Aerospace Engineers
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.
Common Job Titles
- Aerospace Engineer
- Design Engineer
- Flight Test Engineer
- Systems Engineer
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeDesign aerospace systems including aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft components integrating engineering principles with CAD/CAE software such as CATIA, SolidWorks, and AutoCAD.Advanced
- KnowledgeFormulate engineering solutions to complex aerospace design and manufacturing challenges applying advanced mathematics, physics, and mechanical knowledge independently.Advanced
- KnowledgeSynthesize test results and technical data from multiple sources to inform design recommendations working with interdisciplinary engineering teams under time and regulatory constraints.Advanced
- KnowledgeCreate innovative improvements in testing equipment, techniques, and aerospace manufacturing processes synthesizing research findings with emerging technologies and industry best practices.Advanced
- KnowledgeEvaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft, missile, and spacecraft design conducting applied research using simulation software and testing facilities.Proficient
- KnowledgeAnalyze aerodynamic performance data from computational fluid dynamics simulations and wind tunnel tests using finite element analysis and CFD software to optimize design parameters.Proficient
- Hands-onExecute precisely drafting and specification of technical devices, parts, and aerospace equipment using CAD/CAM systems and ensuring compliance with aerospace standards.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess structural integrity and performance characteristics of aerospace designs utilizing stress analysis, thermal analysis, and finite element method software.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate technical recommendations with stakeholder requirements and regulatory compliance standards when providing consultation to cross-functional teams and external organizations.Proficient
- Hands-onOperate advanced testing equipment including wind tunnels, flight simulators, and fatigue testing machines following established protocols to validate design specifications.Developing
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Aerospace Engineers (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
68,440
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $85,350. 25th percentile: U.S. $104,740. 50th percentile: U.S. $134,830. 75th percentile: U.S. $174,480. 90th percentile: U.S. $205,850. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $85,350 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $205,850 |
| Workers on average earn | $141,180 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Engineering and Technology4.8/5
- Mathematics4.3/5
- Design4.1/5
- Physics4.0/5
- Computers and Electronics3.9/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Autodesk AutoCAD
- C
- C#
- C++
- Dassault Systemes SolidWorks
- Extensible markup language XML
- Linux
- Microsoft Access
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Project
- Microsoft Visio
- Microsoft Visual Basic
- Microsoft Visual Studio
- Microsoft Windows
- Microsoft Word
- Oracle Java
- Perl
- Python
- SAP software
- Shell script
- The MathWorks MATLAB
- UNIX
Technology Skills
- 1CadCam Unigraphics
- ANSYS simulation software
- Ada
- Alstom ESARAD
- Alstom ESATAN
- Altera Quartus II
- Analytical Graphics STK Expert Edition
- Collier Research HyperSizer
Tools & Equipment
- Acoustic emissions systems
- Anechoic chambers
- Argon-ion lasers
- Atomic force microscopes
- Axial flow compressor facilities
- Axial flow research fans
- Axial flow turbines
- Centerless grinders