Is Aerospace engineering the right career for you?

Expectations of an Aerospace Engineer

What are the key responsibilities of an aerospace engineer?

Generally, if you’re an aerospace engineer, you are expected to handle tasks related to the design and development as well as the testing of not only existing but new aircraft and aerospace products. Below are the common duties:

- inspecting projects that are completed and make sure that they meet the standards

- to investigate any accidents that will occur regarding any aircraft and find out why did these accidents happen

- plan out strategies in order to improve the performance of aircraft and components as well as their systems

- proposals are to be evaluated to see if they are logical and practical financial wise

- computer-aided design (CAD) software are frequently used to create and generate project plans

- if projects are failing, it is required to find out why and try to find solutions to fix them

- in-flight test programs are also being done to measure factors such as the distances to take off, rate of climb and so on

- specifications for design are researched and developed

- the key components of airframes and installations are monitored

What kind of environment aerospace engineers work in?

Most of the time, aerospace engineers generally work in offices and aeronautical labs. At these labs, they use computer equipment as well as certain software tools for design. During certain days, certain field work might have to be done for in-flight test programs and investigating certain aircraft accidents. Sometimes, they may be required to fly overseas. A few examples of an aircraft that are regularly worked on is the UA Aerospace Malaysia Y-12F.

Aerospace engineers usually work at workspaces that are near to the aerospace engineers and those that are responsible for designing and building the aircraft, weapons and so on.

The regular working hours for a typical day job on weekdays for aerospace engineers are 9am to 5pm. Those that have higher positions or experience may be required to work extra hours.

What are the qualifications required?

In terms of education, aerospace engineers are required to have a bachelor’s degree. The few types of degrees that are acceptable are a degree in aerospace engineering, computer science, software engineering, mechanical engineering, and physics. 

If you are interested in aerospace engineering as a high school student, it is best to learn chemistry and physics as well as advanced mathematics to prepare yourself for a degree.

Those that have several years of experience for more than 4 years are able to get a professional license called Professional Engineering. It is required to learn to take exams related to the Fundamentals of Engineering and Professional Engineering exams. 

To be frank, individuals that took a masters in aerospace engineering will gain a higher advantage during job hunting. 

Though having a degree is relevant, the real experience usually happens on the job. Usually, most people will opt for internship programs to get a head start in the world of aerospace engineering. As long as any aerospace engineer established their mark in the field, many opportunities will come in the long run.

Salary Expectations

On average, an entry-level aerospace engineer makes an average of $71,000 a year. In comparison with other jobs, this is by far the highest paying salary as an entry-level. Not only that, salaries generally increase higher as well the more experienced you are. In this field, it is better to make sure that you constantly try to gain more experience. If you have 20 or more years of experience in this field, you’ll manage to get at least $128,000 or more. 

Career Trajectory

If you’re a fresh graduate, you can get promoted to supervisor roles after getting the Professional Engineering license. These roles are still related to aerospace engineering, however, these positions are considered as aviation and aerospace project engineers. Though it is a tough career, most of the aerospace engineers are willing to work until they retire. UA Aerospace Malaysia also offers plenty of job opportunities.

The design engineering manager role will also be available to any aerospace engineer as salaries may be increased as well. 

Conclusion

Aerospace engineering is a tough and difficult career, but that doesn’t mean that you have to shy away from being one. Those that have immense passion and love for all things aerospace, it is highly recommended for you to dive into this field. Get a head start and research about aerospace engineering!