Aerospace Engineer

Your Fit

Income

$104K

Preparation

Considerable

Growth

6.1%

Definition
Your fit with this career
How much they earn
What they do
Job satisfaction
How to become

What is an Aerospace Engineer?

Aerospace Engineers design and develop aircraft, spacecraft, missiles, and satellites, employing principles of aerodynamics, thermodynamics, and materials science. They are instrumental in advancing technology in aviation, defense systems, and space exploration.

Sample job titles:

Aerospace Engineer, Design Engineer, Flight Test Engineer, Systems Engineer

Your test results

Why this fit score?

The fit report shows your areas of fit and misfit with Aerospace Engineer.

Fit report

Test scores

The scores report summarizes what we learned about you. It shows your results on everything measured in the career test.

Scores report

How much does an Aerospace Engineer earn

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Aerospace Engineer.

Bottom 10%	Bottom 25%	Median (average)	Top 25%	Top 10%
$71K per year	$85K per year	$104K per year	$120K per year	$208K per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $39K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does an Aerospace Engineer do?

Work environment

Aerospace Engineers typically work in professional office settings, but they may also work in manufacturing and testing facilities, where they oversee production or test designs. They are often employed by companies in the aerospace industry, government agencies, research institutions, and defense contractors. The job may involve collaborative projects and occasional travel.

Quick task list

Designs, develops, and tests aircraft, spacecraft, and missiles.
Analyzes aerodynamic performance of designs and proposes modifications.
Develops new technologies for use in aviation, defense systems, and space exploration.
Oversees the manufacturing process of aerospace components.
Conducts rigorous testing and validation of designs and materials.

See full list of tasks with expert relevance ratings

Areas of specialization

Aeronautical Engineering: Focusing on the design and development of aircraft.
Astronautical Engineering: Specializing in spacecraft and related technologies.
Propulsion Systems: Developing engines and propulsion systems for flight vehicles.
Materials and Structures: Innovating with materials and structural designs for aerospace applications.
Systems Engineering: Integrating various components and technologies into a functional aerospace system.

Description

Aerospace Engineers are at the forefront of designing and innovating technology that flies. They combine principles from various branches of engineering to create and improve aircraft and spacecraft. This role requires a deep understanding of physics, materials science, and engineering principles to ensure the safety, efficiency, and reliability of aerospace designs. Their work ranges from conceptual design to rigorous testing and refinement.

The career requires a blend of theoretical knowledge and practical skills. Aerospace Engineers use advanced computer software for design and simulation purposes. They also must be adept at problem-solving, able to address the unique challenges that arise in aerospace design and development. This field demands continuous learning and adaptation, as technology and materials in aerospace engineering rapidly evolve.

Communication skills and teamwork are vital, as Aerospace Engineers often work in multidisciplinary teams. They must effectively collaborate and communicate with other engineers, technicians, and even clients or government officials. Projects can range from small components to large aircraft systems, requiring both attention to detail and an understanding of the 'big picture.'

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction

Contributing to cutting-edge technology in aviation and space exploration.
The intellectual challenge of solving complex engineering problems.
Seeing designs come to life from initial concepts to finished products.

You might make a good Aerospace Engineer if you are...

Fascinated by aircraft, spacecraft, and the mechanics of flight.
Strong in math and physics, with a keen interest in applying these skills in a practical way.
Detail-oriented, with a natural inclination towards problem-solving and innovation.
Able to think critically and work collaboratively in multidisciplinary teams.
Committed to lifelong learning and staying current with technological advancements.

Pros:

Working in a prestigious and technologically advanced field.
Opportunities for innovation and creative problem-solving.
Potential to work on significant and exciting projects like spacecraft or advanced aircraft.

Cons:

The work can be highly complex and demanding.
Projects may have long durations with extensive testing and development phases.
The need to constantly update skills to keep up with technological advancements.

How to become an Aerospace Engineer

Typical education

Most Aerospace Engineers have a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or a related field, requiring about 4 years of post-secondary education. Advanced positions or specialized roles may require a master's degree or PhD.

High school preparation

Courses:

Advanced mathematics, including calculus and trigonometry.
Physics to understand the fundamental principles of flight and motion.
Chemistry and computer science for a well-rounded understanding of engineering principles.

Extra-Curricular Activities:

Joining a robotics club or science clubs to gain practical engineering experience.
Participating in science and engineering fairs or competitions.
Engaging in model-building hobbies, like model aircraft or rockets.

Preparation after high school

Obtain a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering or a related field.
Consider internships or cooperative education programs in aerospace companies.
Pursue advanced degrees or certifications for specialized roles or career advancement.

More resources

American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) - Professional organization for aerospace engineers, providing resources and networking opportunities.
National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) - Offers educational resources and updates on aerospace research and developments.
The Aerospace Corporation - Provides research and analysis on various aspects of aerospace engineering.
Aviation Week Network - A platform for news and insights on the aerospace industry.

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