I lead a team of developers and business experts building the next generation of software based space systems. I am mainly focused on business development and I serve on several local and national corporate boards to advance the cause of space travel.
CAREER
Aerospace Engineers
Overview
Salary Median (2020)
$118,610
Projected Job Growth (2019-2029)
+2.8% (slower than the average)
Most Common Level of Education
Bachelor's degree
Career
Roadtrip Nation Leaders in This Career
What Aerospace Engineers Do
Perform engineering duties in designing, constructing, and testing aircraft, missiles, and spacecraft. May conduct basic and applied research to evaluate adaptability of materials and equipment to aircraft design and manufacture. May recommend improvements in testing equipment and techniques.
Other Job Titles Aerospace Engineers May Have
Aeronautical Engineer, Aerospace Engineer, Aerospace Stress Engineer, Avionics Engineer, Design Engineer, Flight Controls Engineer, Flight Test Engineer, Structural Analysis Engineer, Systems Engineer, Test Engineer
How Leaders Describe a Typical Day at Work
I work with my team to ensure the communications between the spacecraft and scientists on Earth runs smoothly and I oversee all aspects of the mission to ensure everyone has what they need and does a good job. My work is very "in the moment", things can go wrong very quickly and I need to be fully prepared to deal with it.
Tasks & Responsibilities May Include
- Formulate mathematical models or other methods of computer analysis to develop, evaluate, or modify design, according to customer engineering requirements.
- Plan or conduct experimental, environmental, operational, or stress tests on models or prototypes of aircraft or aerospace systems or equipment.
- Formulate conceptual design of aeronautical or aerospace products or systems to meet customer requirements or conform to environmental regulations.
- Plan or coordinate investigation and resolution of customers' reports of technical problems with aircraft or aerospace vehicles.
- Write technical reports or other documentation, such as handbooks or bulletins, for use by engineering staff, management, or customers.
Education
Level of Education Attained by Aerospace Engineers
Most common level of education among people in
this career: Bachelor's degree (51%)
Bachelor's degree
Master's degree
Doctoral or professional degree
Other*
*All other responses combined for clarity.
Majors Related to Career
Educational Paths Suggested by Leaders
Suggested Path
High School
Bachelor
Mechanical/Mechanical Engineering Technology/Technician
Graduate
Small Business Administration/Man...
Additional Skills & Experiences That Can Help You Excel
You have to follow your values and interests. Take opportunities when they are presented to you and be open to possibilities.
You need to have a good understanding of engineering and aerospace science. It's also beneficial to know how to work effectively with a team and manage many conflicting tasks. Maintaining your composure when things go wrong is essential.
Getting Started
Recommended First Step for:
Middle School Students
When you're young, you're not going to know which path you want to follow. So first, you need to get to know yourself. How can you do that? Go volunteer somewhere! See if you can help out or shadow people in a variety of careers and fields, and see what really catches your eye. You have that inner guide that will tell you which way to go, and will tell you, "You can do this"—that's the voice that you need to follow. I once heard Carl Sagan say, "dreams are maps." Follow those maps.
High School Students
College Students
Everyone
This page includes information from theO*NET 26.1 Databaseby the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under theCC BY 4.0license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.
