aerospace engineers research, design, manufactures and maintain aircraft and space vehicles.

They work on airframes, hydraulics and pneumatics, engines and fuel systems and control and communications systems for planes, missiles, satellites and spacecraft.

The work of an aerospace engineer could involve:

• research - to solve complex engineering problems caused by weight, altitude, temperature and engine performance
• design - turning ideas into the plans for a product. Design can range from producing a single component to a whole aircraft engine
• manufacture - making, modifying and assembling parts of an aircraft
• maintenance - ensuring aircraft are safe and fully operational.

Engineers normally work 37 to 40 hours a week, but hours can be longer to meet deadlines. Engineers involved in research and design will usually work in laboratories and research centres, but all engineers will also visit factory production areas. They also have to visit aircraft at airfields.

Salaries range from around £17,000 to more than £45,000 a year.

Aerospace engineers need:

• to be good at engineering, maths and computing
• to have a logical approach to solving problems
• to have good team-working skills.

Most work for aircraft manufacturing companies, airline operators and the Armed Forces. Other employers include Government departments and agencies, and regulatory authorities like the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).

An aeronautical engineering degree is the most usual route into the career. Although it is possible to begin training for craft or technician-level jobs straight from school with good GCSEs/S grades in English, maths and science (preferably physics), most aerospace engineers study full time at university or college. Adults with relevant experience are usually welcomed.

Experienced aerospace engineers are usually either incorporated or chartered engineers and it is worth getting as much training and as high a level of qualifications as possible.

Promotion could be to senior engineering posts or management roles. There are also opportunities overseas or to work independently as a consultant.

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