How to Become an Aerospace Aviation Engineer

Aerospace aviation engineers work in the design and testing of aircraft.

Aerospace aviation engineers, also known as aeronautical engineers, work in the design, testing and manufacturing of aircraft. This involves developing new technologies and finding applications for existing technologies in structural design, navigation, defense systems and production methods. Aerospace aviation engineering is a broad field, which allows engineers who choose this field the option to specialize in a wide variety of areas, such as commercial aircraft, military fighter jets, helicopters, missiles, aerodynamics, thermodynamics, acoustics and propulsion.

Instructions

1. Complete a high school diploma. Choose courses in science, mathematics, computer science and English. For example, the Aerospace Engineering Department of the University of Texas prefers applicants with completed high school courses that include algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, biology, chemistry and physics.

2. Earn a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering from an engineering program accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology. Many colleges and universities offer accredited aerospace engineering programs. For instance, Georgia Tech College of Engineering, Texas A&M University, Princeton University and North Carolina State University all have departments that specialize in aerospace engineering.

3. Complete a master's degree or a doctorate in aeronautical engineering. Choose a program that specializes in aviation engineering. Although you do not need a master's degree or a doctorate to be an aeronautical aviation engineer, it will improve your chances of landing a job and will help you advance to leadership positions in the industry.

4. Apply for an entry-level job with a private sector aviation company or a government agency with ties to aerospace engineering. Complete your agency's training program. Aviation companies and agencies generally require new engineers to complete additional training and gain experience under the supervision of experienced engineers before they are allowed to work independently.

Tips & Warnings

• Many colleges also offer two-year and four-year degree programs in engineering technology that prepare you for practical design and production work. However, these programs do not qualify you to register as a professional engineer.

References

• Bureau of Labor Statistics: Engineers
• University of Texas at Austin: What Is Aerospace Engineering?

Resources

• Georgia Tech: The Daniel Guggenheim School of Aerospace Engineering
• Texas A&M Engineering: Aerospace Engineering
• Princeton University: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering
• North Carolina State University: Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering