CAREER AS AN AEROSPACE ENGINEER

CAREER AS AN AEROSPACE ENGINEER

Introduction:

Choosing a career is one of the most important decisions you will make in life.  It's about so much more than deciding what you will do to make a living. Aerospace Engineering is a branch of Engineering that provides skills and knowledge to design, manufacture and maintain spacecrafts, aircrafts, missiles and weapons systems. A large part of Aerospace Engineering consists of Mechanical Engineering covering a wide range of topics, including computer application, structures, mathematics, physics, drafting, electricity, robotics, aeronautics etc. It also covers two aspects of engineering, namely Aeronautical Engineering and Astronomical Engineering.

Aerospace Engineering is considered to among the toughest branches of engineering that has carved its niche among the students. However, once completed this course gives 'wings' to your career taking it to new heights.

Which kind of task is performed by an aerospace engineer?

An engineer designs, tests, and manages the manufacturing of aircraft, spacecraft, satellites, and missiles. They also test prototypes to make sure that they function properly consistent with design, and develop new technologies to be utilized in space exploration, aviation, and defense systems. Aerospace engineers can concentrate on a selected sort of aerospace product, like missiles and rockets, military fighter jets, spacecraft, helicopters, or commercial aircraft. Aerospace Engineers may also prefer to concentrate on specific areas like communication, navigation and control, structural design, guidance, or production methods.

                                     Aerospace engineers usually spend most of their time working in offices and aeronautical laboratories using personalized computer equipment and software designing tools. Aerospace engineers usually work for the government or private organizations that build aerospace goods and components. Aerospace engineers have their own cubicles located along with the other aerospace engineers and personnel responsible for designing and building aircraft, space vehicles, weapons, and their components. The working environment of an engineer isn't actually stringent hence they'll only face pressure when meeting deadlines. Aerospace engineers typically work full time. Engineers who direct projects must often work extra hours to monitor progress, to ensure that designs meet requirements, to determine how to measure aircraft performance, to see that production meets design standards, and to ensure that deadlines are met.

How to become an aerospace engineer?

Educational requirements:

Entry-level aerospace engineers usually need a baccalaureate. High school students curious about studying aerospace engineering should take courses in chemistry, physics, advanced math, and programming and computer languages. Bachelor's degree programs include studies in subjects like general engineering principles, propulsion, stability and control, structures, mechanics, and aerodynamics which consequently develops a strong notion on how air interacts with moving objects. There are some universities which offer cooperative programs in partnership with regional businesses, which helps in developing practical approach while student completes his/her education. Programs in aerospace engineering are accredited by ABET. A graduate degree will allow an engineer to figure as a teacher at a university or to try to work upon research and development.

Important qualities of an aerospace engineer.

Critical-thinking skills. Critical analysis on one particular issue is an pivotal requirement to become an aerospace engineer. It helps in approaching the best respond to the questions of working upon a design project.

Analytical skills. Aerospace engineers must be able to identify design elements that may not meet requirements and then must formulate alternatives to improve the performance of those elements.

Business skills .Much of the work done by aerospace engineers involves meeting  government standards. Meeting these standards often requires knowledge of standard business practices, as well as knowledge of commercial law.

Mathematical skills. Aerospace engineers use the principles of advanced topics in math for analysis, design, and troubleshooting in their work.

Problem-solving skills. Aerospace engineers use their education and experience to upgrade designs and troubleshoot problems when meeting new demands for aircraft, such as increased fuel efficiency or improved safety.

Writing skills. Aerospace engineers must be able to write portfolios that explain their designs clearly and must create documentation for future reference.

Licenses, Certifications, and Registrations for Aerospace Engineering

License for aerospace engineers is not as common as it is for other engineering occupations, nor it is required for entry-level positions. A Professional Engineering (PE) license, which allows for higher levels of leadership and independence, can be acquired later in one's career. Licensed engineers are called professional engineers (PEs). A PE can oversee the work of other engineers, sign off on projects, and provide services directly to the public. State licensure generally requires

• A degree from an ABET-accredited engineering program
• A passing score on the Fundamentals of Engineering (FE) exam
• Relevant work experience, typically at least 4 years
• A passing score on the Professional Engineering (PE) exam.

Salary  of an  Aerospace Engineer.

The median annual wage for aerospace engineers is $115,220.

The median annual wages for aerospace engineers in the top industries in which they work are as follows:

Research and development in the physical, engineering, and life sciences	$124,430
Navigational, measuring, electromedical, and control instruments manufacturing	$119,970
Federal government, excluding postal service	$119,640
Aerospace product and parts manufacturing	$113,840
Engineering services	$110,200

CONCLUSION:

JOB-OUTLOOK

Employment of aerospace engineers is projected to grow 2 percent over the last ten years.. Also, new developments in small satellites have greater commercial viability. Growing interest in unmanned aerial systems will also help drive growth of the occupation.

Most of the work of aerospace engineers involves national defense–related projects or the design of civilian aircraft. Research-and-development projects, such as those related to improving the safety, efficiency, and environmental soundness of aircraft, will help sustain demand for workers in this occupation.

Aerospace engineers who work on engines or propulsion will continue to be needed as the emphasis in design and production shifts to rebuilding existing aircraft.

In addition, as international governments refocus their space exploration efforts, new companies are emerging to provide access to space beyond the access afforded by standard governmental space agencies. The growing use of unmanned aerial vehicles will create more opportunities for aerospace engineers as authorities find domestic uses for them, such as finding missing persons lost in large tracts of forest or measuring snow pack and other water resources.