Most aerospace engineers work for the aircraft industry. This trade incorporates the firms that make electronic devices, engines, communication systems, and various other equipments used in the aircraft. Some of them also work for government organizations such as NASA or the Department of Defense. Most of them also work for firms which are running under the contract of government to manufacture equipment required for spacecraft and missiles. Other aerospace engineers work for profitable airline firms, colleges and universities, and consulting companies as well as development and research organizations.
Aerospace engineers are responsible for designing, developing, and testing aircraft, spacecraft and missile systems as well as supervising the manufacturing process of these products. Aeronautical Engineers are also aerospace engineers and they deal with airplanes. Astronautic engineers on the other hand specialize in spacecraft.
Aerospace engineers more often than not work closely with various other specialists. Scientists such as metallurgists and physicists carry out the research work required to manufacture new materials. They often study how different materials will act in response to certain circumstances such as speeds found in space travel or intense heat. Aerospace Engineers do research to build up designs. They check the design and then make necessary changes before starting with the creation of the tool. Aerospace engineers are also held responsible for supervising engineering technicians and drafters.
The field of aerospace engineering is broad. Its common area of focus overlaps with engineering fields of other areas like electrical, chemical, and mechanical engineering. Some other fields of specialization are also present in this field. Some of them lay emphasis upon structure and concentrate in the designing of new structures. They test the capability of the structures to withstand pressure, heat, and other stress forms. This helps to produce durable and strong aircraft.
New candidates require a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering. Degrees in natural sciences and mathematics will help qualify you for some jobs. It takes 4 to 5 years to pursue a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering. Some occupations also need some advanced degrees. Aerospace engineers should continue their studies of the latest advancements in the related field all through their careers.
All states of the US need licensing for aerospace engineers and to get a license, candidates are required to have a degree from an accredited institution, 4 years work experience and an acceptable grade on the state examination. Some occupations in this industry need security permission before starting with work.
If one is keen in getting a job in the private sector, one should get in touch with commercial airlines, aircraft manufacturers, and firms that engage in making aerospace tools and parts. If one is keen in space traveling, one can get in touch with NASA. For most government occupations, one is required to submit a job application through some civil service organization. The job openings for engineers are enlisted in local newspapers classifieds and on the internet. Professional aerospace engineer publications can also prove a good way to search for more job information.
Aerospace engineers having good qualifications and required experience can move to senior level positions like administrators or managers. Some may also become college teachers or sales engineers. A few of them can also opt in starting their own engineering companies.
The job prospects for aerospace engineers are estimated to increase slowly from the year 2004 to year 2014. The career opportunities through the year 2014 are good because students who have completed their graduation will be required to substitute those who leave their job for some reason or those who retire.
Salaries vary depending upon the experience and education of aerospace engineers and the nature of job along with location. During the year 2005, the average starting wages for engineers having bachelor's degree was around $50,993 per year. Aerospace Engineers having a Master's degree earned starting wages of around $62,930 per year and those having a doctoral degree made starting wages around $72,529 per year.