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

Jan 26, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Aerospace Electrical Engineers are responsible for the design and implementation of electrical systems in aircraft and spacecraft. They use their knowledge of electrical engineering to develop innovative technologies for the aerospace industry. This includes creating components such as circuits, power systems, avionics and communications equipment.

By doing so, they help ensure safe, efficient, and reliable operation of aircraft and spacecraft. As a result, Aerospace Electrical Engineers play a vital role in advancing the aerospace industry. Their efforts have led to improved safety features, increased reliability, and the development of new technologies such as autonomous vehicles.

In addition, Aerospace Electrical Engineers have helped make space exploration more accessible by helping to develop smaller satellites and other technology that can survive in the harsh environment of space.

Steps How to Become

Earn a Bachelor's Degree. An aspiring aerospace electrical engineer must first earn a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. A bachelor's degree program in electrical engineering will provide a solid foundation in mathematics and physics, as well as in the design, development, and testing of electrical systems.
Pursue a Master's Degree. Many aerospace electrical engineering positions require at least a master's degree in electrical engineering or a related field. A master's degree program would provide more advanced training in topics such as computer-aided design, engineering systems, and electronics design.
Obtain Professional Certification. Professional certification is available to qualified engineers and can demonstrate expertise in the field. Certification options include the Professional Engineer (PE) license, the Certified Electronics Technician (CET) certification, and the Certified Aerospace Electrical Engineer (CAEE) certification.
Gain Work Experience. Aerospace electrical engineers typically need to have a few years of experience before they can be considered for an advanced position. Working as an intern or entry-level engineer can provide valuable experience and help build the necessary skills and knowledge needed to become an aerospace electrical engineer.
Join a Professional Organization. Joining a professional organization is a great way to stay up-to-date on the latest developments in the field. Organizations such as the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) or the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) provide members with access to resources, conferences, and networking opportunities.

The aerospace electrical engineering field is constantly evolving and as such, engineers must stay up-to-date on the latest technologies, standards, and regulations in order to remain qualified. Keeping up with the current trends, regulations, and best practices can be achieved by attending conferences, reading professional journals, and completing online courses. Additionally, engineers should take advantage of networking opportunities with colleagues in the industry to stay informed. By staying up-to-date and knowledgeable on the latest developments in the field, engineers can ensure that their qualifications remain current and that they remain productive and successful in their roles.

You may want to check Aerospace Process Engineer, Aerospace Engineer Technician, and Aerospace Production Technician for alternative.

Job Description

Design and develop electrical systems and components for aerospace applications.
Prepare technical reports and presentations to document and explain system and component designs.
Establish requirements, design, integration, test, and certification of airborne electronic systems.
Develop electrical schematics, diagrams, layouts, and wiring diagrams.
Develop and maintain system-level design and test documentation.
Interface with external vendors, suppliers, and customers to ensure successful product development.
Conduct engineering analysis to evaluate the performance of electrical systems and components under various conditions.
Design and implement software algorithms for embedded systems.
Develop test plans, procedures, and reports to verify system performance and integrity.
Maintain a safe working environment by adhering to safety regulations and best practices.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of aerospace electrical system design
Ability to analyze and troubleshoot electrical systems
Experience with aircraft wiring and avionics
Proficiency in aircraft system integration and testing
Understanding of aircraft electrical power systems
Ability to read and interpret schematics and wiring diagrams
Knowledge of FAA regulations and standards
Familiarity with AutoCAD, SolidWorks, and MATLAB
Excellent problem-solving and critical thinking skills
Strong written and verbal communication skills

Aerospace Electrical Engineering is a demanding field that requires an array of skills in order to be successful. The most important skill for an Aerospace Electrical Engineer is problem-solving. Being able to troubleshoot and find solutions to complex technical issues requires a deep understanding of electrical engineering principles, as well as the ability to think critically and creatively.

strong communication and interpersonal skills are essential for any Electrical Engineer, as they must be able to collaborate and work effectively with other professionals from various disciplines. Technical competence in programming, software engineering, and computer-aided design are also important competencies needed to develop complex systems. Finally, a strong attention to detail and organizational skills is essential, as Aerospace Electrical Engineers must ensure that their designs meet safety, reliability, and performance requirements.

Without these skills, an Aerospace Electrical Engineer will be unable to effectively manage projects and ensure the successful completion of their work.

Aerospace Structures Technician, Aerospace Mechanical Engineer, and Aerospace Software Engineer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with aerospace electrical systems?
How do you ensure safety and accuracy when dealing with wiring, components and other electrical systems?
Describe your experience in troubleshooting, diagnosing, and repairing electrical systems.
What challenges have you faced while developing and maintaining aerospace electrical systems?
How have you kept up to date with the latest technologies and regulations related to aerospace electrical engineering?
What have been some of your most successful projects involving aerospace electrical engineering?
What do you think are the most important considerations when designing an aerospace electrical system?
How would you go about implementing an effective quality assurance process for an aerospace electrical system?
How do you approach problem solving for complex electrical systems?
Describe your experience with project management for aerospace electrical engineering projects.

Common Tools in Industry

Autodesk EAGLE. A PCB design automation software used to create and modify schematic designs (eg: creating wiring diagrams).
MathCAD. A mathematical analysis application used to develop, analyze, and document engineering calculations (eg: calculating power requirements).
MATLAB. A high-level computing language and environment used for numerical computation and visualization (eg: plotting flight trajectories).
SolidWorks. A 3D CAD design software used for creating and editing parts, assemblies, and drawings (eg: designing aircraft components).
Siemens NX. A parametric 3D modeling software used for creating 3D models and assemblies (eg: designing aircraft structures).
COMSOL Multiphysics. A simulation software used for modeling and simulating physical phenomena (eg: analyzing electrical current flow in a circuit).
LabVIEW. A graphical programming language used to build virtual instruments (eg: controlling a robotic arm).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
The American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
Aerospace Industries Association (AIA)
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE)
International Federation of Automatic Control (IFAC)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
Society of Flight Test Engineers (SFTE)

We also have Aerospace Research Scientist, Aerospace Quality Assurance Analyst, and Aerospace Project Coordinator jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Avionics. The branch of aerospace engineering that deals with the design and operation of aircraft electrical and electronic systems.
Autopilot. An aircraft control system that automatically controls the aircraft's flight path.
Navigation System. A system used to determine the position, direction, and speed of an aircraft or spacecraft.
Inertial Guidance System. An aircraft navigation system that uses accelerometers and gyroscopes to provide information about the aircraft's position and attitude in relation to the Earth.
Radar. A device used to detect objects, such as aircraft and ships, by emitting radio waves and measuring the reflected energy.
Communication System. A system used to exchange information, such as voice or data, between two or more locations.
Flight Control System. A system of mechanical and/or electronic components used to regulate the motion of an aircraft.
Electrical Power System. A system that provides electrical power to an aircraft.
Propulsion System. A system used to provide thrust for an aircraft.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is an Aerospace Electrical Engineer?

An Aerospace Electrical Engineer is a professional specialized in designing, manufacturing, testing, and maintaining the electrical systems used in aircraft and spacecraft.

What skills are required to become an Aerospace Electrical Engineer?

To be successful in this field, an Aerospace Electrical Engineer should possess strong knowledge of electrical engineering fundamentals, as well as skills in mathematics, physics, programming, and computer-aided design (CAD).

What types of projects do Aerospace Electrical Engineers typically work on?

Aerospace Electrical Engineers typically work on projects related to the electrical components of aircraft and spacecraft, such as avionics systems, navigation systems, and communications systems.