Where Do Aerospace Engineers Work?

Aerospace engineers are responsible for designing, developing, testing, and operating aircraft, spacecraft, and other aerospace systems. They work in a variety of settings, including government agencies, private companies, and universities.

Government Agencies

The largest employer of aerospace engineers is the federal government. The National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) is the primary government agency responsible for space exploration and research. The Department of Defense (DoD) is also a major employer of aerospace engineers, who work on developing and maintaining military aircraft and spacecraft.

Private Companies

Many aerospace engineers work for private companies that design, manufacture, and sell aircraft, spacecraft, and other aerospace systems. Some of the largest aerospace companies in the world include Boeing, Airbus, Lockheed Martin, and Northrop Grumman. These companies employ aerospace engineers in a variety of roles, including design, development, testing, and manufacturing.

Universities

Aerospace engineers also work in academia, where they teach and conduct research. They work at universities that offer aerospace engineering programs, as well as at research institutions that focus on aerospace technology.

Aerospace Engineering Job Outlook

The job outlook for aerospace engineers is expected to be good over the next few years. The increasing demand for air travel and space exploration is expected to drive growth in the aerospace industry. Aerospace engineers will be needed to design, develop, and test new aircraft and spacecraft, as well as to maintain and upgrade existing systems.

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual salary for aerospace engineers was $122,840 in May 2021. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $72,390, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $179,090.

Aerospace Engineering Careers

Aerospace engineers can work in a variety of roles, including:

• Design engineers design and develop new aircraft and spacecraft. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create detailed drawings of the aircraft or spacecraft.
• Development engineers work with design engineers to develop and test new aircraft and spacecraft. They build prototypes and conduct tests to ensure that the aircraft or spacecraft meets the design requirements.
• Test engineers conduct tests on aircraft and spacecraft to ensure that they are safe and meet performance requirements. They use a variety of test equipment, including wind tunnels and flight simulators.
• Manufacturing engineers oversee the production of aircraft and spacecraft. They work with production staff to ensure that the aircraft or spacecraft is built to the design specifications.
• Operations engineers operate and maintain aircraft and spacecraft. They work in a variety of settings, including airports, spaceports, and military bases.

Aerospace Engineering Education

Aerospace engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or a related field. Some employers may also require a master’s degree or doctorate. Aerospace engineering programs typically include coursework in mathematics, physics, aerodynamics, thermodynamics, and materials science.

Aerospace Engineering Skills

Aerospace engineers need a strong foundation in mathematics and physics. They also need to be able to work independently and as part of a team. Other important skills for aerospace engineers include:

• Analytical skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Computer skills
• Communication skills
• Attention to detail

Aerospace Engineering Applications

Aerospace engineering has a wide range of applications, including:

• Aircraft design and development
• Spacecraft design and development
• Satellite design and development
• Missile design and development
• Air traffic control
• Space exploration
• Military applications

Aerospace Engineering Challenges

Aerospace engineers face a number of challenges, including:

• The need to design and develop aircraft and spacecraft that are safe and efficient.
• The need to meet the ever-changing demands of the aerospace industry.
• The need to work with a variety of stakeholders, including government agencies, private companies, and the public.

Aerospace Engineering Future

The future of aerospace engineering is bright. The increasing demand for air travel and space exploration is expected to drive growth in the aerospace industry. Aerospace engineers will be needed to design, develop, and test new aircraft and spacecraft, as well as to maintain and upgrade existing systems.

Aerospace Engineering FAQs

What is the difference between an aerospace engineer and an aeronautical engineer?

Aerospace engineers work on all types of aircraft, including airplanes, helicopters, and spacecraft. Aeronautical engineers specifically work on airplanes.

What is the average salary for an aerospace engineer?

The median annual salary for aerospace engineers was $122,840 in May 2021.

What are the job prospects for aerospace engineers?

The job outlook for aerospace engineers is expected to be good over the next few years.

What are the educational requirements for an aerospace engineer?

Aerospace engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering or a related field.

What are the skills required for an aerospace engineer?

Aerospace engineers need a strong foundation in mathematics and physics. They also need to be able to work independently and as part of a team. Other important skills for aerospace engineers include analytical skills, problem-solving skills, computer skills, communication skills, and attention to detail.

Aerospace Engineering Tables

The following tables provide additional information about aerospace engineering: