Aerospace Engineers

What this job is

Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.

What they do day to day

• Formulate conceptual design of aeronautical or aerospace products or systems to meet customer requirements or conform to environmental regulations.
• Evaluate product data or design from inspections or reports for conformance to engineering principles, customer requirements, environmental regulations, or quality standards.
• Direct or coordinate activities of engineering or technical personnel involved in designing, fabricating, modifying, or testing of aircraft or aerospace products.
• Plan or conduct experimental, environmental, operational, or stress tests on models or prototypes of aircraft or aerospace systems or equipment.
• Diagnose performance problems by reviewing reports or documentation from customers or field engineers or by inspecting malfunctioning or damaged products.
• Formulate mathematical models or other methods of computer analysis to develop, evaluate, or modify design, according to customer engineering requirements.
• Write technical reports or other documentation, such as handbooks or bulletins, for use by engineering staff, management, or customers.
• Maintain records of performance reports for future reference.
• Analyze project requests, proposals, or engineering data to determine feasibility, productibility, cost, or production time of aerospace or aeronautical products.
• Plan or coordinate investigation and resolution of customers' reports of technical problems with aircraft or aerospace vehicles.

Skills and knowledge that matter most

Importance rated by people working in the job (1 = not important, 5 = extremely important).

Education and preparation

Preparation level 4 of 5 — Considerable preparation. Usually a bachelor's degree and several years of related experience.

Typical entry education (BLS): Bachelor's degree.

Who this job suits

Based on the Holland (RIASEC) interest profile for this occupation.

Job titles you'll see in postings

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