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

Jun 6, 2020 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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The demand for Aerospace Test Engineers has been steadily increasing in recent years due to the need for more complex and reliable aircraft. This has been driven by the increasing complexity of the aerospace industry, as well as the ever-changing regulatory environment. Aerospace Test Engineers are responsible for testing aircraft components, systems and assemblies to ensure they meet safety, performance and reliability standards.

This requires a detailed understanding of aerodynamics, materials engineering, engine systems, avionics, software engineering and other related disciplines. To ensure the highest quality aircraft, Aerospace Test Engineers must use sophisticated test equipment and methods to simulate real-world conditions and test the various components. The results from these tests are then used by designers to create safe and reliable aircraft.

Steps How to Become

Start by earning a Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering, aeronautical engineering, or a related field. You may also choose to specialize in a particular aspect of aerospace engineering, such as aerodynamics, propulsion, or structures.
Consider gaining hands-on experience through internships or other industry-related opportunities while you are an undergraduate.
Pursue a graduate degree in aerospace engineering if you plan on working for the federal government or in research and development.
Take the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam and obtain licensure as a Professional Engineer (PE) if you wish to work in the field of aerospace engineering.
Obtain professional certification through organizations such as the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA).
Get a job as an aerospace test engineer. You may work in the private sector or in government laboratories to run tests on aircraft components and systems.
Stay up-to-date with developments in aerospace engineering by attending seminars, conferences, and workshops.

Staying updated and qualified as an aerospace test engineer requires continual learning and staying abreast of the latest advancements in the industry. Keeping up with new technologies, regulations, and safety standards is essential to performing effectively on the job. By attending training sessions and workshops, participating in conferences, and reading up on the latest industry news, professionals can stay informed about the latest developments.

This knowledge helps engineers understand the implications of their work and ensure that tests are conducted safely and accurately. regularly engaging in technical conversations with colleagues and staying up-to-date on certification requirements can help engineers stay qualified. staying updated and qualified as an aerospace test engineer requires dedication and commitment to ongoing education, which can pay off in terms of improved job performance and satisfaction.

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Job Description

Design and execute aerospace test plans to verify product performance and reliability.
Analyze test results and document findings for engineering teams.
Design and implement test tools and equipment to improve test efficiency and accuracy.
Develop, maintain, and troubleshoot aerospace test systems.
Work with engineers to identify test requirements and develop test plans.
Establish and maintain quality control processes for aerospace testing.
Utilize engineering principles to create test simulations for aerospace products.
Monitor and inspect aerospace components for quality assurance.
Evaluate new technologies in the aerospace industry and recommend solutions to improve testing methodology.
Generate reports on test results and other data to support engineering decisions.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Knowledge of aerospace engineering principles and design processes.
Proficiency in aerospace test planning and execution.
Understanding of flight test procedures and regulations.
Familiarity with aircraft systems, components, and operations.
Ability to maintain accurate test records and reports.
Experience with aircraft instrumentation and data acquisition systems.
Proficiency in computer programming languages such as C++ and MATLAB.
Understanding of aerodynamic principles and performance parameters.
Knowledge of mechanical and structural design principles.
Ability to troubleshoot problems with aircraft systems and components.
Excellent communication, problem-solving, and organizational skills.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

Aerospace Test Engineers play a critical role in the aerospace industry, as they are responsible for ensuring that aerospace systems are safe and reliable. Therefore, the most important skill for an Aerospace Test Engineer to have is the ability to identify potential risks and develop effective test strategies to mitigate them. This requires a strong technical background in mathematics, engineering, and physics; knowledge of aerospace regulations and standards; and excellent problem-solving and analytical skills.

Aerospace Test Engineers should be able to effectively work with other teams and departments, such as software developers, hardware designers, and maintenance personnel, to ensure that the test plan and results are accurate and comprehensive. Without these skills, an Aerospace Test Engineer's effectiveness can be significantly reduced, risking the safety of the aerospace system and its passengers.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have in aerospace engineering testing?
Describe a time when you successfully identified and solved an issue with an aerospace system.
What methods do you use to test and analyze aerospace systems?
How would you go about creating a test plan for a new aerospace system?
What challenges have you faced when testing aerospace systems?
Describe the techniques you use to ensure the accuracy of aerospace system tests.
How do you identify potential issues with aerospace systems before they become problematic?
What safety protocols do you follow when testing aerospace systems?
How do you stay up-to-date on industry standards and regulations related to testing aerospace systems?
What do you consider the most important qualities of an effective aerospace test engineer?

Common Tools in Industry

System Design Simulator. A software tool for simulating the design and performance of aerospace systems (eg: MATLAB/Simulink).
Data Analysis Software. A software platform used for collecting, analyzing, and managing data to test the performance of aerospace systems (eg: MATLAB/Statistical Analysis Toolbox).
Flight Test Instrumentation. An instrumentation system used to monitor and record flight test data for aerospace systems (eg: Eagle Tree Systems Vector Flight Data Recorder).
Test Automation Tools. A software platform used to automate test procedures and manage test results (eg: National Instruments TestStand).
Stress Analysis Software. A software platform used to analyze the strength and durability of aerospace structures (eg: Altair HyperWorks).

Professional Organizations to Know

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA)
Society of Automotive Engineers (SAE)
Association for Unmanned Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI)
International Test and Evaluation Association (ITEA)
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA)
American Society for Quality (ASQ)
Society of Experimental Test Pilots (SETP)
International Society for Measurement and Control (ISMAC)
International Council on Systems Engineering (INCOSE)
American Astronautical Society (AAS)

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Common Important Terms

Avionics. The use of electronics and communication systems in aircraft and spacecraft.
Flight Testing. The process of testing aircraft and components in a controlled environment to evaluate performance and safety.
Stress Testing. The process of subjecting a system to extreme conditions to measure its response.
Telemetry. The process of monitoring and measuring data from an aircraft or spacecraft remotely.
Data Analysis. The process of collecting, organizing, and analyzing data to gain insights and make decisions.
System Integration. The process of combining multiple parts into a unified whole to achieve a desired outcome.
Flight Dynamics. The study of the motion of a vehicle in flight, including its forces, motions, and energy.
Quality Assurance. A process of ensuring the highest quality standards are met in the development and production of a product.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the job of an Aerospace Test Engineer?

An Aerospace Test Engineer is responsible for designing and overseeing the testing of aircraft, spacecraft, and related components to ensure that they meet safety and performance standards.

What skills are necessary for an Aerospace Test Engineer?

Aerospace Test Engineers must possess a wide range of technical and engineering skills, including knowledge of aerospace engineering principles, mathematics, aerodynamics, physics, flight testing procedures, and computer programming. Additionally, they must have strong problem solving and communication skills.

What qualifications are required to become an Aerospace Test Engineer?

To become an Aerospace Test Engineer, most employers require a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or a related field. Additional certifications may be required depending on the employer.

How much does an Aerospace Test Engineer typically earn?

The median salary for an Aerospace Test Engineer is around $82,000 per year. Salaries can vary depending on experience, qualifications, and location.

What kind of work environment does an Aerospace Test Engineer typically work in?

Aerospace Test Engineers usually work in office or laboratory environments, as well as on-site at airports or other aerospace facilities. They may also be required to travel to various test sites or attend conferences.