Aerospace engineers design, build and maintain planes, spacecraft and satellites.
Day-to-day tasks
* develop navigation, communications or weapons systems
* research ways to make fuel-efficient parts, such as wings, fuselage and engines
* use CAD software for design
* test prototypes
* collect and analyse test data
* plan and supervise the fitting of aircraft and components
* sign off projects under strict industry regulations
* schedule and supervise maintenance
* write technical reports and estimate project costs and timescales
Working environment
Where you could work
You could work in a factory, in an office, on an aircraft or in an aircraft hangar.
Working hours
37 to 40 hours per week
When you could work
Skills you'll need
* knowledge of engineering science and technology
* maths knowledge
* design skills and knowledge
* to be thorough and pay attention to detail
* science skills
* analytical thinking skills
* knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
* knowledge of physics
* to be able to use a computer and the main software packages competently
How to become one
You can get into this job through:
* a university course
* a college course
* working towards this role
College
You can do a higher national certificate (HNC) or diploma (HND) in engineering before applying for a job with an aerospace company. Subjects include:Level 4 HNC Diploma in Mechanical Engineering; Level 5 HND Diploma in Aeronautical Engineering; Level 5 HND Diploma in Electrical Engineering
* 1 or 2 A levels, a level 3 diploma or relevant experience for a level 4 or level 5 course
You could do an engineering higher or degree apprenticeship. Relevant apprenticeships for working in the aerospace industry include:aerospace engineer; electro-mechanical engineer; materials science technologist; materials process engineer; power and propulsion gas turbine engineer
You'll usually need:
* 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a higher or degree apprenticeship
* You can apply for jobs directly if you've got qualifications and experience, for example from working in mechanical, electrical or electronics engineering.
* You may be able to join a company as an engineering technician and do training on the job to qualify as an engineer.
Career path and progression
* With experience, you could specialise in a particular field like:aerodynamics; fuel efficiency; space technology; investigating air accidents
* You could also move up to become a project manager or consultant aerospace engineer.
More information
You can find out more about this career from:
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