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

Aug 1, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

How to Become

Professional Organizations

FAQ

Links

Aerospace Mechanical Engineers are responsible for designing and developing the mechanical components of aircraft and spacecraft. Their work helps ensure the safety and efficiency of aircraft and spacecraft, as well as creating systems that are durable, reliable, and cost-effective. The cause-and-effect relationship between the work of Aerospace Mechanical Engineers and the aerospace industry is clear: without their expertise, aircraft and spacecraft would not be able to fly safely and reliably.

The effects of their work can be seen in many areas, including minimized fuel consumption, improved performance, reduced operation costs, and prolonged product life cycles. their knowledge of materials science and manufacturing processes helps the aerospace industry advance its capabilities in the development of new technologies.

Steps How to Become

Earn a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or a related field such as mechanical engineering. Aerospace engineering programs often focus on aircraft and spacecraft design, propulsion systems, and aerodynamics.
Complete an internship. Internships in aerospace engineering are available through universities and aerospace companies. These internships provide valuable experience that can help you gain a better understanding of the field and prepare you for a career in aerospace engineering.
Consider becoming a Certified Aerospace Engineer (CAE). The CAE is a professional designation that is recognized by employers in the aerospace industry. It is not required to become an aerospace engineer, but it can help you stand out in the job market.
Pursue a master's degree or doctorate in aerospace engineering if you want to specialize in a particular area or research project.
Get a job in the aerospace industry. Aerospace engineers work for companies that design, build, and maintain aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles. They may also be employed by government agencies, research institutions, and universities.
Consider certification or licensure. Depending on the state or country where you work, you may need to be licensed to practice engineering. You may also need to take additional exams to become certified in certain areas of aerospace engineering.

The aerospace mechanical engineer plays a critical role in the design and optimization of aircraft components. By using advanced engineering principles, the engineer is able to create designs that are both lightweight and strong, as well as efficient in terms of fuel use. This helps to reduce costs for aircraft operators, as well as to improve safety by minimizing the risk of failure or malfunction.

The engineer also works to optimize existing designs and components, by testing them and analyzing the results to identify areas of improvement. they are responsible for ensuring that the materials used in the construction of aircraft components meet the highest standards of quality and reliability. the ideal and efficient aerospace mechanical engineer is one that combines technical know-how with creative problem-solving skills to create designs that are reliable, efficient, and cost-effective.

You may want to check Aerospace Test Pilot, Aerospace Maintenance Technician, and Aerospace Scheduler for alternative.

Job Description

Research and develop design concepts for aerospace systems and components.
Develop plans and specifications for aerospace systems and components.
Perform stress analysis, fatigue analysis, and failure analysis of aerospace systems and components.
Design and conduct testing on aerospace systems and components.
Develop and refine manufacturing processes for aerospace systems and components.
Monitor the quality of aerospace systems and components.
Analyze system performance using computer simulations and mathematical models.
Investigate field performance of aerospace systems and components.
Develop methods to improve the safety, performance, and efficiency of aerospace systems and components.
Design and implement maintenance schedules for aerospace systems and components.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Project management
Design engineering
Stress analysis
Mechanical systems analysis
Structural design
Solid modeling
CAD/CAM programming
Material selection
Finite element analysis
Thermal analysis
Fluid mechanics
Flight dynamics
Aerospace propulsion systems
Composites manufacturing
Lean manufacturing processes
Quality control and assurance
Robotics and automation
Aerospace systems integration
Aircraft maintenance and inspection
Regulatory compliance and safety

Aerospace Mechanical Engineers are responsible for the design, analysis, and testing of complex aerospace systems. As such, a key skill for success in this field is the ability to think critically and solve complex problems. This requires an understanding of mathematics, physics, and engineering principles, as well as a deep understanding of aerospace technology and components.

In order to effectively solve problems, Aerospace Mechanical Engineers must also have strong communication and teamwork skills, as they often work in collaboration with other engineers and professionals. an Aerospace Mechanical Engineer must have strong problem-solving skills to identify problems and find the best solutions for them. By combining all of these skills, Aerospace Mechanical Engineers are able to design and develop high-quality aerospace systems with the highest safety standards.

Aerospace Production Technician, Aerospace Assembly Technician, and Aerospace Technician are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with aerospace mechanical engineering systems and components?
How would you prioritize tasks when presented with multiple deadlines?
Describe a time when you improved a design or process related to aerospace engineering.
What challenges have you faced in previous aerospace engineering projects?
Describe a project on which you have worked that showcases your engineering skills.
What do you think are the most important qualities for an aerospace mechanical engineer to have?
Are you comfortable working with CAD software and other engineering tools?
How do you ensure accuracy and quality in your work?
What methods do you use to stay up-to-date with advancements in aerospace engineering?
How do you collaborate with other departments or teams to complete projects?

Common Tools in Industry

CAD Software. Computer-Aided Design software used to create 3D models and drawings of mechanical components and systems. (eg: Autodesk Inventor)
FE Analysis Software. Finite Element Analysis software used to simulate how a mechanical system will behave under various conditions. (eg: ANSYS)
Stress Analysis Software. Software used to analyze the stresses, strains, and fatigue of components and systems. (eg: ALGOR FEA)
CFD Software. Computational Fluid Dynamics software used to analyze the flow of fluids around components or systems. (eg: OpenFOAM)
CAM Software. Computer-Aided Manufacturing software used to create instructions for CNC machines to manufacture components. (eg: Mastercam)
3D Printing Software. Software used to prepare 3D models for printing on 3D printers. (eg: Cura)
Robotics Programming Software. Software used to program robotic systems. (eg: Robot Operating System)
Machine Learning Software. Software used to develop and program machine learning algorithms. (eg: TensorFlow)
Material Selection Software. Software used to select materials based on design criteria such as strength, weight, cost, etc. (eg: Granta Design CES Selector)
Optimization Software. Software used to optimize the design of components or systems. (eg: ModeFrontier)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
American Society of Mechanical Engineers (ASME)
National Society of Professional Engineers (NSPE)
American Society for Quality (ASQ)
American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)
American Helicopter Society (AHS)
International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE)
Institute of Electrical and Electronic Engineers (IEEE)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)

We also have Aerospace Program Analyst, Aerospace Machinist, and Aerospace Component Engineer jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Stress Analysis. The process of determining the stresses and strains (both static and dynamic) on an object or structure due to external loads.
Finite Element Analysis (FEA). A numerical technique used to model the effects of loads on a structure or material.
Structural Dynamics. The study of the dynamic behavior of structures under the influence of forces or vibrations.
CAD (Computer Aided Design). The use of computer-aided design software to create and modify objects in two or three-dimensional space.
Stress-Strain Diagrams. Graphs which illustrate how a material responds to a given load or force, as well as its maximum capacity for carrying that load or force.
Material Science. The study of materials and their properties, as well as how they interact with each other, with their environment, and with the forces they experience.
Fluid Mechanics. The study of the behavior of fluids in motion and at rest, including its laws and principles.
Aerospace Manufacturing. The process of designing, producing, and testing aerospace-related parts and components for use in aircraft, spacecraft, and other related applications.
Avionics. The electronics systems used on aircraft, such as navigation, communication, and autopilot systems.
Aerodynamics. The study of how air interacts with moving objects, such as aircraft and spacecraft.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: What is an Aerospace Mechanical Engineer? A1: An Aerospace Mechanical Engineer is a professional who designs, develops, tests, and maintains aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems and components. Q2: What qualifications are required? A2: Qualifications for Aerospace Mechanical Engineers typically include a Bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering or a related field, as well as practical experience and knowledge of aerospace systems and components. Q3: What type of work do Aerospace Mechanical Engineers do? A3: Aerospace Mechanical Engineers typically work on the design, development, and testing of aircraft, spacecraft, and related systems and components. This may include components such as engines, airframes, propellant systems, landing gear, fuel tanks, and other related systems. Q4: What are the average salaries for Aerospace Mechanical Engineers? A4: According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for Aerospace Mechanical Engineers was $116,900 in May 2019. Q5: What are the job prospects for Aerospace Mechanical Engineers? A5: Job prospects for Aerospace Mechanical Engineers are expected to be good, with an estimated 5% job growth through 2028.

Web Resources

USC Viterbi | Department of Aerospace ame.usc.edu
Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering | The University of Arizona www.ame.arizona.edu
Mechanical Engineering - UTEP www.utep.edu