An aerospace engineering degree covers the design, construction, and operation of aircraft and spacecraft. This training opens career opportunities within the traditional aerospace sector and in many adjacent fields. The curriculum equips graduates with a versatile skill set valued by many employers. Understanding these possibilities is the first step toward a rewarding career.
Core Skills from an Aerospace Engineering Degree
An aerospace engineering curriculum is built on a foundation of advanced mathematics and physics. Students study subjects like calculus, differential equations, and linear algebra to solve complex engineering problems. This proficiency is paired with an understanding of physical principles, including classical mechanics, thermodynamics, and fluid dynamics, which form the basis for designing flight vehicles.
Beyond these fundamentals, students acquire specialized technical skills. Coursework in aerodynamics focuses on how air and fluids interact with moving objects, which is applicable to designing efficient aircraft. The study of materials science provides knowledge on the properties of substances used in aerospace, while courses on propulsion systems cover jet engines and rocket motors.
The degree also cultivates a “systems thinking” approach to problem-solving. Aerospace vehicles are complex systems where numerous components must work together. Engineers learn to use computational tools like MATLAB and Python for modeling and simulation, allowing them to test and refine designs in a virtual environment. This ability to manage interconnected systems is a highly transferable skill.
Traditional Jobs in the Aerospace and Defense Industry
The most direct career path is in the aerospace and defense industry, working for government agencies or private companies that design and build aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles. These roles involve working on technologies that improve flight safety, fuel efficiency, and performance. The industry has two main branches: aeronautics, for flight within Earth’s atmosphere, and astronautics, for travel beyond it.
Aerospace Engineer
As a generalist, an aerospace engineer oversees a product’s entire lifecycle, from concept to manufacturing and testing. They coordinate specialized teams to ensure a project is technically feasible, meets safety standards, and stays within budget. Their work is a blend of design, analysis, and project management.
Systems Engineer
A systems engineer in the aerospace sector focuses on integrating complex systems and subsystems. They ensure all components, from navigation to climate monitoring, function together as a cohesive whole. This involves working with software teams to create programs that enhance aircraft functionality and interpret data.
Propulsion Engineer
Propulsion engineers specialize in the engines that power aircraft and spacecraft. Their work includes developing more efficient jet engines and turbomachinery and designing advanced rocket propulsion systems for space exploration. This field is at the forefront of research into alternative energy sources and reducing engine emissions.
Aerodynamics Engineer
An aerodynamics engineer is concerned with the flow of air around a vehicle and the forces it generates. Using computational fluid dynamics and wind tunnel testing, they optimize an aircraft’s shape to reduce drag and improve stability. This specialization applies to everything from commercial airliners to high-speed military jets.
Structural Analysis Engineer
The role of a structural analysis engineer is to ensure an aircraft’s frame and components can withstand the stresses of flight. They use analytical methods and computer-aided design (CAD) software to model and test the strength and durability of materials and structures.
Flight Test Engineer
A flight test engineer plans, executes, and analyzes the results of flight tests for new or modified aircraft. They verify that a vehicle meets all performance and safety requirements before it can be certified for operation. This hands-on role involves working with a flight crew to monitor aircraft systems and gather performance data.
Careers in Adjacent Technical Fields
The skills from an aerospace engineering degree have direct applications in other high-technology fields. The training in aerodynamics, materials science, and control systems allows graduates to pursue careers in a wide range of innovative industries.
One prominent field is the automotive industry, especially in high-performance racing and developing fuel-efficient vehicles. Aerospace engineers apply their knowledge of aerodynamics to design car bodies that minimize air resistance, improving speed and reducing energy use. Their expertise in materials science is also valuable for creating lighter and stronger vehicle components.
The energy sector presents another opportunity in the growing field of wind power. The design of wind turbine blades relies on the same aerodynamic principles used for aircraft wings. Aerospace engineers can contribute to creating more efficient turbine designs and advancing renewable energy.
The principles of control and instrumentation are also applicable to robotics and automation. Designing autonomous systems, like those in a factory or a self-driving car, requires managing complex interactions between hardware and software, making aerospace graduates well-suited for these roles.
Unconventional Career Paths for Aerospace Graduates
The analytical and problem-solving skills from an aerospace education are valuable in fields far removed from engineering. These unconventional career paths allow graduates to apply their quantitative talents in a different context. The roles prize the ability to deconstruct complex problems and develop data-driven solutions.
The world of finance, particularly in quantitative analysis, is one such path. Financial firms hire engineers for their ability to build sophisticated mathematical models to predict market movements and assess risk. An aerospace graduate’s background in advanced math provides a strong foundation for this work.
Management consulting is another field where the problem-solving abilities of an aerospace engineer are highly regarded. Consultants analyze business challenges and devise strategies for improvement, a process that mirrors the systems-thinking approach used in engineering. The ability to break down a complex problem into manageable parts is an asset in this profession.
For those willing to pursue further education, an aerospace engineering degree can be a stepping stone to a career in patent law. Patent attorneys with technical backgrounds are needed to understand and evaluate new inventions in high-tech industries. An engineer’s ability to grasp complex technical concepts makes them qualified for this legal field.
Job Outlook and Salary Expectations
Career prospects for aerospace engineers remain positive. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment in this field will grow by 6 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is expected to create approximately 4,200 job openings each year, largely from replacing workers who are retiring or moving to other fields.
Salaries for aerospace engineers are competitive. In May 2024, the median annual wage for aerospace engineers was $134,830. Pay can vary based on experience and industry, with the lowest 10 percent earning less than $85,350 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $205,850.
Different roles within the field also command different salary ranges. For example, aeronautical engineers, who focus on aircraft, have an average annual pay of $130,258. Spacecraft systems engineers, who work on vehicles designed for space, earn an average of $124,441 per year.