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.

What you'd actually do

• Formulate mathematical models or other methods of computer analysis to develop, evaluate, or modify design, according to customer engineering requirements.
• Plan or conduct experimental, environmental, operational, or stress tests on models or prototypes of aircraft or aerospace systems or equipment.
• Formulate conceptual design of aeronautical or aerospace products or systems to meet customer requirements or conform to environmental regulations.
• Plan or coordinate investigation and resolution of customers' reports of technical problems with aircraft or aerospace vehicles.
• Write technical reports or other documentation, such as handbooks or bulletins, for use by engineering staff, management, or customers.
• Direct or coordinate activities of engineering or technical personnel involved in designing, fabricating, modifying, or testing of aircraft or aerospace products.

How you get there

Typical entry-level education: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).

Working for yourself

About 2.6% of aerospace engineers are self-employed.

Who it tends to fit

This work tends to fit people who are analytical, hands-on and organized and detail-focused.

Related careers

• Electronics Engineers, Except Computer
• Engineers, All Other
• Electrical Engineers
• Computer Hardware Engineers
• Environmental Engineers
• Mechanical Engineers

Quick questions

How much does a aerospace engineer make?

The median pay is $64.89 per hour — roughly $135,000 a year, with the real range running from about $41.68/hr (10th percentile) to $98.98/hr (90th percentile). Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Do you need a degree to be a aerospace engineer?

The typical entry-level education is: Bachelor's degree. Overall preparation level: considerable preparation (Job Zone 4 of 5).

What does a aerospace engineer actually do all day?

Formulate mathematical models or other methods of computer analysis to develop, evaluate, or modify design, according to customer engineering requirements. Plan or conduct experimental, environmental, operational, or stress tests on models or prototypes of aircraft or aerospace systems or equipment. Formulate conceptual design of aeronautical or aerospace products or systems to meet customer requirements or conform to environmental regulations.