4 answers
oliver
Student
Johnson, Vermont
2
Questions
Updated
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what's is like being an aerospace engineer?
I need to know the ins and outs of the field, what people in the field do, what skills and education I need, I also want to know the down sides of the job
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4 answers
Robert Sprayberry, FRAeS
Supervisory Aerospace Engineer
20
Answers
Atlanta, Georgia
Updated
Robert’s Answer
The answers to your questions around the job of an Aerospace Engineer will vary depending on what area of the general field you go into. All AE jobs will be the basic 8 hour days but different companies will offer different levels of flexibility on how you get those 40 hours per week and/or 80 hours per pay-period, some jobs even offer night-shift liaison engineering for airline operations. If you go into the aircraft (or sub-component) design areas, you will get to use high-level 3D modeling and printing tools. If you go into the aircraft operations and continued maintenance and safety areas you will be more hands-on with the parts and components. If you go into the safety oversight or policy areas (typically later in your career) you will have more high-level understanding of the aircraft design but then less specific knowledge of any one system or part. AEs also can even go on to become key members of race car teams like in F1. Instead of designing things to take flight, they design things to stay glued to the track. Aerospace has a large international footprint thanks to globalization so you can literally work anywhere in the world if that sounds appealing to you. There are tons opportunities around the world for US-training AEs as our education is the most sought after. Most of these jobs are with the big companies and/or the FAA or ICAO, but there are also international opportunities with other Civil aviation authorities who don't have access to a steady stream of qualified engineers. Also, don't forget that there are literally emerging markets in space and drones which are both heavily dependent of AEs. The only downside to the job is there are a ton of career pathways open to you so picking the perfect one is almost impossible. Quite literally (and pun intended) the sky is the limit to what an AE can do in their career.
Cory Yeager, PE, SE, MsC, PPM
65
Answers
Updated
Cory’s Answer
Don’t worry about education in college. If you pick aerospace the degree has the course list to take.
Don’t worry about education in highschool unless you are willing to focus your electives and the school has electives that align.
Obviously leaning into science and math are the easy pieces of advice. I would tell you to focus on extra cirriculars cause those are where you find your interest and those interest will tell you where to go. I would focus on finding your interest and the resources to maintain those interests.
Usually our interest balance our personality out and make more balanced people that have better problem solving skills and better networks for diversified solution generation. If you are as drive as the question implies you will get there but how you get there matters too.
Don’t worry about education in highschool unless you are willing to focus your electives and the school has electives that align.
Obviously leaning into science and math are the easy pieces of advice. I would tell you to focus on extra cirriculars cause those are where you find your interest and those interest will tell you where to go. I would focus on finding your interest and the resources to maintain those interests.
Usually our interest balance our personality out and make more balanced people that have better problem solving skills and better networks for diversified solution generation. If you are as drive as the question implies you will get there but how you get there matters too.
James Constantine Frangos
SOFTWARE ENGINEER SINCE 1972; NUTRITIONIST SINCE 1976.
7094
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Oliver,
Being an aerospace engineer is an exciting mix of designing, testing, and solving problems. You’ll use CAD and other design tools in an office, working with different teams to complete projects. Creativity and attention to detail are key, as is a willingness to keep learning. You might work on important parts like aircraft windows, making sure they are safe and last a long time. Your tasks could include analyzing strength, vibrations, and flight data. The job is dynamic and offers flexibility, plus chances to engage in STEM outreach activities.
Being an aerospace engineer involves a blend of technical design, hands-on testing, and problem-solving. Aerospace engineers work in an office setting, utilizing CAD software and specialized software for design and analysis tasks. They collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure the success of complex projects. The role requires creativity, precision, and a commitment to continuous learning.
Aerospace engineers may work on high-value components like aircraft windows, ensuring their safety and longevity through meticulous evaluation and maintenance practices. They also handle tasks such as strength analysis, vibration analysis, and parametric flight data diagnostics. The work environment can be dynamic, with opportunities for flexibility and participation in STEM outreach initiatives.
Take care! GOD BLESS!
Being an aerospace engineer is an exciting mix of designing, testing, and solving problems. You’ll use CAD and other design tools in an office, working with different teams to complete projects. Creativity and attention to detail are key, as is a willingness to keep learning. You might work on important parts like aircraft windows, making sure they are safe and last a long time. Your tasks could include analyzing strength, vibrations, and flight data. The job is dynamic and offers flexibility, plus chances to engage in STEM outreach activities.
Being an aerospace engineer involves a blend of technical design, hands-on testing, and problem-solving. Aerospace engineers work in an office setting, utilizing CAD software and specialized software for design and analysis tasks. They collaborate with multidisciplinary teams to ensure the success of complex projects. The role requires creativity, precision, and a commitment to continuous learning.
Aerospace engineers may work on high-value components like aircraft windows, ensuring their safety and longevity through meticulous evaluation and maintenance practices. They also handle tasks such as strength analysis, vibration analysis, and parametric flight data diagnostics. The work environment can be dynamic, with opportunities for flexibility and participation in STEM outreach initiatives.
Take care! GOD BLESS!
Raj Khurana
30
Answers
Middletown, New Jersey
Updated
Raj’s Answer
it is great to know you plan to be an aerospace engineer.
Keep in mind that any form of college education, especially in engineering and science will help you lead a exciting professional life with solid job throughout your career with good salary to have a comfortable living.
As an aerospace engineer, you can work on designing, planning, manufacturing and maintenance of, as an example, airplanes and rockets and satellites and even motor vehicles such as sports cars.
Keep in mind that any form of college education, especially in engineering and science will help you lead a exciting professional life with solid job throughout your career with good salary to have a comfortable living.
As an aerospace engineer, you can work on designing, planning, manufacturing and maintenance of, as an example, airplanes and rockets and satellites and even motor vehicles such as sports cars.
Thank you so much!
oliver