Job profile: Aerospace engineer

Aerospace engineers tasks involve research, design, manufacture and maintaining aircraft and space vehicles.

What are the typical progression routes?

Job description - Aerospace Engineer

Aerospace engineers perform a variety of engineering work in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. They have detailed knowledge and understanding of current engineering applications, and have the practical skills and knowledge to put plans into practice.You will often find aerospace engineers designing and manufacturing aircraft, or maintaining existing ones. It is an exciting job that offers the opportunity to work on all types of civil and military aircraft, including fixed-wing and rotary aircraft as well as satellites. Engineers involved in research and design will usually work in laboratories and research centres, but all engineers will also visit factory production areas and aircraft at airfields.
 
Activities
  • Research complex engineering problems
  • Turning ideas into the plans for a product
  • Making, modifying and assembling parts of an aircraft
  • Ensuring aircraft are safe and fully operational
 
Competencies
  • Have a logical approach to problem solving
  • Have good numeracy and computing skills
  • Be able to read diagrams and drawings
  • Have a high level of engineering knowledge
  • Be keen to keep up to date with new developments and technology
 
What are the routes in?
Most Aerospace engineers study at university or college often doing a fulltime aeronautical engineering degree. However, 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. The requirement at this level usually calls for a first degree or BTEC HND/HNC in aeronautical engineering, avionics, air transport engineering (or a more general engineering degree). Access to Higher Education qualification may also be accepted for entry to certain courses that will allow you to gain the qualifications needed to become an Aerospace engineer. If experienced in a related field, you may be able to gain recognition of skills through Accredited Prior Learning (APL). There is also one-year foundation course available as an alternative open to candidates without a background in maths and science
 
There are a huge range of opportunities arising with private companies - from small and medium employers to multinational aerospace manufacturers and airline operators. Other employers include the Armed Forces, Government departments and agencies, and regulatory authorities like the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).Because aerospace engineers also work on maintaining and improving the vast fleets of older aircraft in service throughout the world it is very unlikely that they will find themselves out of work.
 
What is the work like?
Aerospace engineers involved in research and design will usually work in clean, quiet laboratories and research centres, but all engineers will also visit factory production areas. They will also have the opportunity of visiting aircraft at airfields, to inspect or test aircraft functions.Aerospace engineers can expect to work a 37 to 40 hour week. There are also excellent opportunities for travel and spending short periods away from home.