top of page

How to Become an Aerospace Engineer




Those who are interested in understanding how to construct aircraft and spacecraft can consider studying aeronautics and space engineering.


Have you ever been curious about the construction process of a spaceship or an aeroplane?


Engineers are responsible for the conception, creation, and assembly of a variety of aircraft and spacecraft before subjecting them to additional testing to ensure that they are suitable for use in space travel and flight. It is necessary to earn both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in order to begin a career in aerospace engineering. This will allow you to explore the greatest employment options at reputable institutions such as NASA and ISRO, amongst others.


What exactly does it entail to work as an Aerospace Engineer?


To put it more plainly, an Aerospace Engineer's primary responsibilities include the designing, developing, and quality testing of spacecraft, aircraft, missiles, and satellites in addition to the instrumentation and construction of these items. In order to work in the field of aerospace engineering, you must first earn a bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering and then go on to earn a master's degree in a branch of engineering that specialises in either aerospace engineering or aeronautical engineering. In addition, this profitable career path offers both intellectual stimulation and financial reward, as you will have the opportunity to collaborate with firms in the aerospace and aviation industries. After constructing prototypes and designs, they put those creations through additional quality testing to guarantee that they meet all of the necessary ethical, environmental, and safety requirements.





Where Can One Look for Work in the Field of Aerospace Engineering?


The majority of an aerospace engineer's day is spent inside an office, where they interact with advanced pieces of computer hardware and cutting-edge software. It is possible that an Aerospace Engineer will be required to work in a manufacturing environment at some point in order to supervise the construction and implementation of a design. The hours that are put in by aerospace engineers are consistent and full-time. However, in order to successfully manage larger projects, you may need to put in long hours of effort, particularly when deadlines are drawing near.


Competencies Necessary to Pursue a Career as an Aerospace Engineer


The following is a list of the top five most important talents needed to become an aeronautical engineer:


  • Excellent and very specific familiarity with the design and technology of aircraft and spacecraft

  • Capable of both participating and leading in teams

  • Attention to detail

  • Imaginative and original ways of thinking

  • Time management and project management skills of the highest calibre.

  • Competence in Analytical Thinking


Courses for Aerospace Engineering


You are required to earn a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in Aerospace Engineering or Aeronautical Engineering in order to pursue this type of technical profession. Formal education is an essential component of this type of career.


The following is a list of the best courses in aerospace engineering for anyone interested in pursuing a career in the field:


  • BE Aeronautical (Hons)

  • BE Aero. Engineering 

  • BE Aero. Engineering  (Hons)

  • BSc Aviation Engineering (Hons)

  • BS in Engineering in Aero. Engineering

  • Master of Professional Engineering (Aero. Engineering)

  • Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering


The Curriculum for Aerospace Engineering


It takes a total of four years of study to earn a Bachelor of Technology degree, which is equivalent to the Aerospace Engineering programme. The following concepts and issues will be discussed in depth during the entirety of any and all aeronautical engineering classes:


  • The Mechanics of Flight and Aerodynamics

  • Aerospace Propulsion

  • Incompressible Fluid Mechanics

  • Aerospace Structural Mechanics

  • An Explanation of the Aerospace Engineering Field

  • Engineering of Aircraft and Spacecraft Mechanics

  • Propulsion Systems of Aircraft

  • Thermodynamics and the Driving Forces


Eligibility


If you are thinking about enrolling in any of these classes, the following is a list of the most important prerequisites that you need to satisfy:


  • At the time of admission, the applicant needs to have either a three-year engineering degree (ideally in aero./aeronautical engineering) or a 10+2 with Physics, Chemistry, and Mathematics under their belts from a recognised Board or University.

  • In order to enrol in one of these undergraduate or graduate degree programmes in India, you will need to pass one of the country's many entrance examinations, such as the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE), the Indian Institute of Aeronautics Entrance Exam or the Graduate Aptitude Test in Engineering (GATE).

  • Scores on the Graduate Record Examination (GRE), scores on the International English Language Testing System (IELTS), the Pearson Test of English (PTE), or the Test of English for Overseas Students (PTE), as well as a personal statement and letters of recommendation are required if you want to earn a degree in this area from an institution located outside of your home country.


Distinguished Educational Institutions


In order to become a great aerospace engineer, you need to have the finest possible industry exposure and possibilities, therefore selecting the appropriate university for your chosen degree is a vital decision. The following is a list of the best institutions and colleges in the world for aerospace engineering:


  • Massachusetts Institute of Technology 

  • Stanford University

  • California Institute of Technology

  • Georgia Institute of Technology

  • University of Michigan– Ann Arbor

  • The University of Illinois- Urbana Champaign

  • University of Texas-Austin

  • Princeton University

  • Texas A&M University

  • University of Colorado

  • Cornell University

  • Air Force Institute of Technology

  • Case Western Reserve University

  • North Carolina State University

  • Ohio State University

  • New York University


Jobs & Salary


In spite of the fact that this is a lucrative profile, there are a great many other rewarding prospects in this industry that you can choose from. The following are some of the most common positions in the aerospace engineering industry:


  • Engineers on Board an Aircraft

  • CAD technician

  • Engineer in Thermal Design

  • Aircraft Production Manager

  • Aerospace Design Checker

  • Design engineer

  • Maintenance engineer

  • Manufacturing systems engineer

  • Materials engineer

  • Engineer of mechanical systems


Top Recruiters


The companies and institutions that are listed further down this page have various openings for aeronautical engineers.


Indian Space Research Organizations (ISRO) Hindustan Aeronautical Limited (HAL) National Aerospace Laboratories (NAL) Defence Research And Development Organization (DRDO) Private firms such as Airbus, Boeing, Goodrich, and GE engage aeronautical engineers for their aircraft-related projects.


This is one of those professions that will never become obsolete because there will always be a need for it. In this context, the labour that may be done and the range of salaries that can be earned are both virtually limitless.


However, as a newbie, you may expect to make anywhere in the region of Rs 10 lakh p.a. to Rs 20 lakh p.a. on average. The typical income for an aeronautical engineer may vary from nation to country, but on average, you can expect to earn between these two amounts. Your income will often improve in tandem with your position and the amount of experience you have gained over the course of your career.





FAQs


How long does the course take to complete for those interested in aeronautical engineering?


The duration of study for a bachelor's degree in aeronautical engineering is the standard four years.

What kinds of jobs are accessible for those who have degrees in aeronautical engineering?


Engineers who specialise in aerospace can work in a variety of fields, including as designers or engineers of aircraft or spacecraft, as aerospace technicians, as mechanical engineers, or in the military.


Is a profession in aeronautical engineering something that can be pursued successfully?


One potential option is to pursue a profession in aerospace engineering. Students have the opportunity to find employment with organisations such as ISRO, NASA, DRDO, HAL, NAL, and MRO, and the wage pay range for Aeronautical Engineers is extremely competitive.


What kind of expenses are associated with aviation engineering?


The annual tuition for a degree in aeronautical engineering might vary from institution to institution but often runs between 3 and 5 lakh Indian rupees (INR).




bottom of page