Aerospace engineer
Aerospace engineers design, test, build and maintain aeroplanes, spacecraft and satellites.
Also known as: Aeronautical engineer
- Starter salary£30,000 a year
- Experienced£70,000 a year
- Typical hours37 to 40 a week
What you'll do
As an aerospace engineer, you could:
- build and test prototypes using computer aided design (CAD) software
- analyse test results to improve aircraft structures and aerodynamics
- research new types of fuel and ways to reduce engine emissions
- manage projects and supervise a team of engineers and technicians
- develop new instruments and software for spacecraft
- plan and supervise maintenance programmes
Working environment
You could work in a factory, in an office, on an aircraft or in an aircraft hangar.
You may need to wear protective clothing.
Skills and knowledge you'll need
You'll need:
- knowledge of engineering science and technology
- maths knowledge
- design skills and knowledge
- to be thorough and pay attention to detail
- knowledge of physics
- analytical thinking skills
- excellent verbal communication skills
- knowledge of computer operating systems, hardware and software
- to be able to use a computer and the main software packages confidently
How to become a aerospace engineer
You can get into this job through:
- a university course
- a college course
- an apprenticeship
- working towards this role
- applying directly
University
You could do a degree or postgraduate course in aerospace engineering, avionics, or a subject like:
- electrical or electronic engineering
- mechanical engineering
- manufacturing or product engineering
- physics or applied physics
- astronautics and space engineering
- software engineering or mathematics
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 2 or 3 A levels, or equivalent, including maths and physics
- a degree in a relevant subject for postgraduate study
College
You could do A levels, a higher national certificate (HNC) or diploma (HND) in engineering before applying for a trainee technician job with an aerospace company.
Subjects include:
- maths, physics and design and technology
- mechanical engineering
- aeronautical engineering
- electrical engineering
You would then take further training to become a fully qualified engineer.
Entry requirements
Entry requirements for these courses vary.
Apprenticeship
You could apply to do a Level 6 Degree Apprenticeship to begin your career in the aerospace industry. Apprenticeships include:
- Aerospace Engineer
- Space Systems Engineer
- Aerospace Software Engineer
- Electro-Mechanical Engineer
- Materials Science Technologist
You'll combine workplace learning with study for a degree at university.
Entry requirements
You'll usually need:
- 4 or 5 GCSEs at grades 9 to 4 (A* to C) and A levels, or equivalent, for a degree apprenticeship
Work
You might be able to join a company as an aerospace engineering technician and do training on the job to qualify as an engineer.
Direct application
You can apply for aerospace engineering jobs if you've got relevant qualifications and experience. For example, you might have worked in mechanical, electrical or electronics engineering.
Career path and progression
With experience, you could specialise in a particular field like:
- aerodynamics
- fuel efficiency
- satellite and space technology
- air accident investigation
You could also become a project manager, consultant aerospace engineer, or move into technical sales.
Career tips
You can try out virtual work experiences in different aviation industry jobs, including aircraft maintenance.
Professional and industry bodies
You can join the Royal Aeronautical Society for professional development, career resources and to make industry contacts.
Guides for this industry
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