How To Get A Job As An Aerospace Engineer – Aeronautical Engineer and Astronautical Engineer
Aerospace Engineers are involved in the creation of all vehicles, that take to the air, including, small private planes, gliders, passenger jets, cargo planes, helicopters, military aircraft, missiles, and all manned and unmanned craft that travel into outer space.
Because of the growing demand for travel transport, and military strength, as well as the continuing ‘race for space’, there is a on-going need for educated, skilled Aerospace Engineers. This is a demanding job. It can, at times, be stressful.
The name Aerospace Engineers covers both aeronautical engineers, that deal with craft that fly within the earth’s atmosphere, and astronautical engineers, that deal with craft that fly beyond the earth’s atmosphere.
Successful Aerospace Engineers are both educated and experienced. They must also be imaginative, detail oriented, determined, and persistent, and have excellent communication skills. They must be able to work well alone or as part of a team of other professionals, such as electrical, and mechanical engineers. Aerospace Engineers must be self-motivated and constantly learning, in order to keep up with rapidly changing technology.
Aerospace Engineers spend most of their time in an office-like setting. Traveling to test sites and assembly plants is part of the job. Aerospace Engineers work a forty hour week, as well as overtime, when required.
Both aeronautical and astronautical engineers have a variety of duties. They are involved in the design, development, and testing of any machine that travels beyond the confines of the earth. They develop new technologies, and research new materials and new methods of construction. They supervise every aspect of their part of the construction process. As part of their job, Aerospace Engineers must keep records, write reports, set up budgets and timetables, and constantly search for ways to cut costs.
Education
While in high school, it would be wise to take courses in English, computers, mathematics, physics, and any related to electronic or mechanical systems.
While in high school, it would be advantageous to get a part-time job in some aspect of aviation, even if it just as a baggage handler.
To get a job as an aerospace engineer, it is essential to have a university degree, including aerospace electives. Although a bachelors degree in engineering may be enough for an entry level position, it is wise to get at least a master’s degree if you hope to advance in the field.
It is essential to give thought to the area of aerospace engineering, in which you are most interested. Aerospace engineering is a field in which many specialists are needed to complete each project. Aerospace Engineers may specialize in aerodynamics, thermodynamics, communication systems, navigation systems, propulsion, or celestial mechanics, to name but a few. It would be wise to do some investigating and talk to all the engineering experts you can, before making any final decisions.
If possible, get a PhD in the specialty of your choice.
Some Aerospace Engineers choose to become licensed in the state in which they are employed. Licensing requirements vary from state to state, but generally require a degree, a period of experience and the passing of a state exam. Licensing is almost never required for Aerospace Engineers.
