Aerospace Engineer
What is the work like?
Aerospace engineers work on the development of aircraft and related technology. This is a broad area of work covering:
- fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters
- space vehicles
- missiles and weapons
- flight simulators
- flight components and instruments.
As an aerospace engineer, you could work in research and development, testing or production and maintenance. Your duties would vary depending on which area you work in, but may include:
- developing avionic systems like navigation instruments and communications
- researching ways to make fuel-efficient parts, such as wings, fuselage and engines
- using computer-aided design (CAD) software to draw up project plans
- carrying out ground- and flight-testing programmes on prototypes
- collecting and analysing test data
- planning and supervising the assembly and fitting of aircraft and components
- signing off projects under strict licensing regulations (see Training)
- scheduling and supervising line (airport) and base (hangar) maintenance of aircraft.
You would also be involved with estimating project costs and timescales, attending meetings, writing technical reports and manuals, and giving presentations to managers and clients.
If you have several years' experience as an engineer, you could work on the investigation of air accidents.
What qualifications and experience will employers look for?
You normally need a foundation degree, BTEC HNC/HND or degree in aeronautical or aerospace engineering, avionics or air transport engineering to get into this type of work. Employers may also accept other subjects such as:
- electrical or electronic engineering
- mechanical engineering
- manufacturing or product engineering
- physics and applied physics
- software engineering
- mathematics.
To search for colleges and universities offering these courses see the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Please check with the colleges or universities for their exact entry requirements.
You can check the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) website for details about careers, courses and entry routes into this industry, together with links to major national and international aerospace companies and suppliers.
As well as checking industry websites and journals for vacancies, you could attend trade fairs and exhibitions to speak to companies face to face. Professional bodies also suggest that Involvement in flying and gliding clubs is another way that you could make useful contacts within the industry.
For more general information about engineering as a career, see the websites for SEMTA and Women into Science, Engineering and Construction. The Engineering Training Council (Northern Ireland) also has careers and course information.
What further training and development can I do?
You would normally start your professional life as an aerospace engineer on a company's graduate training scheme, working towards an engineering licence.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) licenses aerospace engineers. This process is currently changing, with the existing JAR-66 and BCAR licences being replaced by a new Part 66 licence issued under European Aviation Safety Agency regulations. The deadline to convert licences to work on aircraft over 5700kg has expired but for aircraft weighing 5700kg or under, the date is September 2008. Contact the CAA for more details.
Gaining incorporated or chartered status
You could help your career development by working towards incorporated or chartered status. To do this, you should register with your professional industry body and apply to the Engineering Council.
As an incorporated engineer, you would specialise in the day-to-day management of engineering operations. At chartered level, you would have a more strategic role, planning, researching and developing new ideas, and streamlining management methods.
Where can I go for more information?
Personnel Licensing Department – Flight CrewAviation House
Gatwick Airport South
West Sussex
RH6 0YR
Weston House
246 High Holborn
London
WC1B 7EX
Tel: 020 3206 0408
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD18 0JT
Tel: 0800 282167
20-24 York Street
Belfast
BT15 1AQ
Tel: 028 9032 9878
London
W1J 7BQ
Tel: 020 7670 4300
If you would like to discuss your career options with a learning adviser, call 0800 100 900 or use our online enquiry form
Alternatively, you can visit our website at: www.direct.gov.uk/careersadvice
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What salary and other benefits can I expect?
- Starting salaries are between £20,000 and £25,000.
- With experience, aerospace engineers can earn between £28,000 and £40,000.
- Income for senior staff, such as projects leaders can range from £45,000 to £60,000.
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
What are the hours and working conditions?
You would work 37 to 40 hours a week, but longer hours may be needed, depending on the project and deadlines.
You would work in offices and factory production hangars, and you may have to travel to inspect or test aircraft at different sites.
What skills and knowledge will I need?
- strong problem-solving skills
- excellent mathematical and IT skills
- knowledge of computer aided design (CAD) or manufacturing (CAM) software
- good communication skills
- excellent technical knowledge
- the ability to plan, prioritise and manage projects effectively
- the ability to work within budgetary constraints
- a commitment to keep up-to-date with new developments
- the ability to work as part of a team and take responsibility
- a comprehensive understanding of engineering licence regulations.
European language skills may be an advantage, particularly if you are working on an joint international project.
What opportunities are there?
The UK aerospace industry employs around 300,000 people. Opportunities are most widespread for skilled aerospace engineers in aircraft and component manufacture, research and development, and space, satellite and weapons systems. Most work is concentrated in the south-west, south-east and eastern England.
You may find opportunities with major airline operators in their own engineering divisions. These tend to be located near to major UK airports. You could also work overseas for foreign aircraft manufacturers on joint ventures, and with some of the larger UK aerospace companies who have their own overseas operations.
With experience, you could become a project manager or consultant aerospace engineer.
Areas of future growth include research and development (especially in aerodynamics, and fuel and environmental efficiency), military electronics, computer modelling and simulation, composite materials, and space-based telecommunications and navigation systems. Industries which benefit from aerospace technology research, such as electronics, are also set to expand.
You may find the following links useful for job vacancies and general reading: (links open in new window)
SCENTA
JustEngineers.net
The Engineer Online
Engineering Jobs Network
We do not accept responsibility for the content of external sites.
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