Qualifications for Aeronautical Engineering
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that the demand for aerospace or aeronautical engineers in the United States will increase by 10 percent from 2008 through 2018. Driven by the increased need for aircraft for military and commercial use, this growth should create roughly 7,400 jobs for those who meet the necessary qualifications.
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Education
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The minimum education necessary to work as an aeronautical engineer is a bachelor's degree in aerospace engineering. Roughly 77 percent of all engineers in the specialty hold a baccalaureate degree, explains O*Net. Some employers prefer to hire engineers who have a master's degree, particularly for supervisory or senior positions. Approximately 14 percent of all aeronautical engineers have master's degrees. The Accreditation Board for Engineering and Technology accredits degree programs for engineers. As of February 2011, more than 65 colleges and universities offered accredited programs.
Experience
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Most aeronautical engineers begin their careers by completing small portions of design projects or assisting more experienced engineers. Over their first several years of work, engineers receive increasingly complex assignments until they are completely proficient with their job duties. Often, employers prefer to hire candidates who already have experience in the field, meaning that they will require less on-the-job training. College programs in aeronautical engineering often include for-credit internships or paid-cooperative work placements to help students gain experience while earning their degrees.
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Licensing
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Aeronautical engineers who will offer their services to the public or work for some sectors of the government need to gain licensing as a Professional Engineer. Each state establishes its own requirements for PE licensing. Typically, graduating from an ABET-approved program and passing a written examination is necessary for licensing. Many states use exams developed by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying, while some develop their own tests.
Other Qualifications
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Aeronautical engineers must possess certain skills and abilities to qualify for employment and be successful in their jobs once hired. Engineers must have the ability to work devices used to test aerospace equipment, such as flowmeters and vibration testers. The use of analytical, computer-aided drafting, and programming and development software programs is necessary for aeronautical engineering. To collaborate with other engineers working alongside them on projects, professionals in aeronautical engineering must have verbal and written communication skills.
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