How to Become an Aeronautical Engineer

In barely more than a century, aviation has progressed from slow fabric and wood biplanes to 500-passenger jets and fighter aircraft capable of flying more than 3 times the speed of sound. The men and women who are responsible for this progress work in the branch of aerospace engineering known as aeronautical engineering. This is one of the highest paid engineering disciplines. If you want to become an aeronautical engineer, expect a challenging and constantly changing job.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering
• Master's degree in aeronautical engineering

1. Get the mathematics and science background in high school that you will need to study aerospace engineering in college. Courses in algebra, calculus and physics are essential. Chemistry, electronics and computer science are helpful, as these subjects are used extensively in aeronautical engineering.

2. Attend an accredited aerospace engineering program to earn your bachelor's degree. Engineering programs are accredited by the Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET). Courses include mathematics, physics and chemistry, along with engineering theory, design and analysis. You can find a list of ABET-accredited programs on their website (see Resources).

3. Specialize in graduate school in an accredited program leading to a master's degree in aeronautical engineering. Specialties include aircraft structure, aircraft electronics, control systems and instrumentation, and propulsion systems. The coursework focuses on applying the basic principles of science and engineering learned as an undergraduate to problems specific to aircraft design, production and maintenance. A master's program requires 2 to 3 years.

4. Take the Professional Aeronautical Engineer exam to become certified and licensed as an aeronautical engineer. Certification exams are administered by the American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (see Resources). You must be certified as a professional engineer in all 50 states.

Tips & Warnings

• Even as the newest planes take flight and break longstanding flight records, aeronautical engineers are at work designing the next generation of aircraft. There's no sign this rapid rate of technological change is slowing. Continuing education will be a must, if you choose to become an aeronautical engineer.

Resources

• American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics
• Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology (ABET)

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