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Job description: Aerospace engineer
As an aerospace engineer, you'll work on the development of aircraft and related technology. This is a broad area and covers fixed-wing aircraft and helicopters, space vehicles, missiles and weapons, flight simulators and flight components and instruments.
You could work in research and development, testing or production and maintenance. Your exact duties depend on which one, but are likely to include:
- Developing avionic systems like navigation instruments and communications.
- Researching ways to make fuel-efficient parts, such as wings, fuelage 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.
- Scheduling and supervising line (airport) and base (hangar) aircraft maintenance.
- Estimating project costs and timescales.
- Attending meetings.
- Writing technical reports and manuals.
- Giving presentations to managers and clients.
With several years' experience you could also work on the air accident investigation.
Hours and environment
Generally, you'll work 37 to 40 hours a week, but may need to put in longer hours depending on the project and deadlines.
You'll work in offices and factory production hangars, and may travel to inspect or test aircrafts at different sites.
Skills and interests
To be a good aerospace engineer you'll need:
- Strong problem-solving skills
- Excellent mathematical and IT skills
- Knowledge of computer aided design (CAD) and manufacturing (CAM) software
- Good communication skills
- Excellent technical knowledge
- The ability to plan, prioritise and manage projects effectively
- The ability to work to a budget
- 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.
Entry
You normally need a foundation degree, BTEC HNC/HND or degree in aeronautical or aerospace engineering, avionics or air transport engineering. Employers may also accept electrical, mechanical, manufacturing, product or software engineering, as well as physics, applied physics and mathematics.
To search for colleges and universities offering these courses see the Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS).
Check the Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) website for details about careers, courses and entry routes, together with links to major national and international aerospace companies and suppliers.
You could attend trade fairs and exhibitions to speak to companies face to face. Joining flying and gliding clubs is another way to make useful contacts in the industry.
Training
You'll normally start on a company's graduate training scheme, working towards an engineering licence.
The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) licenses aerospace engineers. Contact the CAA for more details.
You could help your career development by working towards incorporated or chartered status. You should register with your professional industry body and apply to the Engineering Council.
As an incorporated engineer, you'll specialise in the day-to-day management. At chartered level, you'll have a more strategic role, planning, researching and developing new ideas, and streamlining management methods.
Opportunities
The UK aerospace industry employs around 300,000 people. Opportunities are most widespread in aircraft and component manufacturing, research and development, and space, satellite and weapons systems.
In future, research and development, military electronics, computer modelling and simulation, composite materials, and space-based telecommunications and navigation systems are also set to expand, as are industries which benefit from aerospace technology research such as electronics.
You'll find most work in the south-west, south-east and eastern England.
You may also find opportunities with major airline operators in their 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.
Annual income
Figures are intended as a guideline only.
- 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.
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