Aerospace Engineer vs. Electrical Engineer: What Are the Differences?

Aerospace engineering and electrical engineering are two popular engineering disciplines with many similarities and differences. If you’re interested in a career in engineering, it’s important to understand the key distinctions between these two fields. In this article, we compare and contrast aerospace engineering and electrical engineering, highlighting the main similarities and differences between the two. We also provide an overview of what you can expect to learn and earn in each profession.

What is an Aerospace Engineer?

Aerospace Engineers design, develop and test aircraft, spacecraft, missiles and rockets. They work with other engineering professionals to create new technologies for use in aviation, defense systems and space exploration. Aerospace Engineers typically specialize in one of three areas: propulsion, structural design or guidance and control. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create models and prototypes of their designs. They also use physics and mathematics to solve complex engineering problems. Aerospace Engineers typically work in research and development, engineering services or manufacturing.

What is an Electrical Engineer?

Electrical Engineers design, develop, test and oversee the manufacture of electrical equipment, such as generators, motors and navigation systems. They also work on the electrical systems of buildings and vehicles. Electrical Engineers typically have a bachelor’s degree in electrical engineering. They use computer-aided design (CAD) software to create models and blueprints of their designs. Electrical Engineers test their designs using electronic testing equipment. They may also oversee the production of their designs to ensure that the manufacturing process meets their specifications.

Aerospace Engineer vs. Electrical Engineer

Here are the main differences between an aerospace engineer and an electrical engineer.

Job Duties

One of the primary differences between these two engineering roles is the type of job duties they perform. Aerospace engineers research, design and develop new aircraft and spacecraft. They also test these vehicles to ensure they meet certain standards for functionality, speed, range and more.

Electrical engineers typically work with electrical systems, such as those found in vehicles, buildings and devices. They may troubleshoot issues with these systems and develop solutions to address any problems. Additionally, electrical engineers often oversee the manufacturing of products that include electrical components.

Job Requirements

Aerospace engineers typically need at least a bachelor’s degree in aerospace engineering to enter the field. Some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree or higher. Aerospace engineering programs are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). These programs usually take four years to complete and include coursework in physics, mathematics and computer science, as well as more specialized classes in aerodynamics and aircraft design.

Electrical engineers also need at least a bachelor’s degree to enter the field. Many electrical engineering programs are accredited by ABET. These programs typically take four years to complete and include coursework in physics, mathematics and computer science, as well as more specialized classes in electronics and electrical circuits. Like aerospace engineering programs, some employers may prefer candidates with a master’s degree or higher.

Work Environment

Electrical and aerospace engineers both work in a variety of environments. Aerospace engineers often work for government agencies, such as the Air Force or NASA, where they may travel to different locations to conduct research. They also work for private companies that manufacture aircrafts, like Boeing or Lockheed Martin.

Electrical engineers typically work in an office environment, but they may occasionally visit construction sites to ensure projects are running smoothly. Electrical engineers can also find employment with utility companies, where they design electrical systems for buildings.

Skills

Aerospace engineers and electrical engineers share some similarities in the skills they use on the job. Both professions require excellent problem-solving skills, as they often need to find innovative solutions to complex challenges. They also both benefit from having strong technical skills, as they need to be able to understand and work with complex systems.

However, there are some key differences in the skills used by aerospace engineers and electrical engineers. Aerospace engineers typically need to have a strong understanding of aerodynamics, as they need to design aircraft that will fly safely and efficiently. They also need to be familiar with materials science, as they need to choose the right materials for each aircraft component. In contrast, electrical engineers need to have a strong understanding of electricity and electronics. They also need to be familiar with computer programming, as they often need to create software to control electrical systems.

Salary

Aerospace engineers earn an average salary of $97,235 per year, while electrical engineers earn an average salary of $94,718 per year. Both of these salaries may vary depending on the size of the company at which you work, location of your job and the level of experience you have prior to pursuing either position.