Aerospace Engineering
A career in aerospace engineering will see you working with cutting-edge technology and international companies
As an aerospace engineer you may research, design, develop, maintain and test the performance of:
- civil aircraft
- satellites
Work is also carried out on the different components that make up these aircraft and systems. In some companies you may be known as an aeronautical engineer.
You’ll be concerned with improving flight safety, fuel efficiency, speed and weight, as well as reducing system costs and using advancing technologies to meet customer needs. The role is increasingly addressing the environmental impact of air travel.
Types of aerospace engineer
You can specialise in a particular area such as:
- aerodynamics
- avionics
- materials and structures
- propulsion
- systems integration.
Responsibilities
Your tasks as an aerospace engineer can vary depending on your specialist area and employer, but you could be required to:
- apply the principles of science and technology to create aircraft, components and support equipment
- research and develop design specifications and use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create plans
- supervise the assembly of airframes and the installation of engines, instruments and other equipment
- take part in flight-test programmes to measure take-off distances, rate of climb, stall speeds, manoeuvrability and landing capacities
- resolve issues that arise during the design, development and testing processes
- maintain aircraft for full operation including making regular inspections, maintenance, repairs and servicing
- measure and improve the performance of aircraft, components and systems
- modify designs to improve safety features or minimise fuel consumption and pollution
- investigate aircraft accidents
- collate information, interpret data and publish the results of specific projects in technical report form
- communicate technical and regulatory advice to clients, teams, suppliers and other professionals within the aerospace industry.