Training Requirements for Aeronautical Engineering
Aeronautical engineering is a broad term, encompassing several areas of technology within its scope. Many fields and specialties can be found within this title, ranging from avionics (designing computer systems for aircrafts) to electrotechnology, but the training requirements to become an engineer are the same. Training in aeronautical and aerospace engineering is available at schools across the United States and abroad; although the requirements are uniform in America, they may be different in other countries.
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Education
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The minimum requirement for any aeronautical engineering job is a bachelor's degree from a 4-year university or comparable technical institute. A degree in engineering or related field such as math or physics is desirable, and many universities even offer a specific bachelor's degree in aerospace or aeronautical engineering. Certain fields of study and subspecialties require an advanced degree or certificate, so research the exact requirements for that specialty before trying to fulfill this requirement.
Security Clearance
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If you want to work for NASA or other governmental program, security clearance will be another requirement. For most government jobs you'll go through a civil service agency, where you can inquire about how to obtain this clearance. You can also discuss the process with your potential employer to find out if you can get clearance after you're hired, or if it's a requirement you need in advance. There are government positions that don't require any kind of clearance, while others require a certain level, so be certain you fully understand what kind of clearance is necessary for the job you want when you set out to obtain it. Even in the private sector you may discover that security clearance is required, but this is less common than in government positions.
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State License Exam
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If you plan to work in the private sector rather than for the government, every state requires you to pass a licensing exam that qualifies you as a professional engineer (PE). This exam can be taken after you've earned your bachelor's degree in engineering (or related field) and after 4 years of work experience as an engineer. In many cases, any internships or work you completed during the years you earned your degree will count toward those 4 years.
Working Overseas
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Every country has its own laws and its own training requirements for aeronautical engineers. If you plan to study or obtain an engineering job overseas, thoroughly research that country's requirements before undertaking any kind of educational or training program. Even if they look the same on the surface, a bachelor's degree from a 4-year American university may not be the kind of degree needed in another country. Track down aeronautical companies based in your chosen country to find out what specific requirements you should be concentrating on, and see if any security clearance is needed from their government.
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References
- Photo Credit old rocket image by Albo from Fotolia.com
