Aerospace engineers work on the development of aircraft and related technology. This is a broad area of work covering:

• fixed-wing and rotary aircraft 
• space vehicles
• surface/ground effect vehicles (very low flying craft)
• missile technologies
• flight simulators
• related components and control systems.

Aerospace engineers often specialise in one particular field but their duties may come under one of three main areas.

Research and development:

• working on new ideas for structural parts, such as wings, fuselage and engines
• developing avionic systems, like navigation and communications instruments
• turning research ideas into technical plans for new craft, components and systems, using computer-aided design (CAD) software
• estimating costs and project timescales.

Testing:

• carrying out ground- and flight-testing programmes on prototypes
• collecting and analysing test data
• modifying design plans ready for the production phase.

Production and maintenance:

• designing new production processes and refining existing ones
• planning and supervising the assembly and fitting of craft and components in line with design plans and timescales
• signing off projects under strict licensing regulations (see Training)
• scheduling and supervising line (airport) and base (hangar) maintenance of aircraft.

Tasks common to all areas of the development process include, attending meetings, writing technical reports and manuals, and giving presentations to managers and clients.

Aerospace engineers with several years' experience may investigate and report on air accidents.

Hours and Environment

Aerospace engineers work 37 to 40 hours a week, but longer hours may be necessary, depending on the project and deadlines.

You work in modern, open-plan offices and factory production hangars, and you may have to travel to inspect or test aircraft at different sites.

Skills and Interests

To be an aerospace engineer you need:

• strong analytical skills and an innovative approach to problem solving
• excellent mathematical and IT skills
• knowledge of computer aided design (CAD) or manufacturing (CAM) software
• strong communication skills
• an excellent technical knowledge
• the ability to plan, prioritise and manage projects effectively
• the ability to work within budgetary constraints
• a commitment to keep up-to-date with new developments
• the ability to work as part of a team and take responsibility
• a comprehensive understanding of engineering licence regulations.

European language skills may be an advantage, particularly if you are working on an joint international project.

Entry

You normally need a foundation degree, BTEC HNC/HND or degree in aeronautical or aerospace engineering, avionics or air transport engineering. Other acceptable subjects include:

• electrical or electronic engineering
• mechanical engineering
• manufacturing or product engineering
• physics and applied physics
• software engineering
• mathematics.

For information about foundation degrees see Foundation Degree Forward. To search for colleges and universities offering foundation degrees, HNDs and degrees see Universities and Colleges Admissions Service (UCAS). Please check with the colleges or universities for exact entry requirements for these courses.

The Royal Aeronautical Society (RAeS) has details about careers, courses and entry routes into this industry, together with links to major national and international aerospace companies and suppliers. See the RAeS website in Further Information.

As well as checking industry websites and journals for vacancies, attending trade fairs and exhibitions is a useful to speak to companies face to face. Involvement in flying and gliding clubs is another way to make useful contacts.

For more general information about engineering as a career, see the websites for SEMTA and Women into Science and Engineering in Further Information. In addition, the Engineering Training Council (Northern Ireland) has careers information and a course database for local colleges.

Training

You normally start your professional life as an aerospace engineer on a company's graduate training scheme, working towards an engineering licence.

The Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) licenses aerospace engineers. This process is currently changing, with the existing JAR-66 and BCAR licences being replaced by a new Part 66 licence issued under European Aviation Safety Agency regulations. The deadline to convert licences to work on aircraft over 5700kg has expired but for aircraft weighing 5700kg or under, the date is September 2008. Contact the CAA, in Further Information, for more details.

Gaining incorporated or chartered status
Professional engineering bodies recommend that you gain incorporated or chartered status to enhance your career prospects. You can achieve this by registering with a professional body and applying to the Engineering Council to start the process.

Chartered engineers normally work at a strategic level, planning, researching and developing new designs and innovations, and streamlining management procedures. They are often project leaders with responsibility for teams of incorporated engineers and technicians. Incorporated engineers specialise in the day-to-day management of engineering operations.

To qualify as an incorporated or chartered aerospace engineer, you need:

• an accredited university qualification
• a period of Initial Professional Development, including practical training to gain experience
• to pass a professional review 
• membership of an appropriate professional body.

As part of the process, you are assessed against UK-SPEC (UK Standard for Professional Engineering Competence), developed by professional bodies, employers and the Engineering Council.

Opportunities

The UK aerospace industry employs around 300,000 people. Opportunities are most widespread for skilled aerospace engineers in aircraft and component manufacture, research and development, and space, satellite and weapons systems.

Areas of future growth include:

• research and development (especially in aerodynamics, wing engine and rotor design, and fuel and environmental efficiency)
• military electronics
• computer modelling and simulation
• composite materials
• space-based telecommunications and navigation systems.
• expansion of companies into fields which benefit from aerospace technology, such as automotive and electronics industries.

You can find jobs with the armed forces, government departments, such as the Ministry of Defence, aircraft manufacturers and component suppliers. Most work is concentrated in the south-west, south-east and eastern England.

You may find opportunities with major airline operators in their own engineering divisions. These tend to be located near to major UK airports. You can also work overseas for foreign aircraft manufacturers on joint ventures, and with some of the larger UK aerospace companies who have their own overseas operations.

With experience, you can become a project manager or consultant aerospace engineer.

Annual Income

Figures are intended as a guideline only.

Starting salaries are between £20,000 and £25,000.
With experience, aerospace engineers can earn between £28,000 and £40,000.
Income for senior staff, such as projects leaders can range from £45,000 to £60,000.

Further information

RH6 0YR Interpoint
20-24 York Street
Belfast
BT15 1AQ
Tel: 028 9032 9878 6th Floor
10 Maltravers Street
London
WC2R 3ER
Tel: 020 7557 6426 14 Upton Road
Watford
Hertfordshire
WD18 0JT
Tel: 0800 282 167 4 Hamilton Place
London
W1J 7BQ
Tel: 020 7670 4300