
- Aerospace engineers work on airplanes, space shuttles, satellites, and even missiles. They need advanced training in mathematics and physics. Aerospace engineering is one of the most challenging engineering fields.
- In addition to designing and engineering aircraft, engineers must test the crafts for safety. Simulations with small models allow engineers to evaluate a design’s potential flaws.
- Aerospace engineers typically need a bachelor’s degree in aeronautics engineering or a similar field. Thirty percent of aerospace engineers have a master’s degree.
- Aerospace engineers earn an average of $58.00 per hour, higher than most fields. Annually, engineers can expect to earn between $73,000 and $143,000, depending on their experience and education.
- Jobs are limited for this field since the air and space industry is a small one. Companies like Boeing need only a few airplanes designed.
- Aerospace engineers usually work for the federal government or manufacturing industries. A few work for NASA. Engineers generally work in an office environment.
- Aerospace engineers can specialize in designing different types of aerospace products.
- Aerospace engineers often become experts in one or more related fields: aerodynamics, thermodynamics, celestial mechanics, flight mechanics, propulsion, acoustics, and guidance.
- While aeronautical engineering was the original term, the broader term “aerospace ” has replaced it in use.