Aerospace Engineers Careers
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The average value of the Bachelor degree needed to become a Aerospace engineers is $2,427,986.00.
Points of Interest
Aerospace engineers, like their contemporaries, have some of the highest salaries out of all university level graduates starting out. These individuals work in a challenging and highly complex field that requires extensive training over the course of their careers. Job growth is projected to be strong over the next decade.
Nature of the Work
Working as an aerospace engineer, the individual will help to oversee, do testing and design of various space related vehicles and technology. These are used in systems for defense, exploration of space and in aviation. Some of these engineers will focus on a specific area to work in, including development of aircraft for commercial use, design of helicopters, jets for the military, or in missile design. They may also develop expert knowledge in mechanics, propulsion or thermodynamics.
When working on a design, the individual will have to work as part of a team. The team collaborates on design and testing during a project, requiring that the engineer have good interpersonal skills. The engineer may work most of his or her shift in a laboratory setting utilizing various computer equipment to analyze data and create reports on a project. The engineer may have to work under the pressure of deadlines and frequent changes that may occur in the course of the work. Another aspect of this job is applied research, which helps in the design and construction of various equipment and machinery. They also offer recommendations to improve how technology and equipment is tested, constructed and manufactured.
Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement
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When entering this field, the individual will need to have completed a minimum of a bachelor degree. Those wanting to go into a research position may have to pursue a graduate level degree. The academic training is rigorous, including coursework in math, physics, computer science, chemistry and materials science. They may also have to take specific courses in areas such as high-altitude radiation physics and extreme-altitude science. Many universities offer a specific degree in aerospace engineering, while others will have to pursue it as a specialty area in conjunction with an engineering degree.
During study, the individual will gain extensive knowledge in theory and application of engineering principles that are complemented by time in the laboratory. To further enhance the student’s education, there are numerous opportunities for experience on the job with internships during the summer months. The student will also be required to complete the school’s outlined core curriculum courses. A unique option for many students is to take part in a combination program that has both academic training and on the job experience throughout the course. This type of program takes approximately five to six years to complete.
The interested individual can prepare for this career by taking courses in a variety of math areas and science. These can include: chemistry, calculus, biology, physics and trigonometry. Classes in computer aided design and mechanical drawing can also be helpful.
After graduation, the student will have to take a required examination in their state in order to be licensed as an engineer, and will have to complete continuing education requirements to keep it current. The license will be specific to this type of engineering. These training may be offered through conferences, organizational certification programs and employer training. Many choose to pursue higher level degrees to advance in the field, which is aided by experience and continued training.
The successful individual will have good problem-solving ability, analytical skills, be able to collaborate and deal with stress. It also helps to be organized and able to work on a detailed level are also imperative when dealing with the sophisticated equipment and design work that has to be done. The team oriented nature of the work depends on the engineer’s willingness to communicate and search for solutions with a variety of professionals.
Employment
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, aerospace engineers were employed in a total of 71,600 positions in 2008. They are six percent of the total number of engineers employed by the federal government, primarily with the National Aeronautical and Space Administration, NASA.
The engineer may also have to move to another location in order to be employed. The states with the current highest employment rates for this field include: Kansas, Washington, Connecticut, Alabama and Maryland. Kansas currently has 3,320 aerospace engineers at the higher end, with the lowest number in Maryland totaling 2,690. The areas with the highest rate of employment include: manufacturing of parts and equipment, architectural, federal government, research and manufacture of instruments for navigation, control and measuring.
Job Outlook
Job opportunities in this area are projected to grow by a total of 10 percent over the next decade. There may be additional job openings due to the need for updated designs for military and civilian aircraft. There will also be additional openings when current engineers retire or leave the field.
Projections
In 2008, there were approximately 71,600 aerospace engineers employed in the United States, and there is a projected increase of openings totaling 79,100 by 2018. This means a total of 7,400 new positions over this period which calculates out to an overall employment increase of 10 percent.
Earnings
According to the National Association of Colleges and Employers, the average salary for an aerospace engineer after graduation is $56,311. The least number of engineers are employed in the manufacture of parts and equipment, with an average hourly wage of $42.18 and a yearly wage of $87,730. The most engineers are employed in positions where work is done in the manufacturer of navigation, control, electromedical and measuring instrumentation. They have an average hourly wage of $47.08 and a yearly salary of $97,920.
Maryland offers the highest earnings, with an average yearly salary of $115,310 and Massachusetts at the lowest at $104,000. California falls in the middle range with an average yearly salary of $107,710.
Wages
The average hourly pay for this is $45.57 and an annual salary of $94,780. Those earning the highest pay have an average hourly rate of $66.22 and a yearly salary of $137,730, with the lowest average hourly pay starting at $28.61 with a yearly salary of $59,500. The highest pay is found for those who work in a professional, scientific or technical role, earning an average wage of $56.24 an hour and a yearly salary of $116, 980. The lowest pay is found for those working in employment services, earning an average hourly wage of $49.79 and a yearly salary of $103,560. The middle wage level is earned by those employed with research and development, earning an average hourly salary of $52.29 and a yearly salary of $108,760.
Related Occupations
Occupations that utilize similar technology, scientific techniques and skills to aerospace engineering are diverse. These include jobs such as: biological science, chemist positions, computer managers, food scientists, atmospheric scientists, geoscientists and mathematicians. Other careers as a physicist, astronomer and hydrologist also deal with similar skills and techniques.
Sources of Additional Information
For further information on this career field, the interested individual should contact the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics, Inc. This organization is membership driven and offers conferences, training and various other support services for its members. It can be reached at the following contact information:
- 1801 Alexander Bell Drive, Suite 500 Reston, VA 20191 http://www.aiaa.org
Related Jobs
People with the educational background, skills, and desire to become a Aerospace engineers might be well suited to work in one of the following fields as well:
- Engineering managers
- Health and safety engineers, except mining safety engineers and inspectors
- Materials engineers
