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

Aug 1, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

Aerospace engineers are responsible for the design, development and testing of aircrafts, spacecrafts, satellites and missiles. Their work has a direct and strong impact on the advancement of modern technology. By designing and developing aircrafts, they help to reduce air travel times, making it easier for people to reach their destinations faster.

In addition, the development of spacecrafts and satellites has enabled us to explore and study space in greater detail. Furthermore, the development of missiles has allowed for better defence systems, thus enhancing national security. All of these efforts have had a positive effect on society and the economy, making aerospace engineering an important field of study that is essential for the advancement of modern technology.

Steps How to Become

Earn a bachelors degree. Aerospace engineers typically need a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or another field of engineering or science related to aerospace systems.
Get hands-on experience. Aerospace engineering students typically gain practical experience through cooperative engineering programs.
Obtain a graduate degree. Some aerospace engineering jobs may require a masters degree, and a Ph. D. may be necessary for certain research and development positions.
Pass the Fundamentals of Engineering Exam. All 50 states and the District of Columbia require engineers who offer their services directly to the public to be licensed.
Consider becoming a Certified Aerospace Engineer (CAE). This certification is available through the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).
Get certified by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). FAA-certified aerospace engineers are required for certain positions in the aviation industry, such as aircraft design and aircraft certification.

The aerospace industry has seen a dramatic rise in the number of qualified engineers in recent years. This is due to the increasing demand for complex aircraft designs, as well as the advancements in technology which require a more specialized skill set. As a result, aerospace engineering has become a highly competitive field, and those who wish to enter the industry must possess a strong academic background and significant work experience.

In order to be an ideal aerospace engineer, one must have a deep understanding of aerodynamics, thermodynamics, and structural design, as well as proficiency in mathematics, physics, and computer programming. Furthermore, an aerospace engineer must also be able to think critically and be able to solve complex problems. By possessing these necessary qualifications, one can become a successful aerospace engineer and make a meaningful contribution to the industry.

You may want to check Petroleum Engineer, Structural Engineer, and Firmware/Software Design Engineers for alternative.

Job Description

Design and develop new aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles
Analyze and evaluate existing technologies to improve existing designs
Conduct research on aircraft structures, design specifications, and flight characteristics
Develop test plans and protocols to ensure aircraft safety and compliance
Create aerodynamic models to optimize aircraft performance
Develop materials and processes for aircraft manufacturing
Develop software systems for aerospace engineering projects
Monitor aerospace projects for budget and time constraints
Collaborate with other engineers to complete aerospace projects
Prepare technical reports and presentations for aerospace projects

Skills and Competencies to Have

Technical Skills: Knowledge of aerodynamics, propulsion systems, aircraft structures, aircraft materials, and aerospace engineering principles.
Problem Solving: Ability to identify and solve complex engineering problems.
Communication: Ability to communicate complex technical concepts effectively.
Project Management: Ability to manage projects and meet deadlines.
Research and Analysis: Ability to research and analyze data to make sound engineering decisions.
Critical Thinking: Ability to think critically and develop innovative solutions to complex problems.
Attention to Detail: Ability to pay attention to details and ensure accuracy in engineering work.
Teamwork: Ability to work effectively with a team to achieve results.
Leadership: Ability to lead teams and guide others towards success.
Computer Skills: Proficiency with computer programs used in aerospace engineering, such as CAD, MATLAB, and others.

Aerospace engineering is a challenging and rewarding field that requires a variety of skills. The most important skill for an aerospace engineer is problem-solving. Aerospace engineers must be able to identify problems, consider all possible solutions, and then figure out the best way to address the issue.

they must have a strong understanding of physics, mathematics, and computer science in order to accurately analyze data and create effective designs. They must also possess excellent communication skills in order to effectively collaborate with other engineers and technicians. Finally, aerospace engineers must have strong project management skills to ensure that projects are completed on time and within budget.

All of these skills are necessary in order to create safe and innovative aircraft designs that meet the needs of the industry.

Research Engineer, Industrial Engineer, and Reliability Engineer are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What do you know about the aerospace engineering profession?
What experience do you have in the design and development of aerospace systems?
What challenges have you faced in your past projects related to aerospace engineering?
How do you stay up to date on the advancements in aerospace engineering?
What processes do you use when developing new aerospace systems?
How have you worked with other departments to ensure the successful design and implementation of aerospace projects?
How have you managed competing deadlines and multiple projects in aerospace engineering?
How have you handled difficult conversations with clients or stakeholders in regards to aerospace projects?
What strategies have you employed to ensure the safety of an aerospace system?
How have you worked with engineers and other professionals to ensure the successful completion of aerospace projects?

Common Tools in Industry

Solidworks. 3D modeling software used to create and simulate parts and assemblies (eg: creating 3D models for aircraft components).
MATLAB. Numerical computing environment used for numeric computing and data visualization (eg: flight simulation and trajectory optimization).
ANSYS. Simulation software that enables engineers to simulate and analyze the performance of their designs (eg: stress analysis of aerospace components).
CATIA. 3D CAD/CAM software used for designing parts, assemblies, and systems (eg: designing aircraft fuselage and wings).
Star-CCM+. Computational fluid dynamics (CFD) software used to simulate fluid flow and heat transfer (eg: predicting the aerodynamic performance of a wing).
CFD-Post. Post-processing software used to visualize the results of CFD simulations (eg: viewing the flow field around an aircraft).
FEMAP. Finite element modeling software used to analyze structures, thermal effects, and vibration of aerospace components (eg: analyzing the structural performance of a space shuttle).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS)
American Astronautical Society (AAS)
International Council of the Aeronautical Sciences (ICAS)
International Astronautical Federation (IAF)
International Association for the Advancement of Space Safety (IAASS)
Women in Aerospace (WIA)
The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
International Space University (ISU)

We also have Mechanical Engineers, Sales Applications Engineer, and Nuclear Engineer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Aircraft Design. The process of designing and creating an aircraft that meets certain specifications and requirements.
Propulsion System. The system that provides the power for an aircraft, consisting of engines and related components such as fuel tanks, propellers, and exhaust systems.
Stress Analysis. The study of the stresses that occur in an aircraft's structure due to aerodynamic forces, inertia, and other factors.
Aerodynamics. The study of the interaction between air and objects in motion, such as aircraft, and how this affects their performance.
Flight Dynamics. The study of the forces that act on an aircraft in flight and how these forces affect its performance.
Aerospace Materials. The materials used to construct aircraft, such as aluminum, titanium, and composite materials.
Structural Design. The design of aircraft components to ensure they are strong enough to withstand the forces they will encounter in flight.
Avionics. The electronic systems used to control and monitor the operation of an aircraft.
Navigation. The use of navigation instruments and techniques to determine an aircraft's location and direction of flight.
Systems Engineering. The integration of all the components of an aircraft into a single system that meets the desired performance objectives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What degree is required for a career in Aerospace Engineering?

A bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering or a related engineering discipline is required for a career in Aerospace Engineering.

What type of environment does an Aerospace Engineer typically work in?

Aerospace Engineers typically work in office settings, research labs and production plants.

What is the average salary of an Aerospace Engineer?

The average salary of an Aerospace Engineer is approximately $111,802 per year.

What types of tasks do Aerospace Engineers typically perform?

Aerospace Engineers typically perform tasks such as researching, designing, developing, testing, and manufacturing aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, and other aerospace products and systems.

What type of organizations hire Aerospace Engineers?

Aerospace Engineers are typically hired by government agencies, aerospace manufacturers, research and development organizations, and consulting firms.