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

Oct 27, 2022 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Aerospace Software Engineers are responsible for designing and developing software that powers air and space vehicles, such as airplanes and rockets. Their work has a direct effect on the safety and efficiency of these vehicles. As a result, Aerospace Software Engineers must be highly knowledgeable in coding and mathematics to ensure their software is dependable and error-free.

This requires a deep understanding of engineering principles, principles of flight, aerospace systems and regulations, and computer-aided design software. The success of any aerospace software project is also dependent upon the engineers ability to properly collaborate with other engineers, scientists, and technicians. Therefore, Aerospace Software Engineers must have strong interpersonal skills and be able to effectively communicate with people across multiple disciplines to successfully complete their projects.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a Bachelor's Degree in Software Engineering or Computer Science. In order to become an aerospace software engineer, you must first obtain a bachelor's degree in software engineering or computer science from an accredited college or university. During the course of your studies, you should focus on courses related to software design, programming languages, systems architecture, and software engineering principles.
Gain Experience. After graduating from college, you can gain valuable experience by participating in internships or working as a software engineer for a company in the aerospace industry. This will give you the opportunity to learn the industry and apply your newly acquired knowledge to real-world projects.
Obtain Certification. While certification is not required to become an aerospace software engineer, obtaining certification can help you stand out from other job applicants and demonstrate your commitment to the industry. The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) offers certification programs for software engineers specializing in the aerospace industry.
Stay Up to Date. The aerospace industry is constantly changing and evolving. You must stay up-to-date on the latest developments in software engineering, as well as any changes happening in the aerospace industry. This can be done by attending conferences, reading industry publications, and participating in online forums.
Network. Finally, it is important to build relationships with other software engineers in the aerospace industry. This will allow you to stay current with trends, make valuable connections, and get advice from experienced professionals.

As an aerospace software engineer, staying ahead and efficient requires dedication to staying up-to-date with the latest technology and tools, as well as understanding the business and legal implications of the software you create. By taking the time to research the available options, and keeping on top of the newest trends in the profession, you will be able to stay ahead of the competition and remain efficient in your work. Additionally, having a strong understanding of the unique challenges of aerospace engineering, such as safety and reliability, will help you to create better solutions that anticipate potential problems. Furthermore, investing in the right software tools and platforms, as well as creating a streamlined development process with clear communication between team members, will help you ensure a successful end-product.

You may want to check Aerospace Design Engineer, Aerospace Systems Engineer, and Aerospace Electrical Engineer for alternative.

Job Description

Design and develop aerospace software systems for aircraft, satellites and ground control systems.
Develop and maintain software applications and systems for aerospace systems, including navigation, communication and control functions.
Analyze user needs and develop software solutions.
Create technical specifications and test plans.
Troubleshoot and debug applications.
Implement software development best practices and standards.
Work with other engineers, technicians and project managers to ensure successful integration of software systems.
Ensure compliance with safety standards including FAA and other regulatory requirements.
Monitor system performance and troubleshoot any issues that arise.
Develop software documentation to support the software development process.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Expertise in aerospace engineering principles and methods
Knowledge of aerodynamic and structural design principles
Ability to design, develop, implement, and maintain aerospace software systems
Expertise in computer programming languages such as C++, Java, and MATLAB
Knowledge of systems engineering and architecture
Ability to work collaboratively with a team of engineers
Understanding of aircraft control systems
Knowledge of real-time software development
Ability to troubleshoot and debug software systems
Proficiency in software development tools and methodologies
Experience in system integration, testing, and validation
Familiarity with safety-critical software development processes
Understanding of aircraft certification requirements

Having a strong background in software engineering is essential for aerospace software engineers as they must be able to design, develop, and implement complex software systems. In addition to having a good understanding of programming languages, software engineering knowledge requires a deep understanding of the principles of software engineering and how to apply them to create effective software solutions. This includes an understanding of design patterns, object-oriented programming, data structures, algorithms, debugging, and testing.

Furthermore, aerospace software engineers must be able to work with other professionals, such as engineers and pilots, to ensure their software designs meet the needs of the aircraft and to maintain safety and reliability. Finally, aerospace software engineers must also have excellent communication skills to effectively collaborate with other professionals and explain their software solutions.

Aerospace Continuous Improvement Manager, Aerospace Manufacturing Technician, and Aerospace Parts Specialist are related jobs you may like.

Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have working with aerospace software engineering?
What challenges have you faced while working on software engineering projects in the aerospace industry?
How do you stay up to date on the latest software engineering technologies and trends?
Describe your experience using simulation and modeling software tools.
What steps do you take when debugging a software problem?
Describe a project you worked on that tested the endurance of aerospace software.
How do you ensure that software is secure and reliable?
Describe a time when you had to work with others to complete a complex software engineering project.
How do you balance customer needs with engineering requirements?
What strategies do you use to ensure code maintainability?

Common Tools in Industry

MATLAB. A high-level programming language used for numerical computing and visualization. (Eg: modeling and simulating aircraft control systems)
C++. A powerful and versatile programming language used for developing software applications. (Eg: developing embedded systems for aircraft avionics)
Python. A general-purpose interpreted programming language used for scripting and automation. (Eg: writing scripts to automate aircraft system testing)
RT-LAB. An integrated environment for real-time simulation and hardware-in-the-loop testing. (Eg: testing aircraft motor control systems)
Aldec Riviera PRO. A hardware-assisted verification solution for embedded systems design. (Eg: validating aircraft system-on-chip designs)
DOORS. A requirements management tool used to capture and trace customer requirements. (Eg: ensuring aircraft system designs meet customer requirements)
DO-178B/C. A set of guidelines and software assurance standards used in aerospace software development. (Eg: ensuring aircraft software is safe and reliable)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE)
American Society for Engineering Education (ASEE)
International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE)
American Astronautical Society (AAS)
Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS)
International Association for the Advancement of Space Safety (IAASS)
National Space Society (NSS)
Aerospace Industries Association (AIA)

We also have Aerospace Structural Engineer, Aerospace Production Supervisor, and Aerospace Logistics Analyst jobs reports.

Common Important Terms

Flight Dynamics. The study of the motion of an aircraft, rocket, or other object in flight, focusing on aerodynamic forces, such as lift, thrust, drag, and weight.
Aerodynamics. The study of forces and the resulting motion of objects through air or other gases.
Control Theory. The study of how to control the behavior of dynamical systems. This includes the study of feedback control systems, non-linear control systems, and optimal control systems.
Propulsion Systems. The study of how to provide thrust to an aircraft or other object, such as a rocket. This includes the study of combustion engines, turbines, and hybrid propulsion systems.
Structural Mechanics. The study of how to design and analyze the strength and stiffness of aircraft structures and components.
Avionics. The study of the electronic systems used in aircraft for navigation, communication, and other purposes.
Systems Engineering. The practice of designing, developing, and maintaining complex systems. This includes the integration of different subsystems and components into a cohesive system.
Software Engineering. The practice of designing, developing, and maintaining software applications. This includes the use of development models such as agile and waterfall software development life cycles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Aerospace Software Engineering?

Aerospace Software Engineering is a specialized field of engineering that focuses on the design, development, implementation, testing, and maintenance of software systems for aerospace applications.

What qualifications are needed to become an Aerospace Software Engineer?

To become an Aerospace Software Engineer, you typically need an undergraduate degree in computer science, engineering, or a related field, as well as experience in software development, coding, and design.

What types of tasks do Aerospace Software Engineers do?

Aerospace Software Engineers typically work on tasks such as designing, coding, testing, debugging, and maintaining software systems used in aerospace systems. They may also work on technical documentation, system integration, and performance optimization.

What is the salary range for Aerospace Software Engineers?

The salary range for Aerospace Software Engineers can vary based on experience and location, but the median salary is around $90,000 per year.

What professional organizations are available for Aerospace Software Engineers?

There are several professional organizations available for Aerospace Software Engineers, including the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA), the International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE), and the International Society for Computational Engineering and Sciences (ISCES).