About Aerospace Engineering 

Aerospace Engineering is the field of engineering that deals with the design and development of aircrafts and spacecrafts. This field of study will help you understand the aerodynamics, thermo-fluid systems, mechanics, and structural design of aircrafts and spacecrafts. Many aerospace engineers tend to specialise in a particular aspect of aerospace engineering such as propulsion, systems integrations, avionics, aerodynamics and so on.

　　Aerospace Engineering prepares you to solve even the most complex problems regarding propulsion, flight and spacecraft systems. Students are taught through lectures, projects and practicals in dynamic engineering labs. By taking an Aerospace Engineering course you’ll become one of the most highly sought-after engineering professionals, opening the gateway for you to a lucrative and meaningful career.

　　

Is Aerospace Engineering right for me?

Aerospace engineers must have problem-solving skills to resolve issues that inevitably arise during the various stages of an aerospace project: design, development and testing. As an aerospace engineer, you’ll be responsible for developing and testing new aerospace designs. A passion for aircraft and spacecraft design will allow you to excel in the field.

　　Most of an aerospace engineer's time is spent either in-office or aeronautical laboratories. And oftentimes in industrial production hangars overseeing the manufacturing process. Most aerospace engineers work 9-5 and self-employment in this field is rare.

　　Students possessing an analytical mind and who excel at mathematics tend to do best in Aerospace Engineering since the coursework involves a lot of math-related units. Calculus, multivariate and vector calculus and differential equations are needed to assess and develop aerospace projects successfully.

　　

Aerospace Engineering study options and costs

　　A bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering is the entry point into the field. It prepares students with the necessary theoretical understanding needed to be effective in the workplace. Additionally, students are also provided industry experience via internships. A bachelor’s degree in Aerospace Engineering is three years long, with an additional 12-month industry placement. The average annual cost of a bachelor’s in this field is £25,860 in the UK, AUD44,000 in Australia and USD33,000 in the US.

　　When applying to senior positions, a master’s in Aerospace Engineering is a major competitive edge. Other than this, a master’s degree can open opportunities for teaching and research roles. Furthermore, students who completed their bachelor’s in another field and now are looking to shift into the aerospace industry also benefit from this degree. The average annual fee for a master’s in Aerospace Engineering lies between USD38,000-45,000. 

　　

Future outlook

The popularity of space travel due to billionaires like Elon Musk, Jeff Bezos and Richard Branson has reinvigorated the field. The employment rates are expected to increase by 8%. This paired with the high salaries of aerospace engineers makes the future outlook seem highly favourable. The impetus to make fuel-efficient rockets has increased openings, particularly in the propulsion systems domain. 

　　According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, more than 40,000 aerospace engineer jobs are expected over the decade!  

　　

Career pathways for Aerospace Engineering graduates

　　There are several career pathways in Aerospace Engineering. As it's a complex field, with many sub-domains a large number of aerospace engineers are required — each specialising in a particular domain. A vast number of employers are interested in aerospace engineering talent, such as national defence agencies, space travel companies, airline companies, aeroplane part manufacturing companies, and aeronautical research agencies.

　　

Materials Engineer

 

　　Material engineers assess the quality of the material used to manufacture aircrafts. They assess the properties of these materials and ascertain if they are fit for the job or not. They form different composites to improve the reliability of mechanical structures. A materials engineer must be both logical and diligent in his work to find the best possible composite material. The average annual salary of a materials engineer is $77,850. 

　　

Flight Engineer

    

　　As a flight engineer you will be tasked with ensuring flight readiness of aircrafts. You’ll inspect aeroplanes before and after flights for wear and tear.  

　　Moreover, you’ll ensure all systems like electrical, fuel, hydraulics and propulsion are operating optimally. Flight engineers troubleshoot problems in aircrafts. They find employment in both military and private enterprises. The average annual salary of a flight engineer is $76,000. 

　　

Maintenance Engineer

    

　　A maintenance engineer as the name suggests is in charge of spacecraft or aircraft maintenance. He ensures that there are no technical issues or defects. A maintenance engineer takes care of equipment ensuring that they don’t get damaged. He also outlines protocols and procedures for fixing problems if they do arise. As a maintenance engineer you must be scrupulous and thorough in your evaluations. You will also have to submit detailed reports of your evaluation of an aircraft or spacecraft to your supervisor. The average annual salary of a maintenance engineer is $71,050.

　　

Aerospace Engineer

    

　　An aerospace engineer works in a team to design aircrafts, propulsion systems or missile technology. They assess the scientific and financial viability of aerospace products and help improve current aircraft designs. Aerospace engineers have an average annual salary of $118,610.