Tell me about it

Aerospace (or aeronautical) engineers apply their skills to the technology of making things fly and keeping them flying until they reach their intended destination. This involves at least some of the stages of design, development, testing and maintenance of civil and military fixed wing and rotary aircraft, together with missiles and satellites.

Some aerospace engineers specialise in areas such as the construction and maintenance of wings and airframes, the development of jet, turbo-jet, piston or gas turbine engines, the storage and use of fuels, electrical and communication systems (avionics), the operation of aircraft controls, ailerons, elevators and flaps (hydraulics) or air compression in jet engines (pneumatics).

Entry level

If you want to work as a chartered or incorporated (see our feature on Engineering Qualifications to explain what these terms mean) aerospace engineer, you would normally need to complete a relevant three- or four-year accredited degree course. This might be a degree in aeronautical engineering or one that incorporates aeronautics options. To gain admission to such a degree course, you are likely to need at least two or three A level/Advanced Higher or four Higher or equivalent qualifications, usually including maths, physics and/or another science or technology subject.

Some organisations, such as BAE Systems and British Airways, the Royal Air Force and the Ministry of Defence, offer sponsorship to students on selected degree courses. You might also be eligible, in England, for a Graduate Apprenticeship, which integrates study at degree level with structured work-based learning. Graduate Apprentices are paid by their employers for the periods they spend in the workplace as part of a sandwich course or work experience placement.

Making the grade

Ensure that your degree course is accredited with the Royal Aeronautical Society and read the prospectus carefully because courses vary in the type and level of specialisation offered.

Once you have graduated, you would normally complete a period of initial professional development, including practical training and professional engineering experience. You must then pass a Professional Review before gaining chartered or incorporated status, depending on your chosen route.

Personal qualities

You’d be unlikely to survive for long in the aerospace industry without a keen interest in aircraft and flight technology. Other engineering attributes are also important, including an interest in design, construction and development, together with the ability to read diagrams and drawings. You would need an analytical mind, high standards of computer literacy and the ability to make complex mathematical calculations. Normal colour vision is essential.

You might find yourself conducting lengthy equipment tests, which could require a very logical and practical approach to your work and great attention to detail.

Looking ahead

Your future prospects as an aerospace engineer can depend to a certain extent on decisions made outside your immediate specialism. Cuts in defence spending, for example, or fluctuations in business or holiday travel can have considerable impact on aircraft production. New challenges are, nevertheless, constantly appearing and there are usually good opportunities for well-qualified graduates in this relatively small and specialised field.

Manufacturing organisations such as Airbus, BAE Systems and the European Aeronautic Defence and Space Company employ large numbers of aerospace engineers, as do the RAF, Ministry of Defence and major airlines. Looking further afield, there are normally opportunities overseas with firms of consulting engineers working for foreign governments, or with aircraft construction companies such as Boeing in the United States. Finally, many experienced aerospace engineers work independently as consultants.

Alternative suggestions

If your main interest is aviation, you could consider a career as an airline pilot or RAF officer; in the broader technology field, you might consider electrical/electronic engineer, materials scientist/metallurgist, mechanical engineer or naval architect.

Take-home pay

As a recent graduate in aeronautical engineering, you could expect to earn around £20,000 in your first appointment. Your salary is likely to rise considerably if you achieve chartered status, and could exceed £50,000. Average earnings for incorporated engineers are currently around £37,000.

Effects

While your working hours would normally be 37 to 40 a week, the actual hours worked may involve shift and weekend working, especially where aircraft maintenance is involved. It is fairly common for aerospace engineers to travel and spend at least short periods away from home. You might even have to relocate for longer periods and even work from an overseas base.

Your work environment could range from a clean and quiet office to a noisy aircraft-manufacturing factory or a windswept airfield.

Sources of information

Royal Aeronautical Society: www.aerosociety.com

Society of British Aerospace Companies: www.sbac.co.uk

CRCI: GA