What does an Aerospace Engineer do?
Aerospace engineers are responsible for designing and testing products that serve both the aeronautical and space industries. This role requires advanced materials knowledge and experience using specialized computer tools to draft designs for airplanes, helicopters, spacecraft, rockets, and other related machines.
Aerospace engineers require a Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, mathematics, or a similar science-based field of study. As many aerospace engineers work on government contracts, a security clearance is likely necessary. Security clearances can be acquired either through military service or through an employer. This role requires individuals with distinct math and other technical skills. Individuals should also be strongly detail-oriented.
- Receive design requests and draft designs
- Work collaboratively with team members to verify efficiency and functionality of designs
- Utilize drafting tools to test and verify designs
- Research and report on new technology implementations
- Coordinate with various departments and other staff on design projects
- Generate and deliver reports to managers and senior-level officers
- Travel to conferences and meetings related to ongoing and proposed projects
- Offer troubleshooting assistance to other engineers and staff
- Masters degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, physics, mathematics or related field may be preferable
- 1-3 years of experience of entry-level positions
- Confidental, Secret, or Top Secret security clearance may be required for government projects
- Advanced knowledge of aeronautical machines, including airplanes, rockets, spacecraft, helicopters, and UAVs
- Intermediate to expert-level background using CAD software, such as Solidworks, AutoCAD, or ProEngineer
- Proven experience working within different operating systems, including Windows, Linux, and MacOS
- Experience using computational software, such as MATLAB and Simulink
- Strong attention to detail and the ability to quickly and easily assess problems
- Ability to work collaboratively and seek assistance to solve problems
Aerospace Engineer Salaries
Average Base Pay
Aerospace Engineer Career Path
Learn how to become an Aerospace Engineer, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Aerospace Engineer Insights
Naval Air Systems Command“unlikely layoffs; promotions are almost automatic if you do your job and are good to work with.”
NASA“Not really any except the pay is not exceptional relative to other aerospace engineering internships.”
SpinLaunch“Inexperienced and unskilled engineering management.”
Rocket Lab“Awesome and innovative launch vehicle and spacecraft engineering.”
American Honda Motor“Good pay good job fun dream job”
Kuehne+Nagel“nice place to work and development”
SpaceX“good pay and bosses to work with”
Northrop Grumman“Great people to work with and really exciting work”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of an Aerospace Engineer
When working as an Aerospace Engineer, the most common skills you will need to perform your job and for career success are Written Communication, MATLAB, Security Clearance, Problem Solving and Systems Development.
- Mechanical Designer
- Design Engineer
- Mechanical Engineer
- Manufacturing Engineer
The most common qualifications to become an Aerospace Engineer is a minimum of a Bachelor's Degree and an average of 0 - 1 of experience not including years spent in education and/or training.