How to Be Aerospace Design Engineer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Mar 18, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Aerospace design engineers are responsible for the development of new aircraft and spacecraft. Their job involves creating and testing the technology and components necessary to make aerospace projects successful. By applying their knowledge of engineering principles, aerospace design engineers are able to create efficient and reliable aircraft and spacecraft designs.

This can have a positive effect on the industry by helping to reduce costs and improve safety standards. it also allows aerospace engineers to create innovative designs that can advance the technology of the industry, leading to increased efficiency and performance. All of these factors, when taken together, can lead to an improved aerospace industry and provide more opportunities for people within the field.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree. The first step to becoming an aerospace design engineer is to obtain a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, mechanical engineering, or a related field. This will provide you with the necessary education and training to pursue a career in aerospace design engineering.
Gain Work Experience. Once you have obtained your degree, you should gain experience in the field through internships or on-the-job training. This will allow you to develop an understanding of the engineering principles and processes used in aerospace engineering.
Obtain Certification. Many employers prefer to hire aerospace design engineers who have obtained certification from the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA). Certified aerospace engineers are recognized as having a higher level of knowledge and expertise than non-certified engineers.
Pursue Advanced Degrees. If you wish to advance your career, you may wish to pursue a master's or doctorate degree in aerospace engineering. These advanced degrees will give you the knowledge and skills necessary to take on more complex design projects.
Continue Professional Development. Aerospace design engineers should regularly attend conferences and seminars to keep up with the latest developments in the field. Additionally, they should stay abreast of new technologies and industry practices to ensure their designs are up-to-date.

The Aerospace Design Engineer must possess a combination of technical and creative skills in order to be successful. A strong foundation in engineering principles, mathematics, and physics is essential. They must be able to interpret technical data and develop creative solutions to complex problems.

Communication and interpersonal skills are also important, as the engineer must be able to collaborate with a variety of stakeholders. Furthermore, they must have the ability to think critically and make decisions based on an analysis of the data. A successful Aerospace Design Engineer must be highly skilled and competent in order to ensure the success of their projects.

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Job Description

Design and develop aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and related propulsion systems.
Research, analyze, and test design specifications for aerodynamic, structural, and operational characteristics.
Develop flight-testing procedures, analyze test data, and modify designs to optimize performance.
Research and develop new technologies for flight control systems, navigation systems, and communication systems.
Prepare reports and presentations to document findings and recommendations.
Monitor and evaluate performance of existing systems.
Establish methods for inspecting and maintaining aerospace systems.
Examine aircraft structures, engines, and related components to identify potential malfunctions.
Assist in the installation and maintenance of aerospace hardware and software.
Design aircraft components to meet safety, performance, and regulatory requirements.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of aerospace engineering principles and aerodynamics
Ability to analyze and design aircraft structures, components, and systems
Knowledge of aircraft materials, manufacturing processes, and assembly techniques
Ability to develop and evaluate aerospace design concepts
Strong problem-solving skills
Understanding of flight test techniques and instrumentation
Experience with computer-aided design (CAD) software
Familiarity with aircraft certification regulations
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Ability to work as part of a team

Aerospace Design Engineers must have a variety of skills to be successful in their field. One of the most important skills they must possess is the ability to think critically and solve problems. This involves having a deep understanding of the laws of physics, a solid grasp of mathematics, and an understanding of aerodynamics and aerospace engineering principles.

Aerospace Design Engineers must be creative and have excellent communications skills, as they will often be working with other teams and organizations. They must also be comfortable with computer-aided design (CAD) software as well as be proficient in programming languages like C++ and MATLAB. Finally, they must be able to design and analyze complex systems from start to finish, from conceptual design to post-flight analysis.

All of these skills are essential for Aerospace Design Engineers to perform their job successfully.

Aerospace Systems Engineer, Aerospace Parts Specialist, and Aerospace Process Technician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in aerospace design engineering?
What challenges have you faced in aerospace design engineering and how did you overcome them?
How would you prioritize tasks when designing a new aerospace system?
How do you stay up to date on advances in aerospace design engineering?
What design processes do you follow for aerospace engineering projects?
How do you handle competing demands and tight project deadlines?
Describe a successful project you have completed as an aerospace design engineer.
What do you think are the most important aspects of aerospace design engineering?
How have you improved existing aerospace systems?
How have you incorporated customer feedback into engineering designs?

Common Tools in Industry

Computer Aided Design (CAD) Software - Software used to create 3D models and drawings for aerospace engineering projects (eg. SolidWorks, AutoCAD).
Thermal Analysis Software - Software used to analyze the effects of temperature on components and systems (eg. COMSOL Multiphysics).
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) Software - Software used to simulate the behavior of complex systems, often with a high degree of accuracy (eg. ANSYS).
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) Software - Software used to simulate the flow of air and other fluids around an aircraft (eg. OpenFOAM).
Structural Analysis Software - Software used to analyze the strength and stability of aerospace structures (eg. ABAQUS).
Dynamic Simulation Software - Software used to simulate the performance of aircrafts in different conditions (eg. X-Plane).
Wind Tunnel Simulation Software - Software used to simulate wind tunnel tests for aircrafts (eg. Wind Tunnel Pro).
Flight Simulation Software - Software used to simulate flights in a realistic environment (eg. Microsoft Flight Simulator).

Professional Organizations to Know

Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA)
American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences (ICAS)
National Aeronautic Association (NAA)
Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS)
American Helicopter Society International (AHSI)
Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)
National Business Aviation Association (NBAA)
Women in Aviation International (WAI)

We also have Aerospace Program Planner, Aerospace Program Analyst, and Aerospace Manufacturing Engineer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Stress Analysis - The process of examining a structure, component, or system to determine the forces, moments, deflections, and deformations that occur when a load is applied.
Finite Element Analysis (FEA) - A numerical method for solving complex engineering problems that involve the distribution of forces across a structure.
Computational Fluid Dynamics (CFD) - A numerical approach to analyze the behavior of fluids and gases, and the forces that they exert on nearby objects.
Flight Dynamics - The study of the motion of an aircraft and its response to external forces and moments.
Aerodynamic Design - The use of mathematics, physics, and engineering to design aircraft parts and systems so they move efficiently through air or other fluids.
Aircraft Structural Design - The process of designing aircraft components and structures in order to meet specified performance requirements while minimizing weight.
System Integration - The process of connecting different systems together in order to achieve desired outcomes.
Pilot Interface Design - The use of sensors, controls, displays, and other features to increase the efficiency of pilots and aircraft operations.
Aircraft Certification - The process of ensuring that an aircraft meets the safety and performance requirements set by regulatory agencies.
Avionics System Design - The use of electronics and software to design aircraft systems such as navigation, communication, and flight control.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is the role of an Aerospace Design Engineer? A1: An Aerospace Design Engineer is responsible for designing and developing aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. They work to ensure that the design meets all safety and performance requirements. Q2: What qualifications are required to become an Aerospace Design Engineer? A2: To become an Aerospace Design Engineer, you often need a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or a related field. You may also need additional certifications or experience in the aerospace industry. Q3: What skills are necessary for an Aerospace Design Engineer? A3: An Aerospace Design Engineer should have strong analytical skills, the ability to think creatively, excellent problem-solving skills, and a thorough understanding of aerospace engineering principles. They should also be familiar with CAD software and other engineering tools. Q4: What are the typical tasks of an Aerospace Design Engineer? A4: Typical tasks of an Aerospace Design Engineer include designing components, developing prototypes, performing stress tests, analyzing results, and ensuring the design meets all safety and performance requirements. Q5: What is the average salary of an Aerospace Design Engineer? A5: According to PayScale, the average salary of an Aerospace Design Engineer ranges from $60,000 to $118,000 per year.